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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: dracflamloc on May 17, 2006, 09:38:57 AM

Title: Speedometer backlight not working.
Post by: dracflamloc on May 17, 2006, 09:38:57 AM
Hey guys. Got a minor problem (i think) where the the speedometer light in my bike isnt working. The tachometer light works fine though.

So besides the obvious (burnt out bulb) is there anything else I should check?

Also, where should I get the bulb from and how do I install it?

(And while we're at it, how do I reset the trip meter?  :oops:)

Thanks!
Title: Re: Speedometer backlight not working.
Post by: melloGS on May 17, 2006, 09:51:35 AM
word...mine is the opposite...tach light is out, speedo is fine...and high beam indicator light is out :mad:
Title: Re: Speedometer backlight not working.
Post by: 3imo on May 17, 2006, 09:58:43 AM
any local auto store should carry them.  and its an easy rplacement job.
switch out your bulb with the tach bulb if you want to rule out electical problems.

9 times outta ten its the bulb, though.

Title: Re: Speedometer backlight not working.
Post by: 3imo on May 17, 2006, 10:01:23 AM
quick search for tach light revealed this thread.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=7239.0

Title: Re: Speedometer backlight not working.
Post by: dracflamloc on May 17, 2006, 10:08:36 AM
Cool. The headlight seems to block my tool from being able to remove the innermost of those two bolts  :cry:

Would rather not remove the whole headlight.
Title: Re: Speedometer backlight not working.
Post by: 3imo on May 17, 2006, 10:12:49 AM
easy too.  the left side (clutch side) headlight  mount plate has two small 10mm(or12mm)  chrome bolts. 
undo those two and the headlight assembly will swing away enough to allow you to get to them.


the right side has these bolts also but it has a nut and bolt for adjustment......whatever its just easier to do the clutch side.

Title: Re: Speedometer backlight not working.
Post by: dracflamloc on May 17, 2006, 10:34:18 AM
Oh okay I'll give it a shot tonight. I was looking at it a bit last night and it looked at first glance it seemed like the only way to remove the headlight was to remove it and the windshield mounts completely.
Title: Re: Speedometer backlight not working.
Post by: dracflamloc on May 17, 2006, 11:48:20 AM
How do you remove the "drive cable"? I dont want to mess something up.
Title: Re: Speedometer backlight not working.
Post by: joedude on May 17, 2006, 11:56:54 AM
The cable is just a screw type connector... counter-clockwise to loosen.... ( in Lamen's terms: righty - tighty, lfety - loosy)


You should just replace them with LED bulbs. I did it on my bike and it looks GREAT! LED's last forever and emmit a really cool light.
Title: Re: Speedometer backlight not working.
Post by: dracflamloc on May 17, 2006, 12:57:12 PM
Yea I was looking into the LEDS, which ones did you get?

Thanks I figured that was all but I didnt want to take a chance and mess up my new baby  8)
Title: Re: Speedometer backlight not working.
Post by: 3imo on May 17, 2006, 12:57:46 PM
Quote from: dracflamloc on May 17, 2006, 10:34:18 AM
Oh okay I'll give it a shot tonight. I was looking at it a bit last night and it looked at first glance it seemed like the only way to remove the headlight was to remove it and the windshield mounts completely.

sorry dude. I assumed yours was naked. I don't know about the fully faired version. mine are naked.

the advise I gave you is worthless.  :nono:  

sorry. have a beer.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Speedometer backlight not working.
Post by: joedude on May 17, 2006, 01:07:29 PM
Quote from: dracflamloc on May 17, 2006, 12:57:12 PM
Yea I was looking into the LEDS, which ones did you get?

Thanks I figured that was all but I didnt want to take a chance and mess up my new baby  8)

For the LED's, I got these from from this seller on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.ca/2pcs-168-194-Refractor-5-LED-Spark-Blue-Wedge-Bulb_W0QQitemZ8065372110QQcategoryZ33713QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem) for the instruments (they come in pairs so may as well get both and change both!)... and I also changed my dummy lights (Oil, neutral, Signal and High beam indicator lights) with these LED's from the same seller (http://cgi.ebay.ca/2pcs-T10-Wide-Angle-4-LED-Xenon-White-Wedge-Bulb_W0QQitemZ4638484589QQcategoryZ102560QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem).  He's based in Hong Kong, but he's super fast and real nice/helpful.


Title: Re: Speedometer backlight not working.
Post by: dracflamloc on May 17, 2006, 01:17:48 PM
Quote from: 3imo on May 17, 2006, 12:57:46 PM
Quote from: dracflamloc on May 17, 2006, 10:34:18 AM
Oh okay I'll give it a shot tonight. I was looking at it a bit last night and it looked at first glance it seemed like the only way to remove the headlight was to remove it and the windshield mounts completely.

sorry dude. I assumed yours was naked. I don't know about the fully faired version. mine are naked.

the advise I gave you is worthless.  :nono: 

sorry. have a beer.  :cheers:

It pretty much is naked, but the mounts are there.
Title: Re: Speedometer backlight not working.
Post by: dracflamloc on May 18, 2006, 07:01:03 AM
I sucessfully swapped the tach light to speed. Ordered some blue led bulbs to replace both of em though  ;)