Triumphrat

jjswetnam · 07-16-2007

Hello,

So, I just took my recently purchased '02 Bonnie on a nice 100 mile cruise down to Newport Beach. I pull into a gas station, fill up, and then... she won't start!

The neutral and oil lights come on when the key is turned... but no headlight, no horn, and absolutely nothing from the starter. My first instinct was battery, so I took a cab to Autozone, bought a battery, charged and replaced it... Nothing!

I ended up push starting her, and she runs perfect, just no headlights... and now she sits in the garage... no lights, no blinker, no horn and no starter!

Please help! I'm a complete beginner in terms of mechanical and electrical knowledge, so be gentle. Thanks so much!

BlueJ · 07-16-2007

Try checking fuses? It's also possible a connector came loose - if you pop the chrome ring off your headlight bucket (2 easy screws), and ease the lamp out, you'll see what one member described as "Radio Shack threw up in there". It's not as bad as it looks - all those connectors only go on one way and only to one other connector, so you could disconnect them all and then reconnect (snugly) in case one was loose....

CAPTDON · 07-16-2007

Had a similar problem when I replaced my horn. All screwed up. They are on a common ground circuit. I didnrt do it rite & all shut down! These Triumphs are wired a little like the Austin Healys I had- wierd? Good luck- it sounds simple.
Take your time & go over the ststem -I think you will find itssomething rweally simple to fix- just hard to find. Good luck!!

jjswetnam · 07-16-2007

So I checked all the wiring in the headlight... followed all the wires from the battery... and everything seems fine. Fuses look good. I did notice two plugs under the gas tank that were just hanging there. They didn't fit each other, but what are they? It seemed strange that they were just floating there, but I couldn't find anything for them to plug into.

I don't understand why the idiot lights come on, but no other electric works. No lights, no blinker, no horn and the starter just barely makes a click. I just bought her and really don't want to go to the dealer for something that I should be able to fix!

Getting frustrated. Any other suggestions?

Tritonshed · 07-16-2007

It sounds EXACTLY like a problem I had on my VFR......that came down to a loose lead within a battery connection. Everything felt fine, but it was there & it wasn't 'fixed' until the connection was re-made.

Aas for going back to the dealer, I would set your stall out early on & get it back there pronto....set a precedent so he understands you will expect them to sort out problems, that's why you pay a premium price at a dealer outlet ?

jjswetnam · 07-16-2007

.... When I went to autozone to buy the 12v battery, it came dry, so I poured in the acid, and this guy charged it in less than an hour... is that even possible? He tested it and said it was good to go, but wouldn't it take a lot longer than that to fully charge?

So then I bought a 1amp trickle charger, but I'm not sure how long to charge the battery for. I put the clamps on and the thing sparks up and the charger starts making this "clicking" sound. I feel like a complete idiot, but is that normal? I'm thinking about trickle charging the original battery and seeing if that works. I just don't know if I trust Autozone with my bike...

danf_florida · 07-16-2007

Have you checked the kickstand switch? Could be corroded..

jjswetnam · 07-16-2007

Would the kickstand switch effect headlights or just the starter?

grayghost · 07-16-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjswetnam

So I checked all the wiring in the headlight... followed all the wires from the battery... and everything seems fine. Fuses look good. I did notice two plugs under the gas tank that were just hanging there. They didn't fit each other, but what are they? It seemed strange that they were just floating there, but I couldn't find anything for them to plug into.

I don't understand why the idiot lights come on, but no other electric works. No lights, no blinker, no horn and the starter just barely makes a click. I just bought her and really don't want to go to the dealer for something that I should be able to fix!

Getting frustrated. Any other suggestions?

The two mystery leads under the gas tank are for an accessory 12v power outlet as well as the alarm. (Both are Triumph Options). As others have posted I would start in the headlight bucket and check every connection. Pull the seat and the tank (easy) and go over every connection to make sure they are attached properly. Did you wash the bike or have you been in the rain lately?

ANY electrical plug that you pull apart and re-connect, put a little dab of di-electric grease on the connection.

Good Luck! (Let us know how you make out and what the problem ends up being)

jjswetnam · 07-16-2007

Where is the ground wire? For some reason I can't seem to find where the battery is grounded to the bike?

...and I did clean it recently, but didn't use much water at all... no hose, just a small bucket...