The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Julio A. on November 13, 2010, 07:46:11 AM

Title: electrical shorting.
Post by: Julio A. on November 13, 2010, 07:46:11 AM
I tried to isolate a shorting connection in the electrical system of the R65. It seems that everytime I clean it or leaving it out under the rain - as long as it gets wet, the auxiliary fuse that connects the horn and signal lights pops. I believe it's that 15 or 25A(not sure) black fuse.

It was a minor setback in the past but it has gone worst this time. I had the bike cleaned last week with some sponge and car shampoo and the fuse still burn this time. I was careful not to soak it too much. and it seemed that the shorted contacts are still wet. I already looked for broken insulation and tears in the wiring loom but found nothing out of order. I checked the relay, inverter and stuff found under the tank.
Nothing wrong there either.

I'm going for a ride tomorrow sunday, I hope the bike "dries" out by morning  ;D

Title: Re: electrical shorting.
Post by: Crossrodes on November 13, 2010, 08:18:22 AM
Julio, I don't know how much you know about chasing a short but in case you don't know here is what you have to do:

First disconnect the battery positive lead.  Install a new fuse or temporarily short it out with a jumper (be sure to remove the jumper before reconnecting the battery).  Then connect an ohmmeter between ground and a point in the circuit and check that there is a short.  Once connected, using a wiring diagram, disconnect a connector or relay half way down the circuit and see which side of the connection the short is on.  From there, leaving the connection/relay disconnected go to the shorted side of the connection and then disconnect another connection/relay, check again and continue doing this until you have isolated the short.  Reconnect everything before hooking the battery back up.

Good luck.
Title: Re: electrical shorting.
Post by: Ed Miller on November 13, 2010, 11:33:12 AM
I like the idea of using a little test light in place of a jumper wire or a new fuse.  The bulb will protect the circuit, and if it's on you know you still have the short downstream some place.
Title: Re: electrical shorting.
Post by: Darwin_R65 on November 15, 2010, 05:46:00 AM
Good luck, i used to have a 1997 yamaha tenere and 3 months old I took it back for warranty "intermittent start".

I had taken a rock onto the loom under the rear mudguard, and every time it got wet, no electrics.

Your fault could be in a number of places..

You might find it by turning the key to aux, and operating the indicators, and then hose the bike a small part at a time.

You could have a leaking indicator lens, do your lenses fill with water after washing?

Do you have a hazard switch?


John