Electrical Issues

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justifiedman

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On my bone stock 1975 XS 650 I have the following issues:
1) When I hit the brake pedal or the hand brake the red "Stop Lamp" goes on. Not having a manual, is this telling me there is an issue or that the tail light is coming on as it should? If there is an issue, what are some things often causing it?
2) Now all of a sudden, when the headlight is on, both blinker indicators (the right and left arrows) on the instrument cluster are on steadily. When I turn the headlight off, these lights turn off. In either case all blinkers themselves work properly. When the headlight is on, though those two lights are on they do blink properly when the right and left blinkers are turned on.
Thanks for any assistance.
 
Here is a link to an online manuals....... https://thexscafedotcom.wordpress.com/tag/manual/ ......Download in PDF form and it is easy to convert to Jpeg or any other format you want......Manuals from XS1 to 83SK, Parts Manuals and Assembly Manuals as well..........full compliment.

If the red Stop Lamp/Tail light warning light comes on when the brake is applied means the bulb is not working. Could be a blown filament in the bulb or corrosion in the bulb holder.

The indicator problem when the headlight is turned on = a short some where. In the Headlight bucket the rubbers that protect the wiring when entering the bucket get brittle and disintegrates leaving the wires to rub on the bucket. Check for any exposed wires in the bucket as well, especially the Dg, (Dark green), and Ch, (chocolate Indicator wires), These wires are often mistaken for black because they are so dark, and the Y, yellow power feed. Check your grounds as well
 
650Skull said:
Here is a link to an online manuals....... https://thexscafedotcom.wordpress.com/tag/manual/ ......Download in PDF form and it is easy to convert to Jpeg or any other format you want......Manuals from XS1 to 83SK, Parts Manuals and Assembly Manuals as well..........full compliment.

If the red Stop Lamp/Tail light warning light comes on when the brake is applied means the bulb is not working. Could be a blown filament in the bulb or corrosion in the bulb holder.

The indicator problem when the headlight is turned on = a short some where. In the Headlight bucket the rubbers that protect the wiring when entering the bucket get brittle and disintegrates leaving the wires to rub on the bucket. Check for any exposed wires in the bucket as well, especially the Dg, (Dark green), and Ch, (chocolate Indicator wires), These wires are often mistaken for black because they are so dark, and the Y, yellow power feed. Check your grounds as well
Click to expand...

Sorry 650 Skull, I forgot to mention in my post that the rear tail light comes on using the hand lever or the foot brake pedal. Today is the first day I've had to go out to the garage and go after it as you describe. Thanks so much for helping!
 
I opened the bucket and found a black wire belonging in a double connector out of this connector. No more of the turn signal indicators (both) going on with the headlight on.
As to the Stop Lamp Warning Indicator going on with the application of either brake, thus far I've disassembled the tail light assembly and cleaned all the connectors and the ground with a mild Scotch scuffing pad and coated them with dielectric grease. The Indicator Light still comes on. I'll continue on down the line looking connectors over. One question came to mind thus far. I'm using an 1157 automotive bulb. Is that OK wattage wise and in all other respects?
 
BTW, this problem, as I recall, began when I installed an LED bulb (tired of replacing broken filament bulbs). I think it has remained though I've returned to the 1157's thinking it would solve the Indicator Light constantly being on issue.
 
I think what you're seeing may be normal. I think that "Brake" light on the dash does come on any time you apply either brake. I think it also comes on full time if the bulb burns out. Someone else will have to verify this because I've disconnected mine. I had to when I put an LED tail light bulb in. The dash light came on and stayed on all the time. I guess with the low voltage draw of the new bulb, the system thought it was burned out, lol.
 
On my stock 77Dand 78E, the dash brake light comes on whenever either brake is applied. Can't speak to what happens if the bulb burns out but if it would help, I'll pull the rear brake light bulb out and see what happens.
 
On the 1975, if the actual rear brake light comes on with an LED or the #1157, then there is no problem.
As for the panel brake lamp,perhaps it is normal for it to come on when the brakes are applied.
With an 1157 bulb the panel brake lamp should not be on constantly, but with an LED it should be on constantly, showing there is very low current flow.

If you're having to replace the 1157 bulb quite often, you should measure the battery voltage when the engine is rev up to 3000 or more rpm. Extra high voltage will burn out bulbs.
 
Others have said it's a normal procedure.............Just a thought, I know you said Stop Lamp light but just to clarify.............Is it the Stop lamp warning light on the right side of the key on the dash or the brake lining light on the left.???
 

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