Gear Indicator

[81GS]

I have a 81 GS 450T in which the gear indicator does not work. I replaced the module down by the shifter and it still doesn't work. The plunger and spring are still in place so I know it's making a connetion. I noticed that there is oil in this area and don't know if there is suppose to be any around the module. I did replace the "0" ring also. I'm at a loss as to what may be the problem. I also noticed that the nuetral light does not work. I replaced the bulb and still nothing. None of the gear indicator lights light up. I ran it through the gears and got nothing. Any suggestions where to look next??

[Steve]

Do your horns, brake lights and turn signals work?
Sounds weird, but they are all fed by the same fuse that provides power to the gear indicator and neutral light.

The neutral light and the gear indicator are fed a constant 12 volts when the key is on. Each light has its own ground wire running down to the gear selector area on the side of the transmission, where it is then connected to chassis ground by rotation of the switch. Check on the back of the instrument panel to see if you have that 12 volts. Since none of your lights are working, it makes sense to check the supply. A quick beep of the horn will verify that the fuse is good, so look for problems with a connector between the fuse box and the instrument panel. Logical places to look are under the gas tank and in the headlight shell. If you have a service manual for your bike, you can identify the wire color that is used and make your job easier by only looking for that color wire.

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[bwringer]

Unplug the connector and check continuity to verify the switch is working correctly. It's probably fine -- it's a very simple switch.

Just for giggles, also verify that your engine is properly grounded (remove and clean both ends of the ground wire between the battery and engine). It's easy and may be the problem, or part of it.

[81GS]

The horn works, the turn signals work, and the high beam light works. I will check to see if I have power to the gear indicator lights. I know the module is plugged in good. The only lights that don't work are the oil pressure light, Nuetral light, and the Gear indicator lights.