Running lights and blinker issues

BigJay · 07-24-2017, 09:02 PM

Hi gang.

I just bought my first bike...a 2001 gz250. It runs well but has been beat up and has some issues.

The rear running lights don't work, while the fronts work fine. None of the blinkers work.

Ive checked the bulbs and the blinker fuse (is there more than one fuse that could cause this?). I've also replaced the light control box on the handlebar, including the wire harness tail.

I need some help tracking down the problem.

Anybody care to give me some advice? Thanks so much.

blaine · 07-24-2017, 09:20 PM

There are no running lights on rear......Just the tail/brake lite.......The rear signals take single contact bulbs #1156.

Old Guy · 07-24-2017, 09:28 PM

Are the back lights OEM type or aftermarket led lights? You need to look at the bullet connectors for the rear lights and make sure they are making contact. There is also a relay switch near the fuse box that can go bad or need to change if you are using led lights. I'm a newbe too so welcome to the club.

Razorburns · 07-25-2017, 12:13 AM

Yep, mine is a 2001 GZ too.
Yep. There are no rear running lights (just central tail light/brake light/license plate light combo) and the amber turn signals that only illuminate when you are using them.

If NONE of the turn signals work, then it's probably the flasher relay under the seat. Just replaced mine as one of my signals was ify in it's functionality. Super easy switch, and now everything is brighter and works perfectly. And it's made for both conventional and LED bulbs, so if you want to switch to those, you are already set.

Got it off Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UN4FXW..._fCRDzbG6ZK8YN

Really happy with it.

BigJay · 07-25-2017, 11:10 AM

Thanks, guys.

I've spent a bit of time learning about motorcycle electrical systems. Clearly Ive made some bad assumptions....

I assumed the real running lights would always be on, just as they are in the front. Bad assumption....Thank you for clearing that up.

I've also discovered the flasher relay and ordered one. Pretty damn easy fix.

Thanks so much for your help. Im grateful.

Razorburns · 07-25-2017, 02:20 PM

Yeah. I originally thought that the rear lights should and would be on too. Took it to the shop and asked. Rode home feeling a bit dumb. Better to check though and be wrong and know better next time than to guess and be wrong, and screw something up in the process.

07-24-2017, 09:20 PM	#2
blaine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: P.E.I. Canada Posts: 3,784	There are no running lights on rear......Just the tail/brake lite.......The rear signals take single contact bulbs #1156. __________________ If at first you do succeed, try not to look surprised. Last edited by blaine; 07-24-2017 at 09:35 PM.
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07-24-2017, 09:28 PM	#3
Old Guy Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 3	Are the back lights OEM type or aftermarket led lights? You need to look at the bullet connectors for the rear lights and make sure they are making contact. There is also a relay switch near the fuse box that can go bad or need to change if you are using led lights. I'm a newbe too so welcome to the club. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

07-25-2017, 11:10 AM	#5
BigJay Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2	Thanks, guys. I've spent a bit of time learning about motorcycle electrical systems. Clearly Ive made some bad assumptions.... I assumed the real running lights would always be on, just as they are in the front. Bad assumption....Thank you for clearing that up. I've also discovered the flasher relay and ordered one. Pretty damn easy fix. Thanks so much for your help. Im grateful. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	1

07-24-2017, 09:02 PM	#1
BigJay Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2	Running lights and blinker issues Hi gang. I just bought my first bike...a 2001 gz250. It runs well but has been beat up and has some issues. The rear running lights don't work, while the fronts work fine. None of the blinkers work. Ive checked the bulbs and the blinker fuse (is there more than one fuse that could cause this?). I've also replaced the light control box on the handlebar, including the wire harness tail. I need some help tracking down the problem. Anybody care to give me some advice? Thanks so much. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

07-25-2017, 12:13 AM	#4
Razorburns Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 66	Yep, mine is a 2001 GZ too. Yep. There are no rear running lights (just central tail light/brake light/license plate light combo) and the amber turn signals that only illuminate when you are using them. If NONE of the turn signals work, then it's probably the flasher relay under the seat. Just replaced mine as one of my signals was ify in it's functionality. Super easy switch, and now everything is brighter and works perfectly. And it's made for both conventional and LED bulbs, so if you want to switch to those, you are already set. Got it off Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UN4FXW..._fCRDzbG6ZK8YN Really happy with it.
	1

07-25-2017, 02:20 PM	#6
Razorburns Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 66	Yeah. I originally thought that the rear lights should and would be on too. Took it to the shop and asked. Rode home feeling a bit dumb. Better to check though and be wrong and know better next time than to guess and be wrong, and screw something up in the process.
	1