09 1100s - Engine light on, no lights (front & back)?

[mickb]

On Dash, it says Error - lights

Starts & runs ok, is the above likely to be a single cause, if so, where do I start?

[Howie]

Fuse.

[mickb]

Thanks Howie,

would it just be a single fuse, if so, do you happen to know which one?

[greenohawk69]

Look for the one that is blown. There is usually a thin piece of metal connecting both sides of the blade. It will not be connected.

Attached pic is from a 97 M900, but you should have something similar. Mine is under the seat.

[mickb]

thanks Guys, was just curious as to whether a single fuse covered both front & rear lights, & lo/hi-beam. Maybe easier just to pull out each of them, one at a time, & check for continuity.

[Howie]

the second fuse is for your lights.  Always check cheap and easy first.  Most of the time you will see visually that the fuse is blown.  If you look at most of the fuses in the above photo you will see exposed metal on each side of the fuse.  This is so you can check the fuse in place with a test light or meter

[mickb]

You were bang on Howie, it was the 2nd fuse, now up & running 

[mickb]

ok, bad news 

I've now blown 3 fuses in a week, so clearly something is amiss! Possibly a short somewhere, would appreciate any clues as to how to diagnose further?

[Howie]

repeated blown fuse does indeed indicate a short.  Did you do any modifications like a tail chop or extra lights?

[mickb]

No, no mods done.

[ducpainter]

Here's how I would approach things...

disconnect the headlight, tail light, and all the directionals.

Replace the fuse, and turn the bars/tug on the harness, maybe even ride it, unless it happens while sitting. If it happens while sitting it can be done with an ammeter. Let's assume it won't. Operate all the switches like the directionals were working. If the fuse doesn't blow, I'd take that as a sign that the problem is not in the harness, or switchgear, but in the headlamp, tail lamp, or one of the directionals. If it does blow, you can assume that the problem is not in one of the lamps, but in the harness, or switchgear.

At that point, you'd need to unplug the switches, one at a time, until the fuse no longer blows. If it still blows you'll know it's in the harness.

There's likely an easier way to do it. howie will be along to guide you.

[Howie]

First, unless you get lucky, you will need a wiring diagram and multi meter.  A circuit breaker and inductive ammeter would be a plus.  I am not familiar with working on your particular bike, so I will be general.  A good starting point is install a circuit breaker of the same rating as the fuse  http://www.wiringproducts.com/mini-circuit-breakers  so you don't go through a ton of fuses.  General method would be to remove and attach each connector one at a time until the fuse no longer blows.  Then trace that circuit until you find the short.  The inductive ammeter comes in handy combined with the circuit breaker as a diagnostic tool.  As the circuit breaker resets you will read amperage as you go down the wiring harness.  Just before the reading disappears is your short.

What you do will depend on ease.  If it is easier unplug the component, as ducpainter said and work back from there.  Your biggest problem is your short is intermittent.  Do turn the bars back and forth and move the harness.  This is a common area of failure on motorcycles.  Pay particular attention to places where the harness is zip tied to the frame.  Also visually inspect the wiring under the seat going to the rear lights.