DOTR ... Dead On The Road. HELP

[timleslie1957]

  So I left work....riding along .... tach goes dead.  Still moving along ... running okay ... No turn signals.  No brake lights.  Marker lights on. No horn.  Feels as if running out of gas.  Dies.  I check all fuses under seat.  Visibly good but do not carry DVM or anything to test fuse continuity.  It is an 89 with 43k on it.  I got it home last two miles when I finally get it started with full choke and plenty of throttle. No markers.  No tach.  No horn. No signals.  HELP PLEASE.  I have only had this bike less than a month.  Until today it has run flawlessly.  ARGHHHHHH.

[FJmonkey]

The tach is only electrical, so if the tach went dead but bike ran fine then you have an electrical Gremlin to sort out. The fuel pump also requires power so starved for fuel is another clue. Check battery first. If voltage is low then it may be a bad battery or poor charging. Check the red colored connector under the left side panel under the seat. Don't just look at it, pull it apart. They tend to cook and can either become a resistor or failed connection. These bikes are not that complicated, you will find it, fix it, and have a reliable steed once again.

[Stuarto49]

Tim:

This bike has a digital voltmeter (I installed it).  Did you happen to notice readings lately?  I replaced the rectifier/regulator and it was charging on the high side.  Sent back to RPM and they sent me a replacement.  This one also charged at 14.6 - 14.9 which concerned me again but was told this is OK.  But I never saw 15 saw decided it was OK. 

On my FJ1100 it charged 'low' only getting into low 14s.  And my FJR with a voltmeter reads 13.7 or 13.8 and never higher.  Been charging at that voltage for several years and seems fine, always starts even after 1-2 week sitting idle. 

So, I'm thinking you've got an electrical issue - either the battery is near death (only a year old, BTW) or an iffy connection somewhere.  What does the voltmeter read with key on but not running?  That would tell me something.   

Stuart

[timleslie1957]

Stuart,
The meter has been running a consistent 14.8.  It was not registering at all when the bike died.  I am at Applebees now with kids and when home will begin hitting connnections and testing.
BTW - it was cranking strong as ever as I cranked forever to find some gas to get home.  The battery seemed strong and I would guess is good.  We will see.

[timleslie1957]

The tach is only electrical, so if the tach went dead but bike ran fine then you have an electrical Gremlin to sort out. The fuel pump also requires power so starved for fuel is another clue. Check battery first. If voltage is low then it may be a bad battery or poor charging. Check the red colored connector under the left side panel under the seat. Don't just look at it, pull it apart. They tend to cook and can either become a resistor or failed connection. These bikes are not that complicated, you will find it, fix it, and have a reliable steed once again.

Yes I was thinking electrical.  I am going to begin a thorough gremlin hunt tonight or tomorrow.  Thanks for the direction.

[aviationfred]

With multiple indicator lights and the tachometer not working..... Check to see if the brake light comes on when you engage the REAR brake lever. Your symptoms are indicative of a blown SIGNAL fuse.



Fred

[Firehawk068]

Tim.
Stay tuned for a post, possibly from another member.
Just went through these exact same symptoms with him.
Hang on a few days. I am not at my computer this weekend, but could very possibly be a faulty regulator and an overcharge spike condition.

[movenon]

Tim.
Stay tuned for a post, possibly from another member.
Just went through these exact same symptoms with him.
Hang on a few days. I am not at my computer this weekend, but could very possibly be a faulty regulator and an overcharge spike condition.

+1...

[Old Rider]

I had same happend to me riding suddenly no blinkers and engine started to bull weak before stopped.On mine it was the rear brake light connector fallen out of socket
and making a short into metal of the top of rear damper adjuster.The signal fuse 15A under seat was blown.Then the engine gets no fuel.
By the way.. i read that you did have oil on right side og backwheel im thinking mayby its brakefluid from rearbrake hose or the cannister leaking mayby you have been in there and by accident pulled out the rear blakelight conector ...

[timleslie1957]

With multiple indicator lights and the tachometer not working..... Check to see if the brake light comes on when you engage the REAR brake lever. Your symptoms are indicative of a blown SIGNAL fuse.



