 Help. Electrical
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
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Hi all,
When I apply my front brake it blows the fuse and I lose brake/signal lights and horn.
Anyone heard of this before. I currently have the electrical switch (for the brake light) under the hand control disconnected until I can locate the fault. My first thought was to replace the brake switch but I don't want to start buying parts if I don't need them.
Thanks,
Jim
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
anything happen when you turn on either signal or when appling the horn?
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593 |
An update. I changed the headlight bulb a couple of days ago but didn't think it was an issue because it was on a different circuit. I didn't realise that the brake light circuit went through the headlight bucket.
I opened up the headlight again and checked for loose connections. Upon closing it up it worked for the first couple of applications of the brake then blew another fuse. I disconnected the front brake circuit again and found that the rear brake now blows the fuse.
Signal lights work fine until the brake circuit blows the fuse.
Looks like my problem is in the headlight bucket. Any thoughts on how to proceed other than stripping off the bundling wrap off and looking for burned wires?
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
you likley bent the tab on the inside of the bulb socket and its shorting out, this happened to me a bunch of times, those bulbs go in tight and if you are not careful the little tab that runs along the inside of the socket gets bent. Check that and make sure it is right.
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593 |
Quote:
you likley bent the tab on the inside of the bulb socket and its shorting out, this happened to me a bunch of times, those bulbs go in tight and if you are not careful the little tab that runs along the inside of the socket gets bent. Check that and make sure it is right.
Thanks, I check that but it is on a different circuit so I would be surprised if it was the cause.
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Trapped or chaffed wire, somewhere in the bucket at a guess
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Check the green/purple wire running to the rear brake light. It is probably grounded somewhere. This wire comes from both the front and rear brake light switches and runs all the way to the rear light. Since the fuse only blows when you activate either switch, the affected wire has to be between either switch and the brake light.
Note, the same fuse feeds the horn and signal lights. These circuits are not the problem though since the problem only happens when you apply the brakes.
- Make sure you check the wires running under the rear fender going to the light. Often chaff here.
- Check the element on the bulb to see if it isn't broken and shorted.
- Check the wiring going to each switch (Not sure where the brake light from the hand switch travels...you might have to follow it all the way back.)
12 Rocket Roadster
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
Just went through very similar situation following a headlight bulb change. Cause of multiple blown fusses following change resulted from my reversing the clips on the possition light inside the bucket. Remove both connections and give it a try. Reverse them if that solved the problem.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 14
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 14 |
I had a similar promblem as well, but it was my tail light. Figured I would post in case the odd solution helps you or someone in the future.
The tail light running light was out but would light when braking. Replaced bulb, fuse and checked all wiring. Fuse kept blowing. Went through everything over and over again to no avail. Even swapped out the ignition switch. Finally brought it to dealer. They did everything I did, but couldn't figure it out.
Then, the tech switched the ignition to park and then put in the new fuse... when he turned it back the fuse didn't blow and the light stayed on. Problem solved, but makes no sense why. No harm in giving it a try.
02 TBA short slashcut single baffle TORs, No AI, No snorkel, Uni filter, hard-bags, bullet fairing, DynoJet 126-42-2 6/8 turns.
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593 |
Quote:
Just went through very similar situation following a headlight bulb change. Cause of multiple blown fusses following change resulted from my reversing the clips on the possition light inside the bucket. Remove both connections and give it a try. Reverse them if that solved the problem.
I didn't remove the clips when I changed the bulb so not a problem here, but thanks.
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593 |
Quote:
I had a similar promblem as well, but it was my tail light. Figured I would post in case the odd solution helps you or someone in the future.
The tail light running light was out but would light when braking. Replaced bulb, fuse and checked all wiring. Fuse kept blowing. Went through everything over and over again to no avail. Even swapped out the ignition switch. Finally brought it to dealer. They did everything I did, but couldn't figure it out.
Then, the tech switched the ignition to park and then put in the new fuse... when he turned it back the fuse didn't blow and the light stayed on. Problem solved, but makes no sense why. No harm in giving it a try.
No go. Tried with ignition on and off.
Thanks.
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593 |
Quote:
Check the green/purple wire running to the rear brake light. It is probably grounded somewhere. This wire comes from both the front and rear brake light switches and runs all the way to the rear light. Since the fuse only blows when you activate either switch, the affected wire has to be between either switch and the brake light.
Note, the same fuse feeds the horn and signal lights. These circuits are not the problem though since the problem only happens when you apply the brakes.
- Make sure you check the wires running under the rear fender going to the light. Often chaff here.
- Check the element on the bulb to see if it isn't broken and shorted.
- Check the wiring going to each switch (Not sure where the brake light from the hand switch travels...you might have to follow it all the way back.)
Looks like I am going to have to try this. Not looking forward to having to track the wire. They are bound rather tight. On my way to pick up a multimeter.
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
Quote:
Quote:
Check the green/purple wire running to the rear brake light. It is probably grounded somewhere. This wire comes from both the front and rear brake light switches and runs all the way to the rear light. Since the fuse only blows when you activate either switch, the affected wire has to be between either switch and the brake light.
Note, the same fuse feeds the horn and signal lights. These circuits are not the problem though since the problem only happens when you apply the brakes.
- Make sure you check the wires running under the rear fender going to the light. Often chaff here.
- Check the element on the bulb to see if it isn't broken and shorted.
- Check the wiring going to each switch (Not sure where the brake light from the hand switch travels...you might have to follow it all the way back.)
Looks like I am going to have to try this. Not looking forward to having to track the wire. They are bound rather tight. On my way to pick up a multimeter.
Probably already know this but might be easiest to check conductivity on these said wires before undoing all the wrapping unless you spot some obvious chaffing.
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593 |
Update.
I picked up a multimeter in order to test the wiring. It seems I have a ground fault somewhere between the headlight bucket connector and the connector under the seat. (Resistance reading between frame and purple/green wire) This also includes the rear brake switch. I disconnected the wiring from the rear brake switch (seemed a little corroded) and reattached. The fuse didn't blow right away. Went for a short test ride and it blew within about 10 minutes. On the right track but still haven't found the problem.
ps. The location of the rear brake switch is a real PITA. Although I was able to disconnect the wires it is not easy with large hands. It looks like I will need to remove the rear tire and fender in order to access it.
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Did you try applying the brakes with the lamp removed? Might help zero in on the short.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593 |
Quote:
Did you try applying the brakes with the lamp removed? Might help zero in on the short.
Worth a shot. I'll give it a try.
I can't get the bike in to the shop until Tues. (Monday is a holiday here.) So I plan on taking the main harness of on Monday and seeing if I can find any problems.
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Re: Help. Electrical
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593
Adjunct
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OP
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After removing the tank and seat, disconnecting all the connectors on the main harness 3 or 4 times and putting it all back together all is working now. I never did locate a cause for the issue. I still think it has something to do with the main harness, most likely in or near the headlight case. Oh, at least I can ride again.
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