Noob Reverse issue

[Gearedup365]

Hello all, new owner of a 98 1500 SE that I purchased from my boss’s dad. Slowly working my way through a few projects.

Little background, I am a Ford Senior Master Technician at a Ford dealership been doing automotive repair almost 20 years now. Just starting to get into bikes. I also have a 17 Rebel 500.

Issue I am working through right now is no reverse. R light does its prove out sequence when key is turned on, N light working ok, can start in N or with clutch pulled, side stand light works and goes out when flip stand up.

When running in N with side stand up, lift reverse lever, N goes out but R does not light up. Have already replaced the reverse lever switch. 5amp fuse in fuse box tests good. Its looking like my next step will be to get to the diode pack under the right saddle bag, is that correct?

Also my fuel gauge reads empty all the time even with a full tank, not sure if that may be related or not.

[bbrackett]

when u press the starter button does and it reverse?

there is a switch at the left under left panel
cables connect to trans under RH panel

[Gearedup365]

It does not reverse, no R light and no reverse function with handle pulled up

[Rambozo]

As a sanity check, does the R light come on during the bulb test at key on?
Do you have the wiring diagram?

[Gearedup365]

Yes, R does light up when the prove out sequence happens when turn the key on, i have the wiring diagrams on this site, thats how i figured the diode would be my next step unless i am missing something, just wanted to check before getting into the weeds

[bbrackett]

under the left panel, at the reverse lever is a switch
when you rotate the lever, it actuates the switch
have you tested that switch?
checked the connections ?

[MikeB]

under the left panel, at the reverse lever is a switch
when you rotate the lever, it actuates the switch
have you tested that switch?
checked the connections ?

It's in the original post.

Have already replaced the reverse lever switch. 5amp fuse in fuse box tests good.

[Gearedup365]

Getting deep now lol, guess Ill do spark plugs too while I am this far. I am looking for the diode pair that is supposed to be under the right front side panel, but I dont see anything there

[Gearedup365]

Fixed it, found a bad ground on pin 1 (green) at the reverse control module under the trunk. Overlaid a new ground and all is well

[landisr]

Congrats on good work. Thanks for the follow up. Enjoy your 'new' ride.

Ron in AZ