/6 wiring question

[photorider]

Does anyone know which wires lead to the instrument cluster illumination? The two little bulbs that light up the tach and speedo have stopped working on my bike. I've looked at a couple wiring diagrams but can't seem to figure out which wires are causing the problem. Everything is else is working properly. Thanks in advance.

[Bill Burke]

Both the speedometer bulb and the tach bulb are on the same circuit. Pin #12 is the ground for both. My guess is you've lost the ground connection, causing neither bulb to illuminate. If you have any questions about the following procedure, just ask. I would suggest removing the cluster from the cluster mount, removing the big rubber plug from the back of the cluster, and, using a needlenose plier, carefully pinch the female #12 connector in the rubber plug. The numbers for the females are marked on the side of the rubber plug, adjacent to the connectors themselves (small print, use a flashlight). You'll probably find that pins 1 through 6 are on the left side, and the remaining three operable pins are on the right. The #12 pin (and thus the correct female in the rubber plug) is upper right as you look at the females. Do NOT be so aggressive with your pinching that you crush the female connector. Just pinch it enough (just pinch the little rubber sleeve that the connector rests in) that you can see the connector itself slightly change shape. Then insert the plug into the back of the cluster and activate the electrical system with the ignition switch and turn your light switch to the 1st (running lights) position. Examine the instruments (you need to create some darkness to see if they're now working) - just throw a towel or rag over everything.

If your bulbs are now working you found the problem - bad connection at pin 12. Those females sometimes "round out" a bit, resulting in poor electrical contact. Don't forget to put the little screw back in the rubber plug.

Let us know how it goes, and if you still have no lights.

[photorider]

Bill,
Thank you very much for your reply. I have been riding across IL, IN, OH, WV and VA in the last few days (never been so wet in my life!) and had't had a chance to log on. I'll try your suggestion tomorrow morning. Hope you're enjoying your summer and thanks again for the info. All the best,
Alex

[Bill Burke]

Glad you made it home safely Alex. Hope your boots were waterproof. Let us know how it goes with the cluster, and don't hesitate to come back here with any questions.

[photorider]

Thanks, Bill!
Your suggestion had my instrument lights restored in short order. A little pinch on pin #12 and I'm back in business. Took all of 5 minutes. Can't thank you enough. This forum rocks!

[Bill Burke]

Thanks for the feedback Alex. Happy motoring!