Tracing the lines...

[Colapop]

Some of you know I have been fixing a VT250. The problem I have is that the rev counter, neutral light and oil light aren't going. I suspect it is something to do with the brown/black wire... but after staring at it and tracing it to the fuse box (the fuse is fine)
What do I do from here - it's really doing my head in and I don't have the funds to get it fixed by someone. Anyone have any solutions?

[Paul in NZ]

Without a wiring diagram you are pretty well wasting your time... Anyone got one?

[merv]

Failing all else use a multimeter to trace where you have power and where you don't. Is there power at that fuse? (Check by one probe on the fuse one earthed to the frame of the bike) If OK move back up the wire to said things you want going and check power at all the connectors if any on the way. If power is getting to said things then they can't be earthed so trace that problem - just keep on muddling on until you find the break in the circuit. Coinicdentally the two bulbs could be blown and the rev counter stuffed but that's an outside chance - sounds more like lack of earth.

[Coldrider]

Grab another piece wire & connect it from the fuse to where the existing brown/black wire terminates, to check if it is a broken wire. They are prone to breaking inside the plastic insulation under movement at the steering head end. Or else the instruments are not earthing correctly to the frame.
If you run a piece of wire as above remember that the end may have twelve volts on it.
Also some push/pull connectors can be pretty crappy.

[Colapop]

Thanks for that. I hadn't remembered using a wire with two aligator clips to test. I haven't got one but will definitely pick one up! If I routed it through a test bulb then that would be an indicator of circuit too wouldn't it?

Without a wiring diagram you are pretty well wasting your time... Anyone got one?

Yes - I do. But the problem is that each incarnation is different and Mr Honda thought it would be a good idea to change minute things each time just to keep people guessing! I will try the wire with aligator clips and see if that gives me a result.

[bimotabob]

Hi

The 2 lights and Rev counter have a +12v feed from the battery through the ignition switch and fusebox. Just trace the wire backwards after checking for anything obvious like dodgy fusebox or connectors.
Easily fixed problem.

Don't give your engine a hard time, I heard it from a good source they give crank problems a plenty.

Cheers
Jason

[canarlee]

Failing all else use a multimeter to trace where you have power and where you don't. Is there power at that fuse? (Check by one probe on the fuse one earthed to the frame of the bike) If OK move back up the wire to said things you want going and check power at all the connectors if any on the way. If power is getting to said things then they can't be earthed so trace that problem - just keep on muddling on until you find the break in the circuit. Coinicdentally the two bulbs could be blown and the rev counter stuffed but that's an outside chance - sounds more like lack of earth.

thats the way, time consuming? yes. frustrating? yes. do you feel good when you FINALLY get to the problem and have fixed it? damn fucking right YES!


just get on with it you over sized poof!

oh i dont understand electrics really. i do respect them and i can fix them if i have the patience, its all about taking your time and thinking logically!!!

[davereid]

The 2 lights and Rev counter have a +12v feed from the battery through the ignition switch and fusebox. Just trace the wire backwards after checking for anything obvious like dodgy fusebox or connectors.
Easily fixed problem.Cheers Jason

Yep, I think you are right on the money.

For what its worth, a test lamp is often better than a multimeter, and a lot easier to use for these kind of faults. About $10 at Repco / Supercheep.

[Max Preload]

Hate to state the obvious but have you checked the bulbs and the connections to both the oil pressure and neutral switches?

[Colapop]

Well I checked and re-checked and re-checked... and eventually with the help of alligator clip adjusted piece of wire $3.50 I located the problem to a break in the Brown/Black wire that goes from the dash to the fuse box. Replaced said wire and problem solved! VT has now a warrant and rego - and is on it's way to the young lady owner tomorrow!