Reverse-not so much

[veryblue96]

I just finished replacing the rear master cylinder on my 1996 1500. Started up the bike, kick stand up, pulled the reverse handle up-neutral light goes off, the "R" is lit but no reverse when I push the button-only clicking from the relay adjacent to forward side of the battery. Looked at the big book and the owners manual. Not really clear as which relay(s) are involved with the reverse. Also, the manual shows two 5amp fuses in the area of the rear side of the battery-not on this bike. There are two relays. If you have figured out something like this problem I could use your ideas. Thanks.

[virgilmobile]

I'll start the inquiry..
Gently put...Did it work before you did the repairs on the master cylinder..
I don't own your model..my reverse system I'd different..88 gl1500 but I may be able to guide you to test areas.
The lights and single relay click are normal..that's the start of power to the starter motor for the slow speed reverse...From there it's wiring,fuses,relays.etc..
I suspect that if it worked before and not now..something is simply disconnected..I doubt that by replacing the master cylinder caused a electrical component to quit working.
Don't over think this...

[veryblue96]

Thanks for the reply. Yes the reverse did work before this last repair.

[virgilmobile]

Don't discount the possibility that a connector has a bad connection...Get back to the area you worked in.. Unplug and plug back in anything nearby...Just one silly plug a little loose will kill the circuit.

[veryblue96]

Might as well. I had to take out the battery and battery box during the last repair. May be a day or two before I report back.

[virgilmobile]

And a lot of the reverse electric is around there..Good thought.Keep us posted.Good luck.

[veryblue96]

Thank you, you pointed me in the right direction. Behind the switches on the forward side of the battery is a large three wire plug connection, it was not connected. I must have pulled it apart when I was moving a heat shield out of the way. Taking the battery box out revealed the problem. Reverse works again. Thank you again for responding to my post and helping me solve a problem. Ride safe.

[ct1500]

The large 3 wire connector would have been for the reverse resistor assembly.

[virgilmobile]

You are quite welcome...Thanks for tolerating my "tact" or lack thereof..I try not to waste a bunch of your time chasing "might be" problems.
I am glad you did find the problem too.