Triumphrat

pbcurran · 10-24-2007

Ok, so a pretty straightforward install. I did a test run with the tail light, and the brake and running both worked. Went inside for dinner. Came back started bolting everything together and low and behold the running light would not worked. Checked the ground, reversed the leads (NB said this might be an issue w/some Triumphs) and still nothing. Changed bulbs, still not right. Unplugged and hooked up the OEM fender and lights. Brake and no running light. What the heck. I have an old Lucas light, tried that same thing. On the way to work picked up 2 new bulbs and a few 5amp fuses. I suppose a voltmeter is something I should own too.
Any suggestion on how to troubleshoot this. I was expecting to have it together in an hour or less. It was well past midnight by the time I gave up on it.

BTW: the lucas tail light from NB is pretty flimsey. The white plate lens had already separated from the red. I will be hitting them up for a replacement. The turnsignals (chrome) are pretty darn solid.

SBTThruxton · 10-24-2007

I had the same problem - the instructions from NB could use some revisions. Following a suggestion from someone on this board, I grounded directly to the license plate bracket rather than the bolt suggested in the instructions. Worked like a charm - have had absolutely no problems since.

pbcurran · 10-24-2007

never thought of that. Did you just set a screw into the metal bracket for the ground wire? I tell you I was pulling my hair out (and I'm bald). Hopefully this will work for me.

SBTThruxton · 10-24-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbcurran

never thought of that. Did you just set a screw into the metal bracket for the ground wire? I tell you I was pulling my hair out (and I'm bald). Hopefully this will work for me.

I put the ground terminal on one of the screws that holds the tail light lens to the bracket - I've attached a picture . I wrapped the area in electrical tape when I first did this - it came off quickly and since then I've ridden through several thunderstorms with no ill effects. A little liquid tape or something couldn't hurt though...

pbcurran · 10-24-2007

I will give this a try. Thanks. The thing that confuses me is that when I plugged in the OEM rear fender and lights they didn't work correctly either. Perhaps when the fender isn't bolted on, it's not grounded either.

Wombat · 10-24-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbcurran

Perhaps when the fender isn't bolted on, it's not grounded either.

Bingo!
I think that may be a major part of the problem.

pbcurran · 10-24-2007

Suffice it to say, I am a wrench idiot!!!! But learning. Thanks for all the help. That's why I love this site!

SineQuaNon · 10-24-2007

I had this same problem w/ my FEK only mine worked for awhile and then quit working. I couldn't figure it out, so I took it to the shop and they quickly identified this a bad ground as the problem.

SBTThruxton · 10-24-2007

Yeah - I had all sorts of weird stuff happening (only with the tail/brake never turn signals) until I got the thing grounded solidly. The light wouldn't be working and I'd pull on the LP and it would come on, stand the bike up it would go off, rock the bike it came on, etc, etc. It's been fine since II followed the advice I got here.

pbcurran · 10-25-2007

Thanks for the advice. Grounded to tail light bracket and all is good.

btw: emailed NB about the tail lens and they are sending a new one priority mail no charge.