Tail light not working...

[wirelessguy]

I'm in the process of fixing up an 82 GS1100EZ and found that some of my dash lights don't turn off.

It looks like that rear brake light is not working.
From the photo below, upper bulb will not light. I believe that the bulb itself is just fine, so I'm assuming it's electrical in nature. I should find a 12V source and try it directly though.



I did check the connections in back.
Cleaned points with contact cleaner and re-seated but still no luck.
Also, there is one wire (black with white stripe that is in the harness but doesn't connect to any of the read lights. All the tail and turn signals seem to be connected so I'm supposing it's just extra).

The fuse box looks OK, which I guess would leave the relays themselves or else the sensors. I'll have to check the wiring info in the service manual but if anyone here has any troubleshooting tips I'd greatly appr any advice.

Thanks.

[cowboyup3371]

A black with white stripe wire is typically the ground wire. Are you missing any connections on your harness?

[wirelessguy]

I don't seem to be missing any connections. That open ground is on the harness itself but there seems to be no missing connections from any of the electrical components themselves. I've heard from others that they have similar unconnected grounds.

I will continue troubleshooting today if the humidity here doesn't keep me from sitting in front of the bike. I'd much rather be riding than striping it down.

[Frank Z.]

Did the brake light ever work? If so, check for any pinched wires. Had similar problem when i replaced rear cowl section and inadvertently pinched signal wire. Good luck.

[Bookmon]

FUSES? or a relay switch?

[wirelessguy]

I needed to trace out the issue as detailed in the Service manual. As many of your are likely aware, even those there aren't that many components to a bike it's not always easy seeing into small nooks and crannies. Turns out that the ground lead into the rear brake light somehow came off.

I had to remove the lens and mirror shield in order to get access tot he front of that bulb socket and pull it out. The joint that lead had been soldered in to was ultra small. Took me a while to get it cleaned out and feed a bit of the ground wire back in. I checked continuity with the bulb housing, where the ground is, and the black end wihtin the connector on the other end and all looked good.

Sure enough, one twist of the key and all was good.

So I can scratch one issue of my list today. Feels good. :-)

[cowboyup3371]

Congratulations on finding it and getting the bike running correctly again.

[5150/gs]

Don't let Ken fool you, i saw the Marshall clone tube amp he built.Somethinhg i would love to learn to do.I knew he would find it hehe.