Some indicator lights work...

[Johnny K]

Some time later with all the wiring... 82' 850, 21K. On the instrument panel when the key is in the "on" pos, it displays high/low beam light and neutral light. No oil light though. If I were to switch right/left blinker, it indicates such on the panel. Side stand light indicates as well when side stand is down. When running, everything works externally on the bike: blinkers, headlight, front/rear brake light. None of the 1-5 gear indicators indicate which gear it is in. Neutral is the only one that lights up on the panel when it is in neutral. I first took panel indicator apart to see if any bulbs where blown. I replaced all 8 anyways just in case. Still nothing. I looked at the little bulbs for the gear indicator lights and none where blown, all where secure. I checked the one connection on the panel which is connected. When I took the headlight off to see the cluster of wires behind it, I really didn't take any connectors apart and spray them with anything. I just made sure they were connected as they were. I was kinda weiry about even attempting to pull them apart because the connectors are kinda old and it is cold outside as I do not have a garage, just a shed with no light/heat. Anyways I didn't want to pry the connectors apart because they might snap. I have not checked underneath the gas tank connections. Before I replaced the bulbs in the panel, I did not have a neutral light. After replacing all the blubs, I now have a neutral light. Any thoughts/ideas for a newb to look at having no volt meter?? Just kinda worried about the oil light indicator light not lighting when the key is in the "on" position. Any negatives if the oil light doesn't come on when in the "on" pos?? Next sat 12/15 I am going to replace all the gaskets in my vesrah gasket kit at my mechanics shop. I am going to check the oil pressure then, I have been riding and just didn't know if I am causing harm to my bike with the oil light not on. Thanks alot for taking the time to read this and replying as well guys.

[p_s]

Get a cheap multimeter. My oil light didn't work so I took out the sending unit, poked inside with some wire, cleaned up the threads a little, and it worked again.

I don't know about the gear indicator. GET A MULTIMETER!

[bonanzadave]

Check the oil pres sender. Someone once stated that indicator voltage runs through the oil pres sender. Good luck.

[Johnny K]

Thanks. When I go to my mechanics this Sat, I will check the volts and everything because he has all those instruments and such.

[Steve]

I will second (or is that third) the motion to get a multimeter. You can get a decent one for under $30. While you are getting the meter, get a good test light, as well. Many times, when testing an electrical circuit, the exact voltage does not really need to be known, only that there is, in fact, power on the wire. A test light will tell you that much quicker than a meter.

All of your gear indicators are fed by a common hot wire (12 volts), then are switched to ground by the selector assembly which is under the cover by your left foot. You might need to remove the shift lever to remove that cover, but there should be no need for a gasket. The gear indicator selector also selects neutral, but that has its own feed and ground, so first check to see if you have 12 volts going to the indicator lights. If using a test light, you should see power on both sides of the light socket. Follow the ground wires for the indicator bulbs, they go into the headlight bucket, then under the tank and down to the back left side of the engine. There will probably be at least one connector in the run, probably under the tank. Check to see if you still have 12 volts on several of the wires there. If you do, keep going down to the selector switch. If you still have several hot wires when you get to the switch, remove the switch to see if you can clean any contacts and assure a good path to ground. That selector will rotate with the shifter and ground one wire at a time to light up the appropriate light. It might even be as simple as making sure that switch is grounded.

Good luck, let us know what you find.


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[MissFabulous]

Since it hasn't been mentioned yet, in addition to getting a multimeter, clean, clean clean every wiring contact you can find! Get a small brush and some electrical contact cleaner (hard to find in my small town, try Radio Shack if you don't have any luck or try this link posted here) ... pull the seat, side covers, tank, other plastic bits, etc. Clean every contact you can find. Also if you haven't replaced your fuses, this would also be a good time to do so and clean those contacts as well. Go over all the electrical basics first, and eliminating other problems should get easier after that. Things as simple as moisture built up in contact points can wreak havoc, and unpredictably.

[Johnny K]

It might be a bit because of the snow and money and just timing. I just didn't want to leave you guys hanging if I don't reply within the next couple of days. Thanks alot for the advice and will give it a try when I get a chance to.