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What did I ruin? Electrical work, saw an arc.....Brake light wont work now.

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Phil B, May 9, 2021.

  1. Phil B

    Phil B Member

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    Okay.....deep breath....I was trying to set up a new LED brake light. Was testing with some gator clips, got clumsy and saw a small electrical arc. Now the brake light doesn't work. Running light works fine, but nothing when i mash the foot/rear brake.

    Just trying to understand exactly what I have ruined, and what must be done to get it sorted...

    Damin! I'm so close, i've been through this whole bike and was so close to the end until i made this stupid mistake.

    Thanks for looking, any advice will be appreciated.
     
    Phil B, May 9, 2021
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  2. StahlMaster

    StahlMaster Active Member

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    Check the fuse?
     
    StahlMaster, May 9, 2021
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  3. Phil B

    Phil B Member

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    Issue resolved...case close!

    Thought it would be worse for some reason....anyhow, thanks !
     
    Phil B, May 9, 2021
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  4. StahlMaster

    StahlMaster Active Member

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    In the 36 years I've owned my XJ650J Maxim I've done that several times. That's why it's important to have the correct amp fuses in the fuse box. It doesn't take much to blow them but it's better then replacing burnt wires or worse.
     
    StahlMaster, May 9, 2021
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  5. Brent NZ

    Brent NZ Active Member

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    No matter how bad it is it could always be worse. I was installing a new battery in my car, was tightening the positive terminal with a socket & slipped. The socket handle contacted the power steering unit and instantly blew a hole in the power steering hose lines. That was not a good start to the day.
     
    Brent NZ, May 9, 2021
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  6. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    oddly enough but the tail light runs off of main fuse and even though it is the same bulb the brake light runs off of the signal fuse
     
    XJ550H, May 10, 2021
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  7. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    It's not that odd. The tail light is required to be illuminated whenever the ignition is on. The brake light does not, and is considered to be part of the signaling devices. Same bulb, but two purposes, so two seperate circuits.
     
    k-moe, May 10, 2021
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  8. tj.

    tj. Active Member

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    I think it has more to do with the parking function. In "P" tail light on.
     
    tj., May 10, 2021
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  9. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    That too. Though IIRC the federal statute in the U.S. does specify that the taillight be illuminated whenever the ignition is on. The parking function could be powered by the signal circuit by bypassing the brake switches (though that would be silly and cost more to produce). Two laws, one circuit.
     
    k-moe, May 10, 2021
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  10. tj.

    tj. Active Member

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    Makes sense. If you loose your brake light you still have a tail light...especially at night.
     
    tj., May 10, 2021
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  11. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    if you look at switch block you will see when in on position it still connects to L (blue) wire for tail light. park is second way to turn on tail light
    l.JPG
     
    XJ550H, May 10, 2021
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