Lights out on the R1100S

[Dids]

Got a problem with the tail light & also the small bulb in the headlight cluster.
The both light up fine when I switch the R1100S to parking light mode - next click along from off on the ignition switch.
However they don't shine when I'm riding in either headlight or sidelight mode.
I'm not sure where to look to fix it.....
Could it be the light switch? (this is a 2001 model with a light switch)
Could it be a fuse? (Does the tail & side light function have its own dedicated fuse?)
Do I need to start tracing the wiring for breaks.

Any illumination anyone can provide on this problem would be much appreciated.........

Cheers

[Hay Ewe^]

With the age that these bikes are now and my experience, the outer rubbery hose type stuff that some wires are bundled in to a loom is perishing and the actual wires insulation is breaking down.

I have a 2002 GS and in in 2012 removed all the outer rubber hose, cleaned and checked the wires as best I could, and the wrapped in spiral wrap and then electrical tape.

It was big job - would be even bigger on an 11S just due to access, but its worth it I think
I expect there is a dodgy wire some where

[Mitch1100]

#2 fuse, rear light, parking light, number plate light.

[Dids]

Thanks++ for the responses.

Yes. I too have noticed that the rubbery hose stuff, that bundles wires in the loom, has deteriorated.
But the individual wiring insulators seem to be in pretty good nick.
Really hope that it's not a hard to find wiring break...............

Thanks for identifying #2 fuse as the one for rear light, parking light, number plate light.
These lights all work - number plate light works fine.
But the other two (rear light, parking light) only work when the R1100S is in parking mode.
They don't work as front and rear lights when the bike is switched on.

Luckily the bike has just passed its MOT.
So I guess I've got a year (of daylight only riding) to try to solve this........

[Dids]

Think that I've tracked down the source of the problem with the tail & side lights.
When I turn the handlebars to full left lock the tail & side lights illuminate.
Waggling around various wires, it looks like the problem is a fractured wire coming out of the ignition barrel.
Probably due to tight cable ties earlier in its life......
Had a similar problem with a GS many years ago.
Thing is that on the GS it was obvious where the fracture was - right where the cable tie anchored the wire bundle to the frame.
The cable ties have been removed on this bike & I'm not sure where the break is.

Any clever ideas of how to locate the break in the wire?
It's not obvious looking at the insulating sheath

Also, is it possible to remove the wiring from the ignition barrel?
This would make it easier to carry out a solder repair......

Cheers

[nab 301]

Also, is it possible to remove the wiring from the ignition barrel?
This would make it easier to carry out a solder repair......

Cheers

Never done it myself but in the OE manual it states that there is a cap head screw ( the diagram shows it to be on the right hand side just below the r/h security screw that holds the ignition switch to the top yoke) . Removing this allows he electrical part of the ign switch to drop down and afaik the wiring terminates in the fuse box.... According to the Haynes manual wiring diagram the parking lights (ign off) circuit from the ign switch is solid grey and the light switch circuit from the ign switch is grey /blue.
If you can remove the wiring the easy bit will be tracing the repair
An old thread here describes the same , (post by Steptoe and Markw are the relevant ones)
not sure whether this can be done without removing the whole switch but this is described at the start if necessary....
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=19440&hilit=ignition+switch

[Dids]

Thanks for the info on disconnecting the wiring from the ignition switch - that's going to make a soldered repair soooooooo much easier

Still not too sure about the best way to find where the break is in the wire though...
Maybe it'll be obvious once the wires are disconnected & more accessible?

Now wondering whether it might be best to buy a new wiring section as the other wires may also be ready to fracture.
Would I have to remove the tank to access the snap connector?

Cheers

[nab 301]

Still not too sure about the best way to find where the break is in the wire though...
Maybe it'll be obvious once the wires are disconnected & more accessible?

Cheers

I think the tank may have to be removed , start with the l/h fairing panel , it's only seven screws .... maybe that'll give you access but I think the cable is (cable) tied to the frame under the tank.
Replacing the wire or most of it may be the easiest route , just confirm to yourself that it is the grey /blue wire. otherwise it's £80 odd for a new complete ign switch harness.
https://www.motorworks.co.uk/vlive/Shop ... Q=ELA06361

[Dids]

Thanks for the info regarding the wiring position relative to the tank.

I'm sure that you are right & that the easiest way will be to get the soldering iron & heat shrink out to replace the broken section of wire.

If I can find the area of the wiring which has been flexed, think I might also replace sections of the remaining wires, as they are also likely to be stressed to near breaking point.

Cheers

[dave the german]

if you need cable try www.altecautomotive.co.uk

[Dids]

Thanks for the cable link.....
Before I saw your post I ordered this off eBay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131868634575

Hopefully it'll do the trick.......