The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Matt Chapter on March 21, 2018, 11:41:35 AM

Title: Electrical Gremlin
Post by: Matt Chapter on March 21, 2018, 11:41:35 AM

For a while now, my instrument lights haven't always turned on when I start my R65.  This was perplexing, but ultimately of no concern... until I realized that my tail light was doing the same thing at the same time.

All other electronics seem to be fine (my turn signals are out of commission, but I know where that problem is).

What would be the likely culprit? Loose ground?  I'm just speculating until I find time to get in there...

Title: Re: Electrical Gremlin
Post by: Justin B. on March 21, 2018, 02:25:30 PM

Run a quick jumper between the triple-tree and the frame, if the lamps come on then run a permanent ground.  The instrument cluster only gets a ground through the through the steering head bearings, IIRC...

Title: Re: Electrical Gremlin
Post by: mrclubike on March 21, 2018, 05:48:54 PM

Replace the Fuse holder assembly with a modern Spade type

Also Could be the ignition switch

They are the only things common with both

You park light is more than likely out also

Title: Re: Electrical Gremlin
Post by: mrclubike on March 21, 2018, 05:52:07 PM

Quote

Run a quick jumper between the triple-tree and the frame, if the lamps come on then run a permanent ground.  The instrument cluster only gets a ground through the through the steering head bearings, IIRC...

tail light is doing the same thing

They both have ground wires that go back to the main grounding lug near the voltage regulator

Title: Re: Electrical Gremlin
Post by: Matt Chapter on March 22, 2018, 10:54:16 AM

I think I have the original ignition switch, so that could be it.  Also it's been a while since I've cleaned my fuses! I'll have a look.

Title: Re: Electrical Gremlin
Post by: georgesgiralt on March 22, 2018, 03:46:17 PM

I would bet on the fuses.
Try to replace them... You'll be surprised.

Title: Re: Electrical Gremlin
Post by: marcmax on March 22, 2018, 05:39:29 PM

You need to get someone to give you a "gremlin bell". (Bad luck to buy your own). Legend is the tinkling of the bell drives the gremlins crazy and hurts their ears causing them to fall off you bike and become potholes instead.

Title: Re: Electrical Gremlin
Post by: mrclubike on March 22, 2018, 07:54:14 PM

This is plug and play
you just have to mount it and your fuse issue is  gone

Title: Re: Electrical Gremlin
Post by: wilcom on March 22, 2018, 08:02:31 PM

Quote

You need to get someone to give you a "gremlin bell"

Ya think that's real, Marc..... I had a cousin and her husband that had a bell on every bike they ever had. I never gave it thought til now

Title: Re: Electrical Gremlin
Post by: BPT on March 22, 2018, 09:34:10 PM

I knew about the gremlin bells from the Harley guys and thought it was mostly an HD thing.
But when I went to the memorial for Perry Bushong (local shop owner), everyone who rode in the procession got one, it was 90% BMW.

Title: Re: Electrical Gremlin
Post by: BPT on March 22, 2018, 09:37:47 PM

MrClubike - I think we've discussed your fuse box previously, but it's been a while.

Do you have that strapped to the tube above it?  Are those screws attached to part of the box or does that have something to do with its attachment?

Title: Re: Electrical Gremlin
Post by: peteremc on March 23, 2018, 05:07:16 AM

I'm pretty sure the gremlin bell is plug & play as well

Title: Re: Electrical Gremlin
Post by: Matt Chapter on March 23, 2018, 09:36:20 AM

I have a gremlin bell, it's on my desk!  Keep my laptop running in top form.