Oil pressure light

[jsandidge]

I'm assuming this is an electrical issue. On my 83 750E, the oil light does not go out. I'm assuming the switch is on top of the case behind the cylinders like my 850. There is what appears to be a switch there with a wire going to it, but I couldn't find it on the fiche at PartsOutlaw. How do I check that the switch is operating correctly, and if it is, what else could be wrong?

 

[trlsrider]

ummmm....maybe you are low on oil?

 

[jsandidge]

ummmm....maybe you are low on oil?

No.​.......

 

[Rijko]

check this thread, the issue is probably with the sender or the wiring.

 

[Rijko]

don't run the engine until you have performed some tests,
in the unlikely case the oil pump failed you may cause engine damage.

the sender is where you think - below the middle 2 carbs.

It could be the oil pump is broken but those are usually ok.

edit - removed incorrect explanation

 

[jsandidge]

Thanks, I'll check that out tomorrow. After a ride on the 850, of course.

 

[Redman]

Disconnect the wire from the sensor, the light should go out. If it does go out, then you know it is the sensor making the light come on weither it should or not. If light does not go out, then you know is a problem in the wiring or in the instrument cluster.

Ground the wire to make the light come on, just a demonstration for your understanding. .
.

 

[Redman]

Also, I dont know specifically about the E, but on G the oil pressure swtich also makes the sidestand light come on.
(.... anybody?)

You didnt say anything about the sidestand light.

.

 

[Rijko]

I think Rikjo miss-spoke

you're right, thanks for noticing - i corrected my posting.

 

[Boriqua]

I had the same issue. The wire where it went into the little cover at the oil filter and attached to the sensor was grounding out because the insulation had cracked. Little electric tape and new connector and it was all good.

 

[jsandidge]

Also, I dont know specifically about the E, but on G the oil pressure swtich also makes the sidestand light come on.
(.... anybody?)

You didnt say anything about the sidestand light.

.

Yes, the sidestand light stays on with the oil light. I'll check out the wire and switch shortly.

 

[jsandidge]

Disconnect the wire from the sensor, the light should go out. If it does go out, then you know it is the sensor making the light come on weither it should or not. If light does not go out, then you know is a problem in the wiring or in the instrument cluster.

Ground the wire to make the light come on, just a demonstration for your understanding. (I think Rikjo miss-spoke.)

.

Taking a break for lunch, so I thought I'd check in. After a lot of head scratching (then finally reading the manual, duh) I believe I'm on the right track. On this model, the oil pressure switch is under the signal generator cover. The one on top of the case is for the oil temp gauge.

If I disconnect the G/Y (green with yellow stripe) wire from the switch, the light remains on. However, there is a bullet connector for this wire on the other side of the bike near the fuse panel. When I disconnect it at the connector, the light goes out. So, I believe I have a short to ground somewhere between the switch and the connector. I'll find out shortly and report back.

 

[jsandidge]

That was it! And my own fault, too. I had to drop the motor down to install the airbox, and when I re-mounted it, I pinched the wire in the lower rear motor mount. The light functions as it should now.

 

[Redman]

Good troubleshooting.
And a good example of how it helps to know how it is suppose to work to troubleshoot why it is not working as it should.

.

 

[jsandidge]

Good troubleshooting.
And a good example of how it helps to know how it is suppose to work to troubleshoot why it is not working as it should.

.

Thanks. It was your explanation of how it's supposed to work that made it click in my mind.

 

[Ed Ladsma]

Great insight Redman, into how this light and sensor work, thks for sharing.