Some lights temporarily out

[Juan]

I just experienced a very strange occurance. I started the bike as usual and nothing seemed wrong (though I did not check the lights at that stage). After riding for a few minutes I noticed that the indicator lights were not flashing. Also, the GIpro gear indicator (powered by tapping into the aux power outlet) was not functioning. I stopped the bike and checked the tail lights and these were not functioning. However, the break light was functioning. At that stage I counted 3 fuses that could have blown simultaneously (though I could not figure out why the break light was functioning). After a 20 minute break with the engine off, I started the bike to continue on my journey. ALL lights functioned normally.

Any insight into possible causes please?

 

[EricV]

If the wire connection where you tapped in for the gear indicator is loose, it can cause some pretty strange dash issues, including total loss of the Speedo and tach.

 

[Juan]

If the wire connection where you tapped in for the gear indicator is loose, it can cause some pretty strange dash issues, including total loss of the Speedo and tach.

While the gear indicator was not functioning, the spedo and tach were working fine. It was just the gear indicator, flasher lights (indicators) and tail light that were not functioning. Headlight and break light were functioning.

 

[EricV]

The Speedo and tach only die if the wire connection is broken. If you only tapped into it, check the wires going to the gear indicator box. (not the display)

 

[Juan]

The Speedo and tach only die if the wire connection is broken. If you only tapped into it, check the wires going to the gear indicator box. (not the display)

OK. But what about the indicators (flashers) and tail lights not working? Surely these have nothing to do with the spedo/tach.

 

[EricV]

You're probably right. The dash harness could have a bad ground. Even battery grounds loose have been known to cause strange issues.

 

[Juan]

Update to my first post in this thread.

On turning the ignition key, during the sweep (system self test) not all warning lights come on for a few seconds. Some do what they're supposed to do (light up for a few seconds and then go off). Others do not come on at all.

Could the ECU be acting strangely?

 

[EricV]

That is the least likely possibility. Check for corrosion in plugs and all of the ground connections.

 

[Juan]

EricV thanks for being the (only) one to offer suggestions and recommendations.

As a further update, all of a sudden all warning lights on the dash started working normally, with all warning lights coming on when ignition on and then all go out after two seconds (except ABS which goes out when moving). So now everything back to normal. I know the motto is 'Ride More Worry Less', but I'de like to get to the bottom of this as I do not want to get stranded on an overseas adventure (planned for early April). Although having said that, I did not get stranded when this issue cropped up.

Later on today, when I'm back home, I will check battery terminals as suggested. I might also try some contact cleaner on the ECU plugs. When you say 'check all ground connection' what exactly do you mean? Do some negative connections come from the frame or is everything wired directly? Which ground connections should I check (besiders the battery of course)?

 

[Checkswrecks]

Juan -


Also be aware that a couple of owners have had strange results from loose connectors. For example if your handlebars or the instrument cluster were hanging, it can pull on the electric connectors. You might want to also just make sure all of your connections are tight.

 

[lobo]

Mine was with the same problem . Giprox is installed in the fog aux connector. I found a short-circuit in the headlight connector. I made a new connector and ready to go


center conector in picture with wires blue, black, red..