R1100RT electrical problem

[BLUEOX4ME2]

I have a 2001 R1100RT with this problem. Three days ago the electrics worked great. To day, the bike starts but none of the lights come on. The one exception is the brake light and the Priority break lights when the brake lever is pushed down. I have checked the fuses, all OK. Probed the fuse sockets for twelve volts after connecting a ground wire to the negative battery terminal. Two fuse sockets had Micro voltage, all the others had 12V. Swapped like relays around after applying die-electric grease. And checked for loose connection, none found. The only electrical work I have done recently was to replace one of the electrical wires sets on my Motolites.

Where are frame grounds on the R1100RT? Any ideas what causes the problem and it's cure?

[OLSENSAN]

I would undo all the electrical connections you did and see what happens, than proceed from there. Bottom line, get it to where everything worked fine, and connect things one at a time until the problem repeats itself.

[BLUEOX4ME2]

Thanks for the reply. I tried plugging up things one at a time and did not get any changes. With the ignition on and testing each fuse plug hot side connection I found the following:
Fuse 1; 12 plus volts (12p0
Fuse 2; micro voltage
3; 12p
4; micro voltage
5; 12p
6; 12p
7; 12p
8; 12p

When I turned the key to the park light position, all of the lights came on, head light, tail light, turn signals (modified to be with the head light). I determined that the circuit using fuse # 2 was the culprit.

Checking the hot side of the fuse plug of fuses if got the following readings for fuses 1 through 7 to have 12p. Number 8 had micro voltage.

I will follow the process you described. If that does not work, I have no idea where to go next.

Thanks

[danielroth]

either the ignition switch, the ignition switch wiring, or your modification have a problem.

fuse 2 is the parking light, fuse 4 is the power socket.

try wiggling the wiring at the switch but be ware of shorting the whole thing out causing the entire wiring harness to melt.

battery grounds under the battery tray.

[danielroth]

what region of the world do you live. what year is the bike. how many miles. are you the original owner?

i'll have 150,000 mi on my '99 soon. That's with running all last winter (phoenix winter) with out a working speedo drive.

i have had my electrical problems.

[94aero]

2cents.....Load shed relay stuck open.

[BLUEOX4ME2]

Thanks to Danielrota, 94aero and Olsensan. I have been having some sort of electrical problem since day one, i.e. the starter not spinning. I now also suspect the ignition system. When electrical problems resolve themselves and return, a solution is often impossible to find.

To the shop it goes. I can't solve this one. Got to roll with the wheels you are dealt.

[OLSENSAN]

Electrical probs can be monsters to say the least. I have a Misubishi Mighty Max, Great truck, great milage, 35 mpg hwy! This truck always ran great, never a problem. All of a sudden, problems starting popping up, seemingly the cpu was screwey. Well after perhaps 1 year, back and forth to the dealers, and you know what a PIA that is. Turns out the problem was that when the truck was built the connections which should have been solid soldered connections were in fact just twisted by some lazy moron and capped. So trying to find this absolute screwup was a time consuming, methodical nightmare combined with the nonsense the dealers try to sell you while soaking you and shirking the blame and responsibility.

Bottom line, it is seldom what it seems and often blurred with misinformation or ignorance. I hope this is a quick fix for you and you follow up on the thread to keep us informed. -Greg

[BLUEOX4ME2]

Olsensan thanks for the information. It could be as simple as that with the addition of the Motolites and the Priority brake lights. The path seems to lead to the ignition or somewhere south of that. The current weird thing is when I lock the bike front wheel turned left or turned right and turn the key to the locked with part light on all of the lights come on. Any other key position and no lights.

I is beyond my capabilities at this point. That and a good chance to fry the wiring harness and who knows what components with it.

I am going to haul it to the dealer brace for the bill.

[PGlaves]

Olsensan thanks for the information. It could be as simple as that with the addition of the Motolites and the Priority brake lights. The path seems to lead to the ignition or somewhere south of that. The current weird thing is when I lock the bike front wheel turned left or turned right and turn the key to the locked with part light on all of the lights come on. Any other key position and no lights.

I is beyond my capabilities at this point. That and a good chance to fry the wiring harness and who knows what components with it.

I am going to haul it to the dealer brace for the bill.

Since turning the steering alters the condition it would seem to me that a stressed wire in the bundle that runs from the fixed frame to the movable steering head is the place to look. BMW has been known to have a problem with the placement and snugness of wire ties in the bundle to/from the ignition switch.

[BLUEOX4ME2]

It maybe a problem I caused or aided. I replaced one or the electrical leads on one of the Motolite's. The bundle of wires had two wire ties and both were very tight. I put two back on, not as tight, and the problem started. Is there a do over for this?