ELECTRICAL Problem - US GL1500 1988


Information and questions on GL1500 Goldwings (1988-2000)
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fapmesquita
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Joined: Sun Jul 14, 2024 9:03 am
Location: Lisbon Portugal
Motorcycle: GL1500 1988

ELECTRICAL Problem - US GL1500 1988

Post by fapmesquita »



Good afternoon Wingers,

New at the forum, reaching out from Lisbon Portugal. Thanks for allowing me in.

I have an issue with my GL1500 1988 (US import):

Went to change both tyres and it was done with the rear subframe lifted (don't know how to post pics in the forum yet).
After assembling everything back, bike started normally - so I thought - and as I headed home, I noticed she was staling a bit until she stopped about half a mile ahead. I realized then that she was only running from the leftovers on the fuel system. Unable to start her since.

1 - I´ve checked the connections & cleaned ALL plugs, fuses and relays.
2 - I´ve noticed that when I turn the ignition to the ON position, there is no "humming" from the fuel pump/system nor the lights from the cruise control light up. Only Fuel and Reverse do so for the momentary checks.
3 - The starter works fine
4 - Already tested the BAS (bank angle sensor) & also bypassed it. No problem there

All help appreciated

Thanks

Ayres


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landisr
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Joined: Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:18 pm
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Motorcycle: 1994 GL1500A 208k miles All miles are mine
2004 Honda Silverwing 600

Re: ELECTRICAL Problem - US GL1500 1988

Post by landisr »

From what I gather from your information, I am thinking that you have a problem with the fuel pump, most likely electrical in nature. I would suggest revisiting the wiring, particularly in the area of the fuse and relay boxes on the left side. You might have 'disturbed' something there when lowering the "assembly". The frame could have hit or otherwise damaged something. Good luck, and let us know what you find out.

Ron in AZ, USA
I'm not so sure about an inner child, but I have an inner idiot that surfaces every now and then.. :mrgreen:

Avatar taken at the Pine Breeze Inn, famous from Easy Rider.
fapmesquita
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Jul 14, 2024 9:03 am
Location: Lisbon Portugal
Motorcycle: GL1500 1988

Re: ELECTRICAL Problem - US GL1500 1988

Post by fapmesquita »

Thanks, those were my thoughts. I did that already but I have to do it again, just wondering if someone knows if there is a link in the wiring loom/electrical system that connects the fuel pump system with the cruise control. Like a shared relay/ECU/fuse/connector, etc.. I´ll post the results.
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Rambozo
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Re: ELECTRICAL Problem - US GL1500 1988

Post by Rambozo »

You can check for signal and power in/out at the fuel pump relay. The 88/89 are different than the later bikes but I think they have a 2 second prime for the pump. Be sure to go over all the wiring under the seat. It is possible that pins may have been pulled out of connector bodies. This is the reason I don't like to do the flip up method. Too much stress on very old wiring. You will not be the first person that has had electrical problems after doing that. Taking the bags off doesn't take much time and is the way to go.
fapmesquita
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Jul 14, 2024 9:03 am
Location: Lisbon Portugal
Motorcycle: GL1500 1988

Re: ELECTRICAL Problem - US GL1500 1988

Post by fapmesquita »

Thanks, you are correct. These oldies DO prime for a couple of secs, that´s exactly what she stopped doing. I´ve checked all connectors, everything´s seems fine. I´ll do the mustimeter check this week when I back to the bike, didn't had one with me today.
Also, this was the first - and last - time doing the rear flip, it was done at the tyre shop. All connector were properly taken apparat, nevertheless clearly not recommended.
fapmesquita
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Jul 14, 2024 9:03 am
Location: Lisbon Portugal
Motorcycle: GL1500 1988

Re: ELECTRICAL Problem - US GL1500 1988

Post by fapmesquita »

UPDATE: After rechecking the kill switch for the 5th time with bike fully stripped, I managed to resolve the issue.
Never had a problem with the others GL1500´s I have, this one had an intermittent on/off open/close contact at the kill switch.

It was passing current, but not enough to feed the pump and BAS. Go figure that one out.

Had to disassemble the FULL kill switch, create a spacer on the 2 screws that attach the BLACK/WHITE and BLACK/GREEN and re-assemble it. Bike runs fine.

Thanks for the help.
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landisr
Posts: 1123
Joined: Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:18 pm
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Motorcycle: 1994 GL1500A 208k miles All miles are mine
2004 Honda Silverwing 600

Re: ELECTRICAL Problem - US GL1500 1988

Post by landisr »

Congrats! And thanks for the update and resolution. Now get out there and ride! 8-)


I'm not so sure about an inner child, but I have an inner idiot that surfaces every now and then.. :mrgreen:

Avatar taken at the Pine Breeze Inn, famous from Easy Rider.
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