Ducati Monster Forum

Was on a ride last week and at the end of the 100 mile + trip I got on the freeway, looked down and the gauge cluster was dead. Started checking things out today. Turns out the 15 amp fuse for Tail light +NQS-Pilot light was blown. I replaced it and it blew again, so I guess it wasn't a fluke. Did some searching and found one thread and tried what was recommended. What I have done so far: Pulled apart big connector between headlight and head stock, blew out with air and then used dielectric grease, then did the same with every other connector I could see. I checked the wires leading to my motodynamics tail light and I cant find any exposed wires or anything. I'm running out of 15 amp fuses [roll] When I turn the key on the gauges will make one full sweep before blowing the fuse if that means anything. Any more trouble shooting ideas?

.... could try disconnecting the tail light to eliminate it (behind the side cover, below the seat)

Thanks for the info. I will try that tomorrow, hope it works!

You have a short in that circuit.  If you did a tail chop or an aftermarket tail light I would look in that area first.  One way to locate a short is substitute that fuse with a circuit breaker of the same size, then follow the path of the wires with an inductive ammeter.  You will get an on/off reading as the breaker trips.  Your short is just before the point where the reading stops.

Thank you very much for the instructions, however you lost me right after "short circuit". I will be very surprised if it is not in the tail light wiring since one of the threads I found while searching was one I posted about difficulties installing the light:)  What I suspect has happened is that over time a couple wires hidden by plastic coating (loom) have managed to have the insulation rubbed off. I'm hoping it's not this as I son't want to have to peel everything apart to find where that might be :-[

edit: I think I have found the problem. It looks like the wires have broken from their crimps at the license plate light. The bulb is out as well. I'm not sure this is it, but it is the biggest smoking gun I have seen too far. I just titled and licensed the bike in WA and as a result had to put on a new plate. It looks like the new one might fit slightly differently as it was putting a lot of stress on the two wires leading to that light. Time to find new connectors and bulb and see if I'm right:)

So that was the problem. I have a new bulb, unfortunately O'Reillys doesn't have the correct fitting to attache to the bulb. I guess I could try and pry open the crimp and then solder the wires, but given my skills that may just be asking for trouble.

Try to separate the wires from anything around them and see if a new fuse lasts. If it does, you've found the problem.