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Headlight problem
Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 1:09 am
by Smittydc
There is a special corner of hell where you are forced to fix intermittent electrical problems. Today's version: 170i headlight which turns at certain points as you turn the handlebars.
I've checked all the obvious connections and the highbeam switch.
I think it might be a bad ground wire inside the harness. Hard to tell since it's just one big fat wrap of wires.
Sigh...
Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 3:01 am
by Smittydc
Looks like a short in the dark green wire in the harness.
Re: Headlight problem
Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 1:12 pm
by jrsjr
Smittydc wrote:There is a special corner of hell where you are forced to fix intermittent electrical problems.
Don't I know it? Nothing makes my heart sink like when somebody gets on here with an intermittent electrical problem, has never seen a schematic diagram or a multimeter before, doesn't have a basic understanding of electrical principles, and thinks they are going to troubleshoot it themselves. No problem!
At that point, the best I can do is try to gently lead them to come to the conclusion for themselves that they need to bring it to a pro.
Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 1:51 pm
by Smittydc
Let's just say I know my multimeter a little better now.
Of course, if we had an actual wiring diagram for the 170 and not a "this is kinda the wiring diagram" that would be helpful.
Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 5:28 pm
by jrsjr
Smittydc wrote:Let's just say I know my multimeter a little better now.
Of course, if we had an actual wiring diagram for the 170 and not a "this is kinda the wiring diagram" that would be helpful.
That would take all the fun out of it! According to my wiring diagram, that green wire should run straight ("straight" = does not run through any connectors) between the switches and juices the "Hi/Lo" beam switch. Is that correct?
Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2015 6:06 pm
by Smittydc
Yep. That's the one. It shorted in the harness near the steeting wheel - must have been rubbing on something. I bypassed that portion of the harness and all is good now.
Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2015 9:21 pm
by jrsjr
Smittydc wrote:Yep. That's the one. It shorted in the harness near the steeting wheel - must have been rubbing on something. I bypassed that portion of the harness and all is good now.
A happy ending to an electrical troubleshooting story
Excellent.