Electrical problems please help

[olddude]

I was having carb problems and with the help from people on this site I got that figured out. I got it running and was starting with no problem but the headlight did not work and no lights in the tach or speedo. Signal light work as do the tail light and break lights. The neutral and oil light work. The hazards do not work. I checked the fuses and a 10amp fuse was blown. I replaced the fuse now the starter will not turn no noise nothing when I push the button. It is a 81 SH. I have checked the connectors and all look ok and the battery is charged up, any help please.

[DGXSER]

Not sure on the headlights and such. For the starter, I'd begin with the solenoid that sits next to the fuse block on the left. Jumper across the big bolt connectors and see if starter turns. If it does, then start with checking voltage at the ignition circuit fuse. See if you have power at both sides of the fuse and at both connectors to the wires. If power is there then open the emergency stop switch on the right handlebar. See if it has juice to both sides when turned on. Then check for power at the low side of the solenoid.

[tw1980]

Yeah I would start out where DG suggested. Then worry about the headlight later.You did know the engine must start then the headlight comes on right? Keep us posted.Terry

[Bigfoot]

Do you still have the stock fuse block. They can cause all kinds of problems.

[olddude]

I crossed the two posts on the solenoid and the starter turned, I have power at both sides of the 4 fusses in the fuse box ( the fuse box was replaced 3 years ago ). This is all I had time to check before work, I will check more after work. Thanks

[redbone]

try this

dismantle both handle bar switches VERY CAREFULLY and clean all the crud and corrosion [and possible broken wires] inside of them.

[olddude]

Got home and went to work on the testing the starting system to find a loose connection in a connector under the tank. I am letting the battery charge before I try to figure out what is wrong with the lights. Many thanks for all of the advice and I hope I can call on the same support wit hthe light problem. Thanks again.

[tarzan]

It sounds like your reg/rectifier.When it goes bad you have no headlight or tach.
I had one go bad because one of the white wires from the alternator grounded out.Also the three white wires and one yellow go through a connector behind the fuseblock and that connector sometimes melts.

[olddude]

My tach works it is just the lights in the tach, speedo, hazards and headlight.

[tw1980]

Sorry I don't have a wiring diagram for an 81.But on an 80 it looks to me like all the things you mentioned are turned on by a relay that is triggered threw a diode(located in the harness) coming from the regulator/rectifier.The main power to the relay is supplied from the fuse box.I think the relay is behind the fuse terminals.I hope this applies to your 81.Terry

[olddude]

Great thanks for the info I will look at that after work today.

[olddude]

I have been under the weather just like my XS. I can get it to start and run now but I still have problems one with the headlight and one with signal lights ( the signals worked before ) The headlight and the instrument light come on but if I turn the headlight to hi beam it blows the fuse. Also the sigals do not work at all.

[tw1980]

Yuk,if you're blowing a fuse you have a short circuit.(something touching ground)Maybe a wire insulation worn off touching the frame or another wire.Just have to trace out the circuit and look carefully for a bad spot.Maybe someone else has a better idea where to start looking.Terry

[DiverRay]

Check the wires as they go into the headlamp bucket. They can rub and cause a short to ground.

[olddude]

Thanks for all the replies I found the problem. It was a grounded wire in the switch housing on the left hand side. I have it all back together and ready for the road. I will probably order a replacement from Mikes in the near future. Have a great day.