Tail light not working...

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  • wirelessguy
    #1

    Tail light not working...

    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.
    Tags: None
    • cowboyup3371
      Forum LongTimer
      Past Site Supporter
      • Apr 2010
      • 13996
      • In Ohio Now
      #2
      A black with white stripe wire is typically the ground wire. Are you missing any connections on your harness?
      Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

      1981 GS550T - My First
      1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
      2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

      Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
      Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
      and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

        Comment

        • wirelessguy
          #3
          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.

            Comment

            • Frank Z.
              Forum Sage
              Past Site Supporter
              • Sep 2009
              • 1458
              • Austin, TX
              #4
              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.
              '80 GS1000ST
              '92 ZX-11
              Past rides: '79 GS1000SN, '84 GPZ900R

              http://totalrider.com/

                Comment

                • Bookmon
                  #5
                  FUSES? or a relay switch?

                    Comment

                    • wirelessguy
                      #6
                      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. :-)

                        Comment

                        • cowboyup3371
                          Forum LongTimer
                          Past Site Supporter
                          • Apr 2010
                          • 13996
                          • In Ohio Now
                          #7
                          Congratulations on finding it and getting the bike running correctly again.
                          Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

                          1981 GS550T - My First
                          1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
                          2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

                          Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
                          Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
                          and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

                            Comment

                            • 5150/gs
                              #8
                              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.

                                Comment

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