Author |
Message |
Swordsman
| Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 10:02 pm: |
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So my bike has been outta commission for several days due to the lighting fiasco I've created with my combination of new rear blinkers, rear running lights, and modulated brake lights. Everything was ready to go, I just wanted to wash it first. So I did. First I discovered that my new turn signals doubled as small fishbowls. They filled half with water when I rinsed the bike. My own fault, I failed to properly tighten the lenses back after I got done modding them. Got everything dried out before I turned the key on, so no harm done. Checked it all out later, and I was good to go. Then just before I went to bed I gave it one more look just to make sure it would be ready in the morning. To my dismay, my brake light was not working. Crap, what happened? It was too late to diagnose my labyrinth of wires, so I missed another day. Got up the next morning and just before I hopped in the Mustang, I checked the bike again. Now NONE of the brake lights/modulated lights are working. WTF?! What happened overnight? But then suddenly, they ALL went to working again! Ah, must be a loose connection, I'll find it when I get home. Get home and start chasing wires. After going over it at least a dozen different ways, I can't find out what's going on. results seem totally random. The blinkers are working fine, but everything to do with the brakes has gone berserk. Finally out of sheer desperation and confusion, I hit the foot brake. Viola! Modulated brake lights! Consistently! So, fiddling around with my hand brake, I've discovered that there is either a loose connection or a broken wire for the brake switch plugin. While holding the brake, I can wiggle the wires and my lights go out. How crazy is that? After all the days of working on my tail lights and not being able to ride, I have a wiring problem mysteriously appear on the FRONT of the bike just as I get it finished. The Powers That Be obviously do NOT want me on this bike for some reason. Now, with all that said, what's the easiest way to go about replacing this cable end? I tried to clean it out a bit with some degreaser, but it didn't have any effect, so I'm assuming it's broken just behind the head. ~SM |
Ds_tiger
| Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 10:35 pm: |
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Rewire the switch- solder, heat shrink, JEEZ SM- you have been on this board long enough to answer your own questions! GET after IT!!
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Froggy
| Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 11:58 pm: |
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lol brake lights, I didn't have any rear lights for about 2 months on my bike, thats what the middle finger is for. |
Corporatemonkey
| Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 04:17 am: |
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thats what the middle finger is for. I just spit up over that comment |
Swordsman
| Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 01:05 pm: |
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Actually, on further testing, I'm wondering if the actual brake switch has gone out. I pulled the plug out and stuck my voltage meter in each side, and it showed a good solid current no matter how I flexed the wires around. However, when I reconnected the plug to the brake switch (meter still attached) and pulled the brake, the voltage went all nutty... bouncing around between 3.6 and .8 volts. I'm guessing that's not normal? ~SM |
Gunut75
| Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 02:18 pm: |
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Remove the switch and clean it. IT fixeed my problem. |
Swordsman
| Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 02:26 pm: |
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Tried that one already with some engine degreaser. The terminals were pretty gunked up, but it didn't help any. ~SM |
Gunut75
| Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 02:42 pm: |
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New switches are around 9 bucks. Too bad only from HD! It took me about 15min to get mine working. Now I carry a spare (the new one), just in case. |
Swordsman
| Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 04:57 pm: |
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I went ahead and ordered one from American Sport Bike for $12. Al had some clear vinyl bodywork protector sheets I needed also, and I was missing a few plastic washers, so it was a good excuse to place an order. ~SM |
Srwitt
| Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 06:19 pm: |
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Off topic but what year/model Mustang? I've got a 03 V6 Mustang coupe. 5spd with some mods. |
Swordsman
| Posted on Thursday, April 30, 2009 - 02:34 am: |
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2008 GT 5 speed. No mods yet other than some minor pretties. ~SM |
Xbniner
| Posted on Thursday, April 30, 2009 - 01:25 pm: |
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Very nice, I have an 05. I thought I was the only one unwise enough to own a bike and 2dr coupe. |
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