Rejected inspection: front turn signals

[bwader]

That 6.85 omms is should be very helpful I'll let you know what it is on mine when I try it.

The 2 pairs of wires under the seat going to the rear signal lights tested about 8 or so omms on the connection to the frame.

I know for certain the front bulbs have 2 parts, a lower one and a higher one on the other side, I know what you mean, some bulbs have just one "nubb" on it to go in the socket while some others have 2.

[bwader]

At the signal light indicator I got 1.5 omms. So I'll be searching for a short from what was said earlier.

In the headlight, I cut some rubber from a pair of scrap rubber boots to prevent chaffing of the wires from vibration in the back of the headlight. I checked all the wires for chaffing and none are exposed through the insulation.
There is an extra connector I suspect is an auxiliary. It has a ground and a brown wire and no other connection to it.

[5th_bike]

Wait a minute, did I do it right?
21W for 12V, that means there is 21/12 = 1.75 A going through each bulb.

12V and 1.75A, that means the resistance of each bulb is 12/1.75 = 6.857... ohms.

We have 4 bulbs, 2 in parallel (front and back - this halves the total resistance), and those in series (left and right - this doubles it again), so the final resistance is still 6.857.. ohms. Yes.

Now if you take all 4 bulbs out (or just both lefts, or both rights) your ohms should be 'infinity'. Please check that next. If you still measure the same 1.5 ohms, there is a short somewhere for sure.

I suspect the indicator wiring/housing. But I'm not sure about that.

[alantf]

In the headlight, the European models have a small parking light bulb, while American bikes don't, but it's a standard wiring harness. I think this is the connector for that bulb (the connector with nothing going to it). To prove it, there should be 0v with the lights off, and 12v when the lights are switched on. (between the two terminals in the connector)

[bwader]

So after a ride around the neighborhood a few times.

I tested the signal indicator bulb with key off and left bulbs out. I got = 1 .
with it on I got 10.6 volts and decreasing
running 11.6 volts

Ok putting in just the front left bulb in I got = 1.5ohms
When I put in the rear left I got = 1.2 ohms then 1.1ohms after a minute

That auxiliary bulb connector I got 0 volts for off 11.8v for on
Ohms I tested for Shits and giggles I got 7.8ohms

[5th_bike]

The 1.1 ohms indicate a short.

The indicator bulb itself, 3.4W, should be 12/(3.4/12) = 42 ohms.

Just to make sure, you did test the two contacts in the indicator bulb housing (the rubber thing), with all (5) bulbs out, or the indicator bulb plus (both lefts or both rights) out?

Then, you should have infinity ohms. If you have around 1 ohm again, there is a short for sure.

[jonathan180iq]

Originally Posted by bwader

I tested the signal indicator bulb with key off and left bulbs out. I got = 1 .
with it on I got 10.6 volts and decreasing
running 11.6 volts

With the bike running you were getting 11.6?
What happens when you do the same test on the battery itself, with the bike running?

*NOTE: This is an aside - not focused on your blinker short, which you have...

[bwader]

I tested the signal indicator bulb with key off and left bulbs out. I got = 1 .
with it on I got 10.6 volts and decreasing
running 11.6 volts

I got a reading of 1____. not a 1.0 I think it means "open" that's what came up 1______. on the screen.

I know the symbol for infinity its a sideways figure 8.

[bwader]

I tested without the left side signal bulbs then one and then normal

[5th_bike]

Originally Posted by bwader

I tested the signal indicator bulb

no no, test the contacts in the rubber housing, where the bulb normally sits (but i think you did).

Originally Posted by bwader

got a reading of 1____. not a 1.0 I think it means "open" that's what came up 1______. on the screen.

I know the symbol for infinity its a sideways figure 8.

Yes, ? indeed, but multimeters (at least, the cheapies that I work with) don't say ? - if you also get 1______. when you measure nothing in the ohms setting, that means infinity then, and you have no short.


Anyway, I suggest to go back to without the signal indicator bulb in. That should keep the other lights from flashing at all.