running light problems

[Bat21]

Picked up a 1992 with 75k end of last season that ran great. Then the headlight faded out and the cold weather brought on the leaky manifold. I think I traced the headlight problem to a too large bulb drawing too much current and melting part of the ten pin bus. I've seen the posts on the leaky manifold. What I can't figure out is the running light problem. The trunk lights lite up but none of the other running lights do. However, the turn signals work. I can't figure out what might be the issue. Help!

[JHD]

I would check your grounds.

[SgtSlag]

This is not the short answer, but the long one. Get a copy of this book, from Amazon, or wherever, but get a copy: Motorcycle Electrical Systems: Troubleshooting and Repair (Motorbooks Workshop); ISBN-10: 0760327165. It will explain M/C electrical systems, how they work, how to troubleshoot them, what tools you need, what tools you can make, and what tools you should purchase.

I worked as an Electronic Technician for 3.5 years, and I learned from this book. It's very good. I have a copy at home, as I believe it is that valuable to me, having had professional training, and experience. Cheers!

[suzib6sw]

Exactly which lights are not working?.. The Side markers front or rear or the tail lights? or the front turn signal running lights?

Bit more info would help.. I can check the Circuit Diagram..


Headlamp wise.. the stock is 55/65 watt dip/high beam..

Pete

[Bat21]

That's what is so funny. None of the marker lights are working EXCEPT for the trunk lights. They work as both marker and turn/brake. Forward, only the turns are working. Strangely, they are not working as marker. All else is dark. I'm assuming this all to have the same cause but I can't find the common point.

[suzib6sw]

That's what is so funny. None of the marker lights are working EXCEPT for the trunk lights. They work as both marker and turn/brake. Forward, only the turns are working. Strangely, they are not working as marker. All else is dark. I'm assuming this all to have the same cause but I can't find the common point.

Ok.. the wire you need to be looking a is the Red/Blue stripped.. It connects from the front marker and running lights to the rear markers and licence plate light. the rear trunk lights running and stop are powered from a different circuit which is why they work..
The Red/blue also powers the dashboard background lighting.
Dont get confused with the Blue/Red wires.. The One you are looking at has predominatly more Red than blue.
IF your Dashboard is illuminated so you can see it at night then I would turn my suspicions to the ground wires (black/yellow).
It is also possible that the headlight relay or the Auxiliary lighting device are faulty. substitution is the only option for those two.
Pete