82 450 running lights

[Stu]

Hey gang,

Got my nighthawk today!  Exciting stuff...    I'll make a different introduction post, so here goes:

Went to take the bike out tonight and realized no running lights! Headlight works fine, low and high beam; turn signals are fine; brake light illuminates when applied, but no running lights at all.  Am i missing something?  Is this likely to just be a fuse burnt out? 

Thanks for the help!

Stu

[RiderZ]

  to the forum!
What do you mean by "running lights"?
Newer bikes like the Goldwings have the running lights(or "fog lights"). I don't think 80s bikes have that. Just the headlight and the taillight. And I noticed that you did'nt mention the taillight. If that is what you meant "running lights", you may just need to change the tail/stop light's bulb.

[Stu]

errr....    I always thought they were called "running lights".  I suppose its my tail light that doesnt illuminate except when the brakes are applied, and the instruments aren't illuminated either.

[detdrbuzzard]

hello  and welcome stu, the tail light should be on anytime the ignition is on. did you check the bulb or maybe the connection is corroded or unplugged under the seat

[Stu]

Thanks, I'll check under the seat.  The gauge cluster isn't lit up either...   and that's why I think its more than just a bulb replacement. 

[Bucky]

I would check the bulbs first.

If the bulbs are good, pull the fuses and check with a multimeter, they may look good, but if they have a micro fracture, they will look good but not work. Also make sure they seat correctly and the clips they plug into is not spread apart, bent or cracked.

if all the bulbs and fuses are good, you must have a loose connection or corroded connector somewhere. I would start at the fuse box and follow the wires, pulling each connector apart and examining it, maybe spray some wd-40 into it and reset it. Make sure none of the wires are poping out the back of the connector instead of plugging into where they are supposed to be.

I have also seen wires that have been crimped or are in a place like up by the handle bars where they are flexed back and forth by turning the handlebars and have broken, the outside insulator is still intact, but the wire inside broke and is no longer making contact. You can take each wire and pull it and see if it stretches apart, if so, you will need to cut it and splice it back together, I suggest soldering them since they will continue to flex at that point. I had this problem with a 1970s CX500 I had, around 8 wires had flexed so many times they snapped apart.

Great reply OhioTim.  I just noticed that I have a very similar issue to Stu's on my 83' cb650sc.  Thanks for the advice.  I guess I know what I am doing tonight now :)

[Stu]

Hey thanks a lot.    I'll follow your instructions and see what I come up with.  It's supposed to be wet all weekend here in Indiana (possibly snow?).  Crossing my fingers that its just bulbs...   

[dawolfsburg]

I know this is a old thread, but I am having the same issue. My front running lights are not working, the turn signals work fine..

Can anyone shed some light on the wiring of these? The signals have 2 wires and grounded by the headlight bucket...

Thanks!

82 450SC