running lights

[Archie]

having a problem with them, my hand and foot brake works just not the running lights. checked fuses, swaped bulbs and went over wiring. im stuck! not good when it comes to electric but im looking for advice or a ref to a local mechanic in philly.

[Reds82]

what kind of bike and what kind of running lights are we talking about? ( blinkers,dash,nose light, plate light)

[Archie]

Originally Posted by Reds82

what kind of bike and what kind of running lights are we talking about? ( blinkers,dash,nose light, plate light)

94 cbr 900, tail light is giving me no running light.

[Xavier]

Well, if your bulbs are good, i.e., you checked and the running lights work on the bulb itself (whether it uses dual filament or separate bulbs) then it sounds like the wiring. Double check and make sure you have good grounds.

[Reds82]

If you have a multi meter or 12v test light check to see if the light socket has power should be three leads then check the wires on the back of the socket and keep flowing it back till you find the broken link. With the age of the bike wouldn't be surprised if the socket is dirty/bad little steel wool on the contacts could clear it up. Or from years of vibrations, moving, and getting pinched a wire could have opened up or connector backed out.

[Dave]

Probably a bad connection on the ignition contactor. Try jiggling the key a little when the ign is on. Does that one have a park position on the key? Lamp should be lit on that one too

[Archie]

Originally Posted by Xavier

Well, if your bulbs are good, i.e., you checked and the running lights work on the bulb itself (whether it uses dual filament or separate bulbs) then it sounds like the wiring. Double check and make sure you have good grounds.

Not sure what you mean by that, i am a novice with electric wiring. I bought new bulbs and swapped them. they still didnt work.

Originally Posted by Reds82

If you have a multi meter or 12v test light check to see if the light socket has power should be three leads then check the wires on the back of the socket and keep flowing it back till you find the broken link. With the age of the bike wouldn't be surprised if the socket is dirty/bad little steel wool on the contacts could clear it up. Or from years of vibrations, moving, and getting pinched a wire could have opened up or connector backed out.

i have seperate rear turns and tail. 2 wires from the turns and 2 wires from each rear bulb. there arent 3 coming from anything on the tail, just 2 from each light and turn. i see what your saying though, but if my lights still illuminate from pressing the hand and foot brake wouldnt that rule out the sockets and such? im slow with this stuff so tell explain to me like im 9 years old.

Originally Posted by Dave

Probably a bad connection on the ignition contactor. Try jiggling the key a little when the ign is on. Does that one have a park position on the key? Lamp should be lit on that one too

on and off on the ignition only.

[Xavier]

So it sounds like you do NOT have dual filament bulbs, they would be the ones that have 3 wires. One for the running light, one for the brake, and the ground.

Instead, sounds like you have bulbs specifically for running lights and then bulbs specifically for the brake lights.

Do you have a test light? Check the sockets with the test light to see if the bulb socket is getting power. If not, work your way back the wiring.

Or you could take a ride out here and I could look at it.

[Archie]

Originally Posted by Xavier

So it sounds like you do NOT have dual filament bulbs, they would be the ones that have 3 wires. One for the running light, one for the brake, and the ground.

Instead, sounds like you have bulbs specifically for running lights and then bulbs specifically for the brake lights.

Do you have a test light? Check the sockets with the test light to see if the bulb socket is getting power. If not, work your way back the wiring.

Or you could take a ride out here and I could look at it.

says you from lansdowne? blatimore ave area because i am not that far. i am in south philly. i was planing on taken to the mechanic tomorrow so if your available in the morning id swing by if thats alright.

[Xavier]

Yea, I'm right off Baltimore Ave. Near the R3 train station.

[Archie]

Pm"d you my number