baffling taillight/brake light problem

[Kevin Jones]

Ok, I have reviewed the wiring diagram (2002 gen 1 US model) and it appears to me that there is only one hot lead (brown) going to each bulb, with 2 separate grounds to each bulb, which to me is baffling. 1 with greater resistance (running lights), 1 with less resistance? (brake light). Is this correct? Both the white/black and the black/white have continuity to ground with key on or off. The brown wire has 11-12 volts. With bulbs in (spring loaded 20/5w), the only lights that work are the brake lights. No running lights. I started working this issue at about 8 last night, cleaned up the sockets, worked on the spring/contacts, did everything simple I could think of along with testing and stayed at it for about 3 hours. I am in doubt about the white/black. Effectively that is the "ground" for the brake light but am I wrong? Is this another hot that somehow is grounded? All turn signals work. I really needed another set of eyes, I got too tired I think. When I put the bulb in backwards, short pin in long slot, the brake light comes on full blast, but I cannot, simply cannot get the running 5w to work.

Or should I ****can the whole spring loaded bulb and put in some LED type replacement socket.

 

[Kevin Jones]

No, another look at the black/white shows that it should not have continuity to ground. It is in fact a hot wire when the brake lever/pedal is depressed. Sounds like the contacts inside the sockets are grounded or some wiring is jacked up.

 

[Drewbush]

I dont have a wiring diagram in front of me or my bike. I will bring my meter home from work tonight and check my "02. I will let you know what I find.

 

[Kevin Jones]

Drew, thank you. I found the problem. I was just overtired and it wasn't that complicated. Made it worse for a bit and went back to square 1 and fixed it.