1976 Wing Electrical Question

[landisr]

I just swapped handlebars on The Wife's bike. All went very well. Didn't touch the wiring for the turn signals or the headlight. Re-used the switch modules, clutch cable mount, front master cylinder, etc. The pulling of the pigtails through the bars both ways went very smooth. Got everything hooked back up, and the turn signals, guage lights, and taillight all work. But the headlight does not work on either hi or lo beam, and the starter button does nothing. Have not checked the brake light yet. I thought somehow during the process I might have cut or pinched a wire, causing the headlight fuse to blow. So I checked continuity (key off) across the fuse in the fuse block, and it checked out ok. I switched the key on and checked voltage throughout the rest of the fuse block, and have 12 volts plus or minus on both sides of all the fuses except the top (headlight) fuse. All of the bullet connectors look and feel solid and are seated well. I'm sure they are hooked up right as they are all matched color-wise. Any ideas where I should check next?

Thanks in advance.

Ron in MI

[landisr]

PS. Everything worked fine before the bar swap.

[thrasherg]

Sounds to me like you have lost your earth (negative) connection. I think there was probably a wire that was clamped to the bars somewhere and you have forgotten to reconnect it. Try jumping a wire from the handlebar to the battery negative terminal and see if everything starts working again. If it does it confirms that you have lost the earth.

Gary

[landisr]

Thanks. I'll try that. Ron

[landisr]

UPDATE:: It turned out I had 2 problems. The bullet connection for the black headlight wire was loose and corroded. Also, the switch block for the starter button was cracked and loose in the housing. A little rehab, and all is well.

Thanks for your support!

Ron in MI

[thrasherg]

Glad to hear you found the cause, electrical problems can often be a real headache to find.. Enjoy the ride..

Gary