@#*%$*%@ Electrical issues. 99' owner needs direction.

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by hans, Oct 20, 2010.

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  1. hans

    hans New Member

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    Hi there.

    Three mechanics, 4 batteries, a new rr and stator, new lights and cleaned/run wires later - my best friend of 55,000 miles is a battery killer. It started a year and a half ago when I began having issues with my dash (lost back lighting to the right side and the turn indicators on the dash flashed opposite of direction, though the actual indicators do the right thing). I still have the dash issues, but disconnecting the dash made no difference (though i haven't put a new battery in since disconnection.... hmmm). She's a '99 800 and is otherwise in good shape - strong and fast. Dang mechanic changed the rr and stator saying the issue was likely intermittent - though it was charging then and now perfectly.

    Can anyone give me some ideas, or especially to steer me to someone that's dealt with this before. I'm not in the position to spend much more on it - but would sure love to have it for another 50,000. I read in a separate thread there was a possibility it was the clock circut. Others have said a full replacement of the harness. Idiot mechanic said his next move was to replace the computer - yea, the computer.

    Thanks very much for your time,
    Hans
     
    hans, Oct 20, 2010
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  2. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    try the vfrness from Wire My Bike I don't know him personally and I haven't used his product, but many of the guys on here swear by his products and service. Popular opinion says he knows his stuff and he'll likely be able to help you with your issue. We also have several more knowledgable(sp?) members when it comes to wiring that'll be along shortly to help out I'm sure.
     
    reg71, Oct 20, 2010
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  3. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    Almost forgot my shameless plug for what I did to lower cost and improve performance of my R/R failure. (Mine was the new 'upgraded' honda version) I swapped out to a Yamaha R1 R/R that cost about $40 on eBay. Here's how: http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/30845-making-yamaha-r1-regulator-work-5th-gen-vfr-how.html

    I realize you have already changed your R/R so this may not really help you, but then again browse it and maybe something in there will key you in on something you missed with yours. who knows.
     
    reg71, Oct 20, 2010
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  4. OTTOMAN

    OTTOMAN New Member

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    "Computer" is for fuel trim...wont fix an electrical issue. I agree with Reg, also w/o having dealt personally, see wiremybike.com Great reviews from all. Good luck.
     
    OTTOMAN, Oct 20, 2010
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  5. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    VFRness would deal with charging issues but not the dash or turn signals. I haven't read of this issue yet but I would also question the logic behind replacing the computer. Sounds like the guy is just throwing things at it because he doesn't have the skills to properly isolate and diagnose the problem.
     
    tinkerinWstuff, Oct 20, 2010
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  6. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    more i think about this, and if I understand your description of the problem; it sounds like a bad ground connection/circuit on the dash. Would have to see a wiring schematic to figure out most likely failure points. The key is that the dash is flashing opposite the turn signals. Without having a good ground, the voltage may be backfed down another circuit.

    Consider a trailer - if you don't hook it up to the truck (the hitch), plug it in, but disconnect the ground wire - your running lights will work but not at the same time as the brakes or the turn signals. Also, activating a turn signal will make the opposite running light flash on/off. This is because the voltage doesn't have a way back to the vehicle when power is being sent out on all wires. Connect the ground wire and everything works great.

    Hard to describe but anyone who's fought with crappy trailer lighting enough has experienced this.
     
    tinkerinWstuff, Oct 20, 2010
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  7. donald branscom

    donald branscom New Member

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    Many electrical problems come from poor grounds.
    The new computerized systems work on + or - 1 volt.
    First I would find the ground that goes to the engine. Make sure it is clean.
    Take it loose and sand it.
    ALSO make sure there is another ground from the frame to the battery.
    Make one up if you have to.
    Many bikes ONLY have a ground from the harness to the engine mount.

    Make ONE change at a time. Very important.


    For instance if you think a clock is a problem - Disconnect it and wait for the result.
    CHECK that one off of the list.

    ALSO you said the signals do not work right .

    READ that again.
    Get those to work right. Could be a source of your problem.
    A switch or turn signal relay.

    Don't pass things by.
     
    donald branscom, Oct 21, 2010
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  8. Lgn001

    Lgn001 Member

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    I don't understand the exact problem from your description (besides the dash issues); do you mean that the battery goes dead when the bike sits and hasn't been started? Or do you mean that the battery goes bad in normal use after a short period of time?
     
    Lgn001, Oct 22, 2010
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  9. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    Try a current leakage test: ammeter placed between battery + and main red wire that attaches there.

    With key OFF, you should not see any current flow except maybe a few milliamps.

    Use a test meter also to get a reading of DC volts across battery terminals with engine at about 5000rpm, where anything in the 14 volt area is good.
     
    squirrelman, Oct 22, 2010
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