View Full Version : Sidelights - one side dimmer
One of my sidelights started to become noticeably dimmer than the other in recent days, so I ordered a couple of replacement LED ones.
The side that was dimmer with a glass bulb didn't work at all with an LED, and the fuel pump doesn't prime with the bulb out. I've replaced the blown glass bulb for the time being and ordered a different pair of bulbs to fit at a later date.
My questions for the panel are:
1. Has anyone known bulbs like this to go dim, or do I have an underlying electrical fault? Can't say I've ever noticed a bulb dim, they normally just blow in my experience.
2. Is the fuel pump circuit wired into the sidelights? I suppose it could be like the starter motor not working if the clutch isn't pulled in, but I'd like to be sure that once again, I don't have an underlying problem with the ignition circuit.
3. Has anyone else had issues with LED wedge-type bulbs not working on their SV? I used a brand (can't remember the name off the top of my head) that had a good review from an SV1000 rider so assumed they would be ok
You may know this, but just in case you don't! LED bulbs have a right and wrong way around, i.e. a positive and negative side - so it could possibly just need reversing.
You may know this, but just in case you don't! LED bulbs have a right and wrong way around, i.e. a positive and negative side - so it could possibly just need reversing.
I watched a youtube video which warned me about putting them the right way round - but thanks for pointing it out.
I did get the bulb to work once, but it was almost hanging out of the holder, so I think the contacts on that side may be suspect, or perhaps the plastic wedge on the LED is too thin - perhaps a gentle crimp with my pliers might help.
I'm not a confident mechanic (I'm a computer spod and know my limitations), so I prefer to ask the experts and do it correctly, at the same time I'm trying to do more of the easier stuff myself to save some cash so all advice is gratefully received!
I fitted LED sidelights in mine, one side was fine, one side required a little wiggling and jiggling to get it sitting right in the holder before it would work without flickering but it's been fine now for a few thousand miles.
I've forgotten exactly what the connection on the bulb looks like, but if it's sprung metal tabs which I have a vague memory it could be then try bending them out so they make better contact with the holder.
I fitted LED sidelights in mine, one side was fine, one side required a little wiggling and jiggling to get it sitting right in the holder before it would work without flickering but it's been fine now for a few thousand miles.
I've forgotten exactly what the connection on the bulb looks like, but if it's sprung metal tabs which I have a vague memory it could be then try bending them out so they make better contact with the holder.
Thank you - as it was weak on the original bulb and didn't work at all with the LED one I am beginning to think you have hit the nail on the head with the loose connector, I'll perhaps try cleaning it while I'm at it just in case
Cheers
yorkie_chris
14-12-15, 11:49 AM
Fuel pump wouldn't prime with no sidelight bulb? That's proper odd, are you sure you haven't knocked something? Pretty sure there is no direct interaction between those circuits.
Fuel pump wouldn't prime with no sidelight bulb? That's proper odd, are you sure you haven't knocked something? Pretty sure there is no direct interaction between those circuits.
I'm pretty sure I didn't hit anything but had the alarm taken out a few weeks back and maybe they've messed something up, I'm going to try getting the bulb to seat into the connector more snugly and also check & clean the ignition barrel as I wonder if thats started to get crudded up and is causing the fuel pump issue just as a coincidence
Update - reckon I had an iffy LED, new one arrived in the post and worked perfectly! I did give the connector a gentle squeeze but I'm not sure it needed it.
Still have the odd occasion where the fuel pump doesn't prime when the ignition is switched on, so I've cleaned out the ignition barrel and will see how things go
Thanks for the tips everyone :)
Toooldtodie
14-12-15, 06:08 PM
Maybe clean the Kill switch? It doesn't get used much and that will stop the pump priming whilst everything else lights up?
Or just j-j-jiggle it on and off a bit
Maybe clean the Kill switch? It doesn't get used much and that will stop the pump priming whilst everything else lights up?
Or just j-j-jiggle it on and off a bit
Good shout, I've jiggled it, just a little bit :) but it wouldn't hurt to clean that too :)
Cheers
if its a sport there is a block that a bunch of black wires go into under the cowl the terminals get all furred up and cause all sorts of odd behaviour.
Thanks Bib, I will have a look around there as part of my cleaning regime, on a previous SV I had a similar issue with the fuel pump not priming and I remember giving everything a spruce up fixed it
Corny Gizmo
15-12-15, 12:23 PM
Also check safety switches (Side stand and Clutch) not so much clutch but deffo check the sidestand one is moving freely.
I keep a very close eye on the sidestand as it gets gunged up very quickly when you ride in all weathers!
Cheers
Toooldtodie
15-12-15, 05:12 PM
I keep a very close eye on the sidestand as it gets gunged up very quickly when you ride in all weathers!
Cheers
Like at the moment!
Bike looks like it's painted in camo colours of various brown shades! I will clean it one day... properly.
Like at the moment!
Bike looks like it's painted in camo colours of various brown shades! I will clean it one day... properly.
I feel your pain - after every shift cycle I try and clean as much as possible, but it's a bit of a soul destroying job when you know that the thing's going to be coated in crud 5 minutes after my next shift cycle starts!
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