Start run kill switch '76 GL1000

[jmontgohonda]

I am reassembling a 1976 GL1000 and came across this open black wire coming from the start button/kill switch subassy. There are 5 wires in total with the only not connected wire being the black one. I don't see any other place to connect this wire to and of course the wiring diagram is a little vague. Anybody where this wire needs to be connected? CAn I just connect it to the top of the ballast resistor? It's good to note here that this black wire is the one that is normally hot when the switch is in the 'run' position and off when the start button is depressed. Where does it plug into???

[Rambozo]

I don't have a wiring diagram for that year, but it sounds like the wire that stops the headlight when cranking. I think it goes to the Hi/Low beam switch. Is that old enough you can still turn off the headlight?
Looks like I'm wrong, or only part right.
According to this it goes to a resistor inline with the kill switch. I think it does end up controlling the aux light box, but that is a weird system that I don't fully understand.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ ... iagram.pdf

[OldguyGlen]

Rambozo is basically correct... it is part of the circuitry that does affect the headlight_off during cranking. It also is part of the Start circuitry. It is an important wire, and must be connected to the supply side of the ballast resistor (not the coil side). That Black wire gets 12v power from the supply side of the resistor in order to send 12v to the Start Relay, via the Start Button, and get the Starter to crank. Then the Start Button redirects the 12v back onto the Headlight feed after release of the Start Button.

Thanks Rambozo, for posting the wiring diagram. Made it easy for me to review, and reinforce your earlier suggestion.

Final observation... for you electrical guys... the diagram in Rambozo's link has a very confusing graphical depiction of the Headlight HI-LOW switch. In my opinion the labels (Hi, Low) are on the wrong axis in the diagram.

[jmontgohonda]

Thank you so much, this really helps. Now to determine which side of the ballast resistor is the supply side? Can I assume that when the ignition and run switches are on it will be the only side that is hot??

[Rambozo]

Thank you so much, this really helps. Now to determine which side of the ballast resistor is the supply side? Can I assume that when the ignition and run switches are on it will be the only side that is hot??

No, both sides will show power. Maybe a little lower on one side, but to know for sure, disconnect it and measure the wires going in and out and compare to the diagram.

[jmontgohonda]

Will do. Thank you, I appreciate the help.