Hi + LED panel fault + crazy indicator idiot lights...

Hi all, I'm new to VFRworld.

Have owned my '98 VFR 800 for a couple of years and covered 50,000 miles in that time (it's only got 86,000 in total so must have plenty of life left in it) as I used the bike to commute daily from Oxford to London. Got the VFR because of its reputation for being tough, oh and it has a centre-stand (whoever buys a motorcycle without a centre-stand...well funny enough I did cos my real passion is Laverda motorcycles and amongst that collection I have a couple of 600 Atlas's [but what a stupid idea - a motorcycle without a centre-stand]} Anyways I did use the VFR to commute until it sprung a leak from the right hand oil cooler hose and alongside this the LED panel stopped working and the damned indicator idiot lights glow and then both flash when either side is activated (the indicators work fine you just have to put up with a weird light show on the dash). So I switched to the Laverda but now this has done something bad in the heart of the engine so I pulled out the VFR with a view to getting it fixed up. Oil cooler pipes on their way from Holland (a common problem so I found out) but any pointers on how to get the LED back and indicator light show stopped most welcome.

Looking at my manual and the wiring diagram I can't see the indicator earth (most likely cause of weird dash I'm guessing) where should I look?

I checked the B fuse for the LED clock (only source of a live feed to the LED I think) but that is okay so again where should I look?

Finally am I right in thinking I'm going to have to take the upper fairing off to fiddle about or should the connections I need be accessible with just the lower off?

I'm sure this has all been covered before (at least I didn't start off asking what oil or tyres to use) so your patience is appreciated.

Nick

 

there is an 8 pin plug for dash indicaters, yes you will need to pull upper headlight fairing, start with that 8 pin connecter for melted pinched wires. then check switch gear, which means take appart and clean left hand switch gear for signal and hi beam switchs

 

In case you don't have a service manual and have not removed the upper cowl before, here is a link for a "How To" on removing the upper cowl. I can't offer any real insight on the LCD issue unfortunately.

http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/43794-HOW-TO-Upper-Cowl-Removal-on-5th-Gen?highlight=

You our may have to remove the three screws on the rear of the gauge cluster in order to get at the back to do some testing. There is not a large amount of room between the fairing stay and the gauge cluster. You may be able to reach the LCD display though.

You might also want to check the green plastic flexible circuit board on the back of the display to see if there is any corrosion or cracks in the plastic causing breaks in electrical connections.

 

Hi guys, thanks for the tips.

Tomorrow I have the day off work so will set to getting the upper fairing off and have a poke around. I had previously checked the handlebar switchgear and couldn't see problems here so think it is hidden within the bodywork. I saw a post about the PCB needing to be by-passed to fix a similar indicator problem. The LCD is going to need some investigation - checked the B fuse last night and it is intact so wherever else this unit gets power from has failed.

If I can get the bike running, oil tight and charging I can live without the LCD (the fan works so that's a good enough temp' gauge) and maybe just put some tape over the indicator idiot lights.

I'll report back.

Nick

 

First, welcome aboard Nick, at some point you'll need to supply us with pics of your ride, kind of a mandatory thing for newbies, that being said your issues do take priority. Do you have the Honda Service Manual or just the owners manual? I have a PDF copy of the 98-01 service manual I can send you a link for downloading, if you like a copy just send me a PM and I'll send you the link.

I hope you find the issue good luck!

Cheers

 

Hi Michael,

I think I sent you a pm but if not send me the link to my hotmail acct - alcock_nick@hotmail.com I am working from the Haynes manual which is okay as a starting point but it does need colouring in. Excellent link on how to take off the upper fairing.

Posted a picture of my VFR - nothin' fancy standard silver.

Nick

 

Email sent...(for the record, I'm not Michael :wink: )