Hey folks , first post

[thumper7641]

Picked up a 82 xj1100 is in nice shape , painted etc , I decided to scope the tank before running and spotted some small sections of rust , so I'm going to vinegar flush before fuel , anyway ,to the point , while I had the seat off , noticed this white with red stripe wire connected to a blue , but is not connected to anything , is capped off , My question , anyone with knowledge of what that white / red stripe wire would normally be connected to ?

[DEEBS11]

..........

[DEEBS11]

That white wire with red strip looks like an old battery sensor wire. I have hooked 12VDC to those to shut off the idiot light on the dash.

[thumper7641]

Thank you , I'll make that connection

[Radioguylogs]

I remember that folks reported using a 2k resistor to ground to make the battery dash light go out on '82 XJ's.

[thumper7641]

I remember that folks reported using a 2k resistor to ground to make the battery dash light go out on '82 XJ's . is that a 2k resistor on that white / red wire?

[Radioguylogs]

is that a 2k resistor on that white / red wire?

There is a connection that went to an electrolyte sensor in the battery. It is just one wire. I don't know what color it is. I can find out if you are not sure.

[DEEBS11]

That sensor is in direct contact with the electrolyte which is +6DC. I have never had to use a resistor so that's interesting to me. BTW a 2K resistor band color is red_black_red with a gold stripe for tolerance.

[Radioguylogs]

I researched the issue for my brother-in-law and found the 2k resistor solution on this forum. He used the resistor and it worked for him.

Note:I made a mistake...the resistor goes to 12v, not ground.

Look here, posts #12 and #13:

https://xs11.club/forum/idle-talk-forum/xs11-xj11-discussion/29943-xj-electrical#post438528

[DEEBS11]

Mike, I have made this modification to a few 80's bikes. I hooked up the wire to switched (with the key on) +12 volts and it clears the alert. Perhaps the resistor thought was to slow the current to the circuit. I really don't think it's needed as I have examined the original sensors which made direct contact with the electrolyte (+12VCD). However, here are some pictures of replacement units. They all have a resistor to limit current. Huh.

Or, I have also just removed the bulb in the idiot light. That works too on an older non Liquid Crystal Display.

[DEEBS11]

Here is the actual XJ1100 part. No resistor evident. If someone has this part, could you measure the wire to the tip of the sensor with an ohm meter? I'll bet it's zero ohms.

[DEEBS11]

These are still available to the very rich.

[Radioguylogs]

Deebs, I love your 'inquiing mind' approach to issues - I can relate.

Now we have to figure out how this system is supposed to work.

The sensor fits into one of the battery cells. I don't know which cell, but a post on xjforever says it's in the 3rd cell from (+) side of the battery, and it measures ~6V to either battery post when immersed in the electrolyte.However, the post doesn't confirm which xj bike they are referencing.

I can't find the circuit diagram anywhere yet. Supposedly, the Hayes manual has some info.

I found some more references to the 2k resistor, and one post might be the source of the 2k theory:

https://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/battery-sensor-on-xj1100-problem.35017/

https://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/h...515/#post-3228

We know the 2k resistor works because a lot of people have done it, but I am not convinced the orginal thinking makes sense unless there is a better explanantion.

It's interesting you have no problem connecting directly to +12V. Did you do this on an XJ1100?

[DEEBS11]

Mike, it was not an XJ1100. However, as an example of many bikes I did the modification successfully to, was my 82 XJ650 Turbo. Rode it for a few years like that. Sold it to the kid here. Then he rode it until he bought a (ahem), Harley.

[DEEBS11]

This was the part I eliminated on the Turbo battery by hooking the wire directly to +12VDC. and it worked for at least 4 years. After that I lost track of the bike.