Neutral light stays on (flickery) in all gears, intermittently

[indywar360]

Yup.

I read prior posts talking about the sidestand relay diode, but the guy had some other issues mixed in.

The sidestand might be the problem as it became stiffer after bike was blown over recently and picked up by someone. i.e, I'd have to tuck the sidestand up and under with my foot, rather than it just doing most the work.

Then today the spring was back in the sidestand... put itself into place again, but the neutral light is always on (intermittently) regardless of gear. Also the light vibrates or flickers so there is some partial contact taking place.

Any replies appreciated... especially knowledgeable, helpful ones... 

Kyle

[John Bates]

The sidestand might be the problem as it became stiffer after bike was blown over recently and picked up by someone. i.e, I'd have to tuck the sidestand up and under with my foot, rather than it just doing most the work.........

A stiff side stand is usually an indication of a lack of lubricant.  Try cleaning and oiling it.

but the neutral light is always on (intermittently) regardless of gear.

For the neutral indicator bulb to be always on, the blue-black wire that runs from the bulb to the diode module would have to be shorted to ground. I believe diodes usually fail in the open condition, so the rest of the ckt, from the diode module thru the neutral switch to ground, doesn't seem to be the likely cause.

Also the light vibrates or flickers so there is some partial contact taking place.

There are several conditions that will cause a flickering neutral indicator light. 

Some but maybe not all are:

The neutral switch itself, which is located in the tranny up and to the left of the front drive sprocket, or the indicator bulb or the diode module.

Wiring connections:

The blue wire at the neutral switch.

The blue or blue-black wires at the diode module, located behind the battery. Usually taped to the wiring harness.

The blue-black or orange wires at the indicator bulb. They run thru the blue connector in the headlight housing, behind the headlight.

[scottpA_GS]

John


Another amzing, detailed and informative response



AWESOME! 

[scratch]

I would also check to make sure the sidestand bolt is tighted/loosened up enough, and the sidestand switch is mounted securely with its bolts/screws.  And, make sure the neutral switch sensor is tight, too.

[indywar360]

Master Bates:

>>A stiff side stand is usually an indication of a lack of lubricant.  Try cleaning and oiling it.

Done and done. Needed it, but neutral light still on regardless.


>>For the neutral indicator bulb to be always on, the blue-black wire that runs from the bulb to the diode module would have to be >>shorted to ground. I believe diodes usually fail in the open condition, so the rest of the ckt, from the diode module thru the neutral >>switch to ground, doesn't seem to be the likely cause.

Shorted to ground how... simply by the diode failing? Or maybe exposed wiring touching other wiring or the frame? What is a diode?

I will do my other homework on isolating and yanking on/feeling all the wiring and connections you mentioned here.

What specifically should I be looking for though: loose/disconnected wires? What should I be doing, replacing the diode?

Read some google post about the neutral or clutch switch being oil-wet and having carbon buildup resulting in bridging the gap = light always on. Recommended burning switch out with increased voltage. Same for GS?

[John Bates]

>>For the neutral indicator bulb to be always on, the blue-black wire that runs from the bulb to the diode module would have to be >>shorted to ground. I believe diodes usually fail in the open condition, so the rest of the ckt, from the diode module thru the neutral >>switch to ground, doesn't seem to be the likely cause.

Shorted to ground how... simply by the diode failing?

No. As I said above, a diode will usually fail open and therfore is not the likely cause.

Or maybe exposed wiring touching other wiring or the frame?

Yes.

What is a diode?

It's simply a one way valve for electrical current.

I will do my other homework on isolating and yanking on/feeling all the wiring and connections you mentioned here.

What specifically should I be looking for though: loose or disconnected wires?

Yup.

What should I be doing, replacing the diode?

Not without first testing it.

See this topic for a procedure to test the neutral bulb ckt., including the diode module.

[indywar360]

See this topic for a procedure to test the neutral bulb ckt., including the diode module.

Yesss! 

Edit: The problem fixed itself on my way to work today which made me think it was moisture-related. Lots of rain on the bike lately and too cold/wet to evaporate completely.

I also tightened the nuts that clamp the speedo assembly on, they were really loose. Something happened and the short went away.

[Chuck]

Problems that go away by themselves come back by themselves.  Good luck.