Marker Lights off but plate light on???

[mosslips]

I noticed last night that both of my marker lights were not on. Checked the repair manual to see where the fuses are and found they and the plate light are on the same circut... well, the plate light works so the fuse must be functioning...
Next, I looked at both bulbs and both bulb's filaments are intact, so they both should light up, but they dont...
Any ideas why both markers are out?
It was late last night, so didnt get deep into the wiring, and then thought before I do, I'd utilize the knowledge here and ask if anyone had some info on this before I start...
So... any ideas?

Thanks in advance.
Lisa

 

[NancysToy]

My RT marker lights were both out shortly after I returned from riding in the monsoons to Spyderfest. One looked good, but neither lit. I cleaned the socket with contact cleaner and installed new bulbs, and everything is fine. Be aware that it is sometimes hard to see the markers from above, or in strong light. View them from the front to be sure.

 

[mosslips]

My RT marker lights were both out shortly after I returned from riding in the monsoons to Spyderfest. One looked good, but neither lit. I cleaned the socket with contact cleaner and installed new bulbs, and everything is fine. Be aware that it is sometimes hard to see the markers from above, or in strong light. View them from the front to be sure.

Thanks, I'll try that.
It was dark and I was in front of it just to check the lights after hubby mentioned it and they are out. First time out in the dark, maybe they were that way when I picked her up.... Uggg. I hate electrical issues.

 

[mosslips]

My RT marker lights were both out shortly after I returned from riding in the monsoons to Spyderfest. One looked good, but neither lit. I cleaned the socket with contact cleaner and installed new bulbs, and everything is fine. Be aware that it is sometimes hard to see the markers from above, or in strong light. View them from the front to be sure.

Tried it, but no luck. Lights still not on. Hubby and I have been tracking wires looking for anything out of the ordinary and nothing. Fuses/relays all look good, license plate light remains on all grounds appear in place... just those darn marker lights dont light up.
Did have a question though, the wires under the fenders run awfully close to the tire, are all spyders like that?

Lisa

 

[bill pitman]

2008 SM5

The marker lites have an orange wire(+) and black wire(-). I would use a meter and check from one of the orange wires(+) to a ground point on the spyder. If you have 12vdc on the voltmeter, that would indicate a problem on the ground side of the marker circuit. I would probably start my search at the bulb holder socket.
If the license plate light is working, you can eliminate the 10amp F7 fuse and the ignition switch. I believe you said you've checked the sockets. Does your cooling fan come on (5+bars), do your turn signals work, I ask this because they are on the same ground circuit as the marker lights. Since it is a problem with both markers, it must be a common wire(be it + or- side)to each marker.
What would make things much easier is a wiring schematic. Maybe someone on the forum can send you a PDF, I don't have that ability.
Best of luck and please post your results.

bill

 

[mosslips]

The marker lites have an orange wire(+) and black wire(-). I would use a meter and check from one of the orange wires(+) to a ground point on the spyder. If you have 12vdc on the voltmeter, that would indicate a problem on the ground side of the marker circuit. I would probably start my search at the bulb holder socket.
If the license plate light is working, you can eliminate the 10amp F7 fuse and the ignition switch. I believe you said you've checked the sockets. Does your cooling fan come on (5+bars), do your turn signals work, I ask this because they are on the same ground circuit as the marker lights. Since it is a problem with both markers, it must be a common wire(be it + or- side)to each marker.
What would make things much easier is a wiring schematic. Maybe someone on the forum can send you a PDF, I don't have that ability.
Best of luck and please post your results.

bill

Excellent info!
We do have a voltmeter so we will do the checks as you said. The cooling fan does come on and all other lights work so if I am understanding correctly, my ground is good. Well, I do have a schematic and and hubby thinks after reading your post that the issue must lie in/around the area where the wires to both lead off from, way down under the machine. He and the garage floor were getting close and personal (I held the flashlight and was supervising.) :yikes: Tomorrow the truck will probably have to come off for easier access to wires in question, after using the voltmeter to verify. Anyway, printing out the schematics now and tomorrow we'll go at it again.

Thanks and I will let you know how it goes!

Lisa

 

[NancysToy]

Excellent info!
We do have a voltmeter so we will do the checks as you said. The cooling fan does come on and all other lights work so if I am understanding correctly, my ground is good. Well, I do have a schematic and and hubby thinks after reading your post that the issue must lie in/around the area where the wires to both lead off from, way down under the machine. He and the garage floor were getting close and personal (I held the flashlight and was supervising.) :yikes: Tomorrow the truck will probably have to come off for easier access to wires in question, after using the voltmeter to verify. Anyway, printing out the schematics now and tomorrow we'll go at it again.

Thanks and I will let you know how it goes!

Lisa

Start your testing at the socket(s). Don't remove the trunk and trace the wires back unless necessary. Despite how they look, it could still be the bulbs (which can also be checked with a multi-meter). Did you try changing one?

 

[mosslips]

Start your testing at the socket(s). Don't remove the trunk and trace the wires back unless necessary. Despite how they look, it could still be the bulbs (which can also be checked with a multi-meter). Did you try changing one?

