Online: blueystar

Sportster electrical issue HELP!

  • Picker
    Picker
    8 years ago

    Hey guys,  I have a problem. And it's not just with drink. 

    I've torn my hair out this weekend over this so any help is appreciated.
    The bike is a 2008 Sportster. 

    I've recently changed my front indicators / bars so that may have something to do with the issue. I've also changed the tank too, but re-fit the stock EFI.
    I cut the stock blinkers off, and wired in some Moto Gadget bars end indicators, using the Badlands 3 in the line to load equalise. 
    I wired them all in, refit the bars and some new grips, turned on the ignition, hit 'run' and this is what I get.

    – Fuel pump primes
    – Headlight on, full beam works
    – Horn works
    – Speedo does nothing at all - no lights etc
    – No indicators work, front or back
    – Rear light worked first time, now it doesnt. 

    I also relocated the ECM to behind the rear cylinder, as most people do when they need a new rear wheel guard.

    All fuses have been tested (by eye, I don't know anything about testing them properly).
    Unfortunately it's still up on a bench on a stand so I cant see if it starts as it will probably fall off. 

    I'm SO close to having the bike finished and out on the road, and now this has cost me a whole weekend of work.

    Any help would be appreciated. 

  • tussuck
    tussuck
    8 years ago
    I would get a cheap multimeter (a $20 one would do the trick) and then use that to:
    - ensure the fuses are okay
    - check for shorts somewhere - most likely in the handlebar area (as that sounds like the most obvious problem)
  • Bonkerz
    Bonkerz
    8 years ago
    Does the bike start?
  • ninetynineco
    ninetynineco
    8 years ago
    Problem solved.

    Turns out the LED turn signals on the front were 'secretly' already 12V, so the addition of a Badlands load equalizer was fucking the whole thing.

    Wired all stock parts back in, worked fine... Went piece by piece adding the after market bits until I discovered what caused it.
    Long (ish) process, but saved a stint at the stealership.

    Thanks for your input though, both.
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    8 years ago
    good result and a great way to track down the issue!