Lights dead, help!

[ChristoT]

Evening all.

I have a strange problem with my '01 FZS. The tail lights don't come on, whereas the front headlamp and hazards work fine.

I had the bike in bit earlier, trying to source the problem. I think it comes from the ignition, the circuit to the ignition connector to the rear bulbs is OK (as are all fuses). Has anyone else had a problem like this, or know any potential solution? Problem is, I'm now confined by daylight, or risk having an unpleasant conversation with Mr Plod!

Any help appreciated!

[andybesy]

Never used it myself but isn't there a parking light position on the ignition beyocannd steering lock? So you can leave side lights on while locked.

[ChristoT]

Never used it myself but isn't there a parking light position on the ignition beyocannd steering lock? So you can leave side lights on while locked.

That's what I'd say it is, Fizzy. However, that isn't working for me either (the sidelight's dead too). I think the problem is within the barrel, but want to be certain before I shell out for a new one.

Brake lights, possible, not very legal. I was considering botching up some wiring with a switch under the seat just to make me safe & legal. But it's far from ideal.

[Dead Eye]

[quote author=andybesy link=topic=6456.msg60068#msg60068 date=1361742760]
Never used it myself but isn't there a parking light position on the ignition beyocannd steering lock? So you can leave side lights on while locked.

That's what I'd say it is, Fizzy. However, that isn't working for me either (the sidelight's dead too). I think the problem is within the barrel, but want to be certain before I shell out for a new one.

Brake lights, possible, not very legal. I was considering botching up some wiring with a switch under the seat just to make me safe & legal. But it's far from ideal.
[/quote]

Why would the problem be to do with the barrel? If that was the case I would expect far more issues than just your side / tail lights.

I would hazard a guess that you have an earthing issue or corroded wires somewhere - seems a lot more likely than the ignition barrel. Do you have a multi-meter to check voltages?

[ChristoT]

Why would the problem be to do with the barrel? If that was the case I would expect far more issues than just your side / tail lights.

I would hazard a guess that you have an earthing issue or corroded wires somewhere - seems a lot more likely than the ignition barrel. Do you have a multi-meter to check voltages?

If you look at the Haynes' wiring diagram, you'll see that the tail and side lights are routed through the park light circuit. As for testing, I know for a fact that the wiring is OK up to the ignition block connector (tested with a multimeter earlier today), and that power is getting to the connector. Therefore, the problem is upwards of the ignition barrel connector. It's the only circuit which didn't respond to my testing.

I think it may be a question of one contect in the barrel being corroded. It just so happens it's knocked my lights out.

[Fazerider]

Christo temp measure have the brake switch perm on if u NEED to ride? at least it will be safe even tho piss people off

Do not try this, it's a daft idea. If the brake light's on permanently people don't get enough warning that you've applied the brake and run into you.
Don't ask how I know this. :o

[ChristoT]

[quote author=Fizzy Pies link=topic=6456.msg60067#msg60067 date=1361742213]
Christo temp measure have the brake switch perm on if u NEED to ride? at least it will be safe even tho piss people off

Do not try this, it's a daft idea. If the brake light's on permanently people don't get enough warning that you've applied the brake and run into you.
Don't ask how I know this. :o
[/quote]

I wasn't planning to, to be fair. What I DID consider was to add an extra switch under the seat that connects the rear unit direct to the battery. But that would be a horrible bodge job...

I was mainly wondering if others had had a similar experience, or had any ideas as to what the problem might be.

[AdieR]

As Dead Eye - I can't see it being an ignition barrel either. There are three wires (I'm going by the later FZ6 diagram, which will be slightly different) - one wire is 12V battery feed in, one is the output for ignition, and one the parking light feed. "One corroded contact" in the ignition barrel would knock out more than your lighting circuit, and in any case, you say the headlamps and hazards work (thus, they must be getting a feed, which would rule out the ignition barrel to me).

You say also your sidelights don't work - this may or may not be related (the wiring up front is prone to damage by steering action, in a way other circuits aren't).

What I would do is start from your tail light and check for voltage (does your brake light work?), and work back from there (check any earth points for corrosion as you go); chances are it'll be a simple fault (broken wire or corroded earth). What may also be worth a try is the "waggle" test (with your lights on, try physically moving wires and see if your light flashes as you go, which would indicate an intermittent connection that's constantly making / breaking).

As for the switch-under-the-seat, beware of accidentally leaving it on and draining your battery. Out of interest, how old is your battery?

[john 087]

I have a 98 Fazer fazer switch now and again does the same thing. Sprayed some wd40 into the headlight switch and switch off cured my problem. My head light was working but the front park bulb or tail light was not, wd 40 into the switch and turn on and off a few times.

[ChristoT]

I have a 98 Fazer fazer switch now and again does the same thing. Sprayed some wd40 into the headlight switch and switch off cured my problem. My head light was working but the front park bulb or tail light was not, wd 40 into the switch and turn on and off a few times.

Thanks, I'll try that tomorrow.

[Ebme Geek]

Christo  -  Am I right in saying the Hazards only work when the steering is locked, if so by the diagram I have for 2000, then the power feed by a blue/red-stripe wire to the 'turn signal hazard relay' must be ok, this is the same wire that goes to the tail light and front side light, so broken wire or splice on loom ?  maybe ?
I'll look more in my manual later

[ChristoT]

Christo  -  Am I right in saying the Hazards only work when the steering is locked, if so by the diagram I have for 2000, then the power feed by a blue/red-stripe wire to the 'turn signal hazard relay' must be ok, this is the same wire that goes to the tail light and front side light, so broken wire or splice on loom ?  maybe ?
I'll look more in my manual later

No,  the  hazards work on the open road just as well.

The good news is I've fixed it! I feel vindicated, the fault WAS on the ignition barrel. Will post a full reply and a piccy when I get out of my lecture.

[ChristoT]

Sorry it's taken so long, but here's the miscreant.

The red and blue wire has shorn off. If this happens to you, you can solve the problem by bypassing the ignition: just connect the blue wire to the blue & red. You lose the park light, but regain sidelights and rear lights.