No meter or Headlight

[jscgdunn]

Hi Everyone,
On our 86, we have lost the headlight and meter lights.  Taillights are still working. Fuse is good and has been replaced.

Replaced headlight bulb with new, but to no effect.

The bike does have an 84 tank and the electric reserve is not connected, but should not be a factor (ie but you never know!).

Does not appear to have a relay from the wiring diagrams.

Anyone else seen this one..before I begin the seach for the-needle-(ie short)-in-the- haystack-process ?

Thanks,

Jeff

[yamaha fj rider]

I like to change the fuse, even if you just switch it with an other one. This eliminates it as the problem. Then check the ground and the hi/lo switch.
Did this just quit working or have you been working on the bike? Hope this helps?

Kurt

[jscgdunn]

Thanks Kurt,
I did change the fuse as well.....the wiring diagram shows the hi/lo switchs part of the system so will check those wires first.  I think you might be right ....it probably does not have a good ground.

Jeff

[RichBaker]

Start switch is likely sticking in slightly.... The white lith grease gets old and doesn't lube so well anymore. Take the switch housing apart and clean/relube the start switch.
If you look at the wiring diagram, you'll see that it kills the HL and other lights when starting the bike.

[Kennyg]

HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH MY 85 FJ1100. THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE RIGHT SIDE KILL SWITCH. I PLAYED WITH IT AFTER A SHOT OF SOME SILICONE SPRAY OR SIMILAR AND THAT SEEMED TO DO THE TRICK OTHERWISE NOT A BAD IDEA TO REMOVE-LUBE AND RECONNECT ALL HARNESS CONNECTIONS?? 

[jscgdunn]

These are great hints....first place to look now is the starter switch...I know it does stick especially in cold weather...usually you can hear the starter.

Thanks!

Jeff

[FJmonkey]

These are great hints....first place to look now is the starter switch...I know it does stick especially in cold weather...usually you can hear the starter.

Thanks!

Jeff

Yes, on the WCR last week Mike started his FJ and commented that he lost his lights, the bike still running, I told him to giggle the starter switch. Charged him $50 for the service call.... 

[jscgdunn]

Mark,
You could have gotten another 50 from me!  Turned out that was the problem.  Thanks everyone for the help!   

Jeff

[FJmonkey]

Mark,
You could have gotten another 50 from me!  Turned out that was the problem.  Thanks everyone for the help!   

Jeff

I have never had this problem yet, but being connected to this group has been very valuable even with simple information like this. The network of FJ knowledge is awesome here. Happy to pass on the knowledge that keeps us going.

[RichBaker]

Mark,
You could have gotten another 50 from me!  Turned out that was the problem.  Thanks everyone for the help!  

Jeff

I have never had this problem yet, but being connected to this group has been very valuable even with simple information like this. The network of FJ knowledge is awesome here. Happy to pass on the knowledge that keeps us going.

You owe me at least 1/2 of that $50.....  I gave him the answer about 4 posts ahead of you.  

[FJmonkey]

You owe me at least 1/2 of that $50.....  I gave him the answer about 4 posts ahead of you.  

When we get a ride in one day I buy you a beer and we call it even, Mike never paid.... 

[jscgdunn]

You owe me at least 1/2 of that $50.....  I gave him the answer about 4 posts ahead of you.  

When we get a ride in one day I buy you a beer and we call it even, Mike never paid.... 

Ok for everyone who helped me with this get your invoices together.  I'll have my people call your people and we'll get it all worked out.

Or, if I ever get to the WCR (next year hopefully) I get to buy a round.

Jeff

[RichBaker]

Sounds good....  I might be retired next year, which will make it a LOT easier to get to some rallys.