OD Light on 1500 Aspencade

[kjclark]

I have a 1996 Aspencade with the following problem. The OD light suddenly decided not to illuminate when in top gear, however, when the cruise control is activated, and, when cruising along at 100 km/hr or more it returns. After a while, either a day or a week, we are back to square one. Has anyone had this problem and if so where to I start to rectify this annoyance?

Thanks

[MikeB]

Replace the 168 lamp.

[newday777]

I would suspect you have a ground issue where it returned when the cruise was activated. You need to inspect each connector on the bike. Start under the seat. Look for burnt pins from over loaded circuits.
There is also 2 Orange ground distribution connectors taped in the harness near each knee under the shelter against the frame(1 on each side of the bike). I have found pins burnt in these on 1500s with loaded accessories tapped into the bike harness, ground especially.
You will need to make jumpers around the burnt pins(solder and heat shrink insulation) and return the harness load back to stock load by correctly added circuits.
Many people have over the years added extra accessories onto the bikes harness rather than wiring an accessory fuse panel that is relay activated and accessory switch and wiring for added accessories and lights.
The stock harness wires are too small to add more draw than the load they were designed to carry.

[MikeB]

Or,

You can try the simplest troubleshooting method first. Replace that 24 year old OD light bulb with a new one. Use a168 or 194 bulb.

[1goldwingnut]

I had the same problem on mine. Checked every plug and circuit. 6 months later I replaced the bulb. Reach up under the dash and pull out the old one and put in a new one. Problem solved.