Ignition Switches

[crazy steve]

...I have ohms on the blue from the headlamp connection to the tail light plug...

That may be your problem. The headlight and taillight circuits are supposed to be two separate circuits, with their only common point of connection being through the ignition switch when it's turned to 'on'. The headlight and gauge lights don't come on until the bike starts and the alternator puts out enough voltage to close the headlight relay. You need to trace the taillight circuit; it should come from the taillight to the fuse panel, and from there to the ignition switch, all wire should be blue. Unless the harness has been altered, that's what you should find.

But if the new switch isn't working right, this won't matter. Check the replacement switch as per post 5 to make sure it's functioning correctly. If it is, the problem is in the harness. If it is a bad switch, send it back and contact Andreas in the 'parts for sale' forum, I'm sure he can supply you with a good used switch. As TC said, you can steal parts off the new switch to repair a OEM switch and rekey it.

[jetmechmarty]

The tail light comes on when you turn on the key. The neutral light and low oil pressure lights come on. The tachometer, speedometer, license plate, and headlight stay off until the engine starts.

[gene]

I tested ohms. I pulled the fuse. The blue wire ohms to the fuse box and stops with the fuse pulled. I tested the other side to the light and it has ohms. I put the fuse back in and the blue wire ohms all the way to the light. All this was with out the switch installed.

[gene]

Not sure what it's suppose to look like. Here is the blue wire going to the tail light and the tag light. It's spliced and looks to be soldered.

[jetmechmarty]

There has been tampering with your wiring harness. You need to put it back to how it's supposed to be.

This will help you fix it correctly. How to splice and repair wires, splicing techniques

[gene]

I figured it was tampered with. This bike had more light than an 18 wheeler. I pulled the windjammer off and the rusty bags on it. Along with the lights. They cut into the the wires. I hate the way they do that. It's quick and easy, but garbage. I replaced most of the connectors due to the damage. everything works electrically except for this area.

Anyone have photos where the blue wire is coming from to the tail light?

[gene]

Man I wish I had the original ignition. I went ahead and bought a switch on ebay just to compare the insides. I took the little circuit and put it in the new switch I purchased earlier. Totally different now. When the switch is on all the wires ohm out. I installed it to check the rear light and it comes on, but so does the relay. I'm more confused now than before.