Front right running light broke, but blinker is fine

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PIBrider
Rookie
Rookie
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Apr 25, 2016 5:40 am
Real Name: Jennifer
Sex: Female
Years Riding: 0
My Motorcycle: Honda Shadow 600

Front right running light broke, but blinker is fine

#1 Unread post by PIBrider »

Bought my first bike last week. 2004 Honda Shadow 600. The front right running light wasn't working when I bought it but the blinker works.

I figured maybe it was just one of the filaments in the light bulb burnt out. Looks like it's not that simple. After changing the bulb I inspected a little closer and noticed that the right blinker was going double speed, which I believe indicates a wiring issue. I took apart the entire blinker assembly to see if there was any corrosion-none. Removed the front cover to trace the wire back, unplugged the connector and plugged it back in. The connector itself looked good and no fraying or anything on the cable. I got it all put back together again and I'm proud to say that it isn't any more broken than when I started. In fact, the right blinker isn't going double time any more.

Next on my list is to check the fuse box. I've done a little work on my car and a lot of work on computers, but this is the first time I've done any work on a motorcycle. If you have any recommendations on what to check next, I'd be grateful.

PIB

GS_in_CO
Legendary 300
Legendary 300
Posts: 300
Joined: Thu Jun 27, 2013 2:10 pm
Real Name: Ron
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 34
My Motorcycle: 1988 BMW R100GS
Location: Ft. Collins, CO.

Re: Front right running light broke, but blinker is fine

#2 Unread post by GS_in_CO »

Since the other light/blinker is working you have a "known good" to compare.

Using a multimeter start checking to see if there is the expected power at the connector. (compare the "good" connector to the "unknown")

Be very, very, very careful probing inside the bulb socket with the meter probe as you can short and damage stuff. In fact, wrap the probe with tape except for a very small section on the point.

See if you can figure out where the bad bulb grounds to. If might go to the light stalk rather than back down the wiring loom. Or if it's in the wiring loom the ground lug might have loosened or been corroded.
Ron

Current: 1988 BMW R100GS (the 'numberplate' model)

Past: 1987 Yamaha XT350
1983 Honda CB900F
1980 Honda XL185S
1979 Suzuki GS425E

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