Hey folks , first post

[DEEBS11]

Mike, this guy, Robert seems to be a tech also (and I believe you are also a tech from past conversations). I was one for 45 years (retired) with an associates degree in electronics and microprocessor technology (and also worked in my Dad's lawnmower business since I was 8 working on power equipment and motorcycles). His thoughts (and yours) on the two volts per cell is correct and I had missed that because the sensor is on the third cell as shown in my photo . His thoughts on the sensor only measuring the electrolyte level is also correct. However, there is a leg on the microprocessor that is held low to give the alarm in the "normal" state. It is the voltage from the electrolyte that holds that leg in a "high" state which removes the alarm. The voltage to lift the state is +6VDC but there is a safe range and I have proved on several motorcycles that it can handle 12VDC without damage.

With that said, I am going to agree that you are correct that a small value resistor will act as a simple "shock absorber" and ensure the voltage to hold that leg "up" is low enough to not cause damage. It makes good sense and is extra insurance.

[DEEBS11]

That battery is old and a little weak.

[thumper7641]

Great information , I've got a few boxes of old circuit boards kicking around ,Probably ave a few of those resistors

[Radioguylogs]

Deebs:

Guilty - I was an automotive electrical engineer, but I defected to sales.

I agree with your post#16 completely.

When we started this conversation, it didn't occur to me there integrated ciruits involved! I imagined a light bulb with 12V or 0V on the other side of it.

Apparently, the circuit is something like this:




I enjoy learning when I can.

[DEEBS11]

I am always willing to learn. Even at my age. I enjoy the conversations here with everybody.

For the folks following at home: The circuit Mike posted above lights that warning light with an active low (that would be caused by a failure of the stator which normally keeps voltage high on both sides of the bulb = no light). The positive side of the bulb is being held high with 12VDC through the fuse. The light can only be visible with a more negative signal on the left input to the bulb.

Look how the Central Processing Unit (Integrated Circuit) has unregulated alternating current voltage inputted directly into it in port H/B.

An IC for automotive use has to be very robust and can take the abuse of heat, vibration, and a certain range over overvoltage in order to be in spec.

This is why my XJ Turbo CPU took that 12VDC signal even though it should be closer to 6.

But If I ever come across this issue again I would install a 2K resistor in-line with the 12VDC just to be sure of longevity.

[Radioguylogs]

Debs- There is no connection if there is not a dot where two wires cross on the schematic. I don't think that light bulb is directly connected to the electrolyte warning sensor.




Am I mistaken?

[bikerphil]

The XJ11 has several warning systems, such as brake fluid levels, battery level, and light bulb warnings and they all activate the same warning light that you are referring to. Each system has its own LCD warning display and when activated, it will trigger the warning light which can be disabled by pushing a button if blinking.

[DEEBS11]

Mike you are correct, it sort of looked like a dot but I guess it's not there.

[thumper7641]

A little update , finally got back to this bike today I have a 2k resistor ready , while I was pulling the old ,not connected wire out , spotted a section with a resistor . going by the photos posted by you folks , this looks like original, I suspect previous owner replaced battery and just cut off the sensor section , anyway this was the resistor , if I'm correct is a 68k ohm.

[Radioguylogs]

Look like 680 Ohms +/- 5% to me (that is blue-gray-brown isn't it?).

[DEEBS11]

So, the 680 ohm was used by the factory to pad the current on 3 x 2V cells equaling 6V at the sensor. If you are using 12V switched (which is all you have available) the resistance would have to be at least 1360 ohms. 2K should work fine.

[LAB3]

Bad Boys Rape Our Young Girls But Violet Gives Willingly

[DEEBS11]

Yes:
Bad = Black = 0
Boys = Brown = 1
Raped = Red = 2
Our = Orange = 3
Young = Yellow = 4
Girls = Green = 5
But = Blue = 6
Violet = Purple = 7
Gave = Grey = 8
Willingly = White = 9

https://www.digikey.com/en/resources/conversion-calculators/conversion-calculator-resistor-color-code

[thumper7641]

thanks , yes a closer look is brown