We actually replaced both bulbs and cleaned the sockets like you said. I was so hoping your fix would work. Nothing is ever easy sometimes.... I agree that we should start at the sockets with the testing because like you said I only want to remove the trunk and go that far if I have to. Ive always liked monkeying around with the bikes I own doing the mods and working/learning from hubby to do the things I can, but smart work is good work, we will indeed need to start at the sockets. Just planning ahead, if we have to go further, then we will... I'd like to think we can find and fix the issue. After reading the issues that some have had with their dealer's service, I would hate to give her up to a dealer so soon after I got her home... from the sounds of it, I might not get her back!:yikes:

 

[arntufun]

We actually replaced both bulbs and cleaned the sockets like you said. I was so hoping your fix would work. Nothing is ever easy sometimes.... I agree that we should start at the sockets with the testing because like you said I only want to remove the trunk and go that far if I have to. Ive always liked monkeying around with the bikes I own doing the mods and working/learning from hubby to do the things I can, but smart work is good work, we will indeed need to start at the sockets. Just planning ahead, if we have to go further, then we will... I'd like to think we can find and fix the issue. After reading the issues that some have had with their dealer's service, I would hate to give her up to a dealer so soon after I got her home... from the sounds of it, I might not get her back!:yikes:

Where did you get it ??? Private sale or what dealer ??? If you got it at a dealer how did it pass inspection with no marker lights ??? Make sure you let us know how your making out or if you and Bob need help with something. I'll be glad to lend a hand.

Just to let you know, I have a enclosed trailer if you ever break down and have no way to get it to the shop. I also have the CD rom service manual for your Spyder if you need to borrow it. :thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

The GS marker lights have connectors to the main harness. Those may be able to be reached through the wheelwells, or else you would have to remove the trunk. There is no intermediate harness, they connect to the main (front) wiring harness. They do not share the ground with the license light, so it may be a ground problem. They do share the ground with the 12V trunk outlet. If that installed and is shorted, it could be your problem, or if not installed, that connector could be corroded. Sounds like you are well on your way to troubleshooting it and repairing the problem. Best of luck finding a speedy and satisfactory answer.

 

[mosslips]

Where did you get it ??? Private sale or what dealer ??? If you got it at a dealer how did it pass inspection with no marker lights ??? Make sure you let us know how your making out or if you and Bob need help with something. I'll be glad to lend a hand.

Just to let you know, I have a enclosed trailer if you ever break down and have no way to get it to the shop. I also have the CD rom service manual for your Spyder if you need to borrow it. :thumbup:

Got it from a dealer up in Hudson Falls, I could bring it back for them to fix it and may still have too... my time is never my own. No night supervisor tonight, so heading into work at 10p tonight and who knows when I'll get home, cause I am the DON and need to be there during the day.

I was just hoping I could get it fixed without a ton of effort...

 

[mosslips]

The GS marker lights have connectors to the main harness. Those may be able to be reached through the wheelwells, or else you would have to remove the trunk. There is no intermediate harness, they connect to the main (front) wiring harness. They do not share the ground with the license light, so it may be a ground problem. They do share the ground with the 12V trunk outlet. If that installed and is shorted, it could be your problem, or if not installed, that connector could be corroded. Sounds like you are well on your way to troubleshooting it and repairing the problem. Best of luck finding a speedy and satisfactory answer.

Sat last night looking at the wiring diagram for her and I appreciate your help. I'll have to show your post to hubby so we can take a look. Need to get some sleep now though, no night supervisor and so it falls to me to work it.... so the bike will have to wait for now. :sour:

 

[arntufun]

Got it from a dealer up in Hudson Falls, I could bring it back for them to fix it and may still have too... my time is never my own. No night supervisor tonight, so heading into work at 10p tonight and who knows when I'll get home, cause I am the DON and need to be there during the day.

I was just hoping I could get it fixed without a ton of effort...

If you did not want to travel that far, there is a dealer only a little over a half hour from our homes that I have been useing lately. Please tell me you purchased a warranty for it ???

 

[mosslips]

If you did not want to travel that far, there is a dealer only a little over a half hour from our homes that I have been useing lately. Please tell me you purchased a warranty for it ???

It's a used ride, but it does have a warranty.
I went to HF, because they had it. Funny thing it was owned by a Traveling Reverened who is from Mayfield and turns out to be the Rev who did my God childrens baptism. Small world...

 

[mosslips]

The marker lites have an orange wire(+) and black wire(-). I would use a meter and check from one of the orange wires(+) to a ground point on the spyder. If you have 12vdc on the voltmeter, that would indicate a problem on the ground side of the marker circuit. I would probably start my search at the bulb holder socket.
If the license plate light is working, you can eliminate the 10amp F7 fuse and the ignition switch. I believe you said you've checked the sockets. Does your cooling fan come on (5+bars), do your turn signals work, I ask this because they are on the same ground circuit as the marker lights. Since it is a problem with both markers, it must be a common wire(be it + or- side)to each marker.
What would make things much easier is a wiring schematic. Maybe someone on the forum can send you a PDF, I don't have that ability.
Best of luck and please post your results.



bill

Finally got out this morning to check with a voltmeter and indeed the hot wire is hot and so the issue is on the ground side. Off to piano lessons then a 30th b-day party then we will finally be able to stop for a while and check the ground, perhaps its just a loose ground causing all the hub bub.

Lisa

 

[mosslips]

Problem fixed... see http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31042