Fred

No brake light, Fred.  Thanks for the pointer. 

[timleslie1957]

I had same happend to me riding suddenly no blinkers and engine started to bull weak before stopped.On mine it was the rear brake light connector fallen out of socket
and making a short into metal of the top of rear damper adjuster.The signal fuse 15A under seat was blown.Then the engine gets no fuel.
By the way.. i read that you did have oil on right side og backwheel im thinking mayby its brakefluid from rearbrake hose or the cannister leaking mayby you have been in there and by accident pulled out the rear blakelight conector ...

I will make certain I check every connection and prioritize this one first.  Thanks for your inputs.  Lots to go on.  Will work a bit on her this evening and let you know.  Thanks!

[timleslie1957]

Tim:

This bike has a digital voltmeter (I installed it).  Did you happen to notice readings lately?  I replaced the rectifier/regulator and it was charging on the high side.  Sent back to RPM and they sent me a replacement.  This one also charged at 14.6 - 14.9 which concerned me again but was told this is OK.  But I never saw 15 saw decided it was OK. 

On my FJ1100 it charged 'low' only getting into low 14s.  And my FJR with a voltmeter reads 13.7 or 13.8 and never higher.  Been charging at that voltage for several years and seems fine, always starts even after 1-2 week sitting idle. 

So, I'm thinking you've got an electrical issue - either the battery is near death (only a year old, BTW) or an iffy connection somewhere.  What does the voltmeter read with key on but not running?  That would tell me something.   

Stuart

Stuart,

The battery reads 12.8v, as it does on digital display when no lights are on and at idle.  Turn lights on and drive, it has been a very constant 14.8v.  I look at it all the time.  Hard to miss!

[timleslie1957]

Tim.
Stay tuned for a post, possibly from another member.
Just went through these exact same symptoms with him.
Hang on a few days. I am not at my computer this weekend, but could very possibly be a faulty regulator and an overcharge spike condition.

I look forward to seeing the synopsis.  Thanks !!!  I will continue to troubleshoot over the weekend if not rectified this evening.

[timleslie1957]

Tim:

This bike has a digital voltmeter (I installed it).  Did you happen to notice readings lately?  I replaced the rectifier/regulator and it was charging on the high side.  Sent back to RPM and they sent me a replacement.  This one also charged at 14.6 - 14.9 which concerned me again but was told this is OK.  But I never saw 15 saw decided it was OK. 

On my FJ1100 it charged 'low' only getting into low 14s.  And my FJR with a voltmeter reads 13.7 or 13.8 and never higher.  Been charging at that voltage for several years and seems fine, always starts even after 1-2 week sitting idle. 

So, I'm thinking you've got an electrical issue - either the battery is near death (only a year old, BTW) or an iffy connection somewhere.  What does the voltmeter read with key on but not running?  That would tell me something.   

Stuart


Oh as well ... the digital display is inop at this time as well.

Stuart,

The battery reads 12.8v, as it does on digital display when no lights are on and at idle.  Turn lights on and drive, it has been a very constant 14.8v.  I look at it all the time.  Hard to miss!

[timleslie1957]

Tim:

This bike has a digital voltmeter (I installed it).  Did you happen to notice readings lately?  I replaced the rectifier/regulator and it was charging on the high side.  Sent back to RPM and they sent me a replacement.  This one also charged at 14.6 - 14.9 which concerned me again but was told this is OK.  But I never saw 15 saw decided it was OK. 

On my FJ1100 it charged 'low' only getting into low 14s.  And my FJR with a voltmeter reads 13.7 or 13.8 and never higher.  Been charging at that voltage for several years and seems fine, always starts even after 1-2 week sitting idle. 

So, I'm thinking you've got an electrical issue - either the battery is near death (only a year old, BTW) or an iffy connection somewhere.  What does the voltmeter read with key on but not running?  That would tell me something.   

Stuart

12.3 v battery.  No DVM power.  Blown turn signal fuse.  Replaced.  Blew again.  Looking for grounds.  Continuity battery cable is good.  No grounds around battery.  Purchased 10 15a fuses.  Found one small hair of a ground on one wire across back fender.  Have not tried new fuse as I really do not think this could be it.