Electronics for dummies

[jim1958]

It is finally time for me to understand the fundamentals of electronics so I can track down and diagnose wiring problems on my T140V. I have an intermittent problem where the bike has no lights, turn signal or horn, but the battery is fully charged. I recently took the bike apart and put her back together and the wiring cluster behind the battery had several connections that I re-soldered. Does anyone know of a good book or website to visit that will explain the basics of electronics, ohms and resistance, and I can then use that knowledge to test the various connections with a multimeter?

Thanks!

 

[hemibee]

I have or had a book that would fit your needs but the last time I looked for it I couldn't find it. I'll look again to see if I can find it and get the name to you.

Another place to check is the ignition switch. If one of the post connections isn't good it will do as you described. The connection will make for a short period and then you will have an open causing the loss of electric power. I had the exact problem or at least it sounds like the same. One of the leads in the switch had broken the solder and would open and everything would shutdown and then it would make a connection and everything worked fine. It about drove me crazy because when it worked it worked good and when it didn't. . . it didn't. Before tearing the electrics down I got the wild idea (someone told me to look there) and pulled the switch. I bought a new one but plan to fix the old and have a spare should it do it again.

 

[hemibee]

For now you might check out this link, it has a few instructions. http://www.dummies.com/how-to/consumer-electronics/electronics.html

Some videos
Several videos at these two links
https://www.youtube.com/user/mjlorton/videos?live_view=500&flow=list&sort=dd&view=1 Several videos here

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF5760F75615D79D8

[video=youtube;iFXKdK6uXfs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFXKdK6uXfs[/video]

 

[R.Hawks]

This could help.

 

[jim1958]

Hemibee, thank you. That is exactly what happened on my last ride. the bike just died as I was riding (fortunately was on a side street). I checked all the ususal suspects, fuse, fuel. I was able to get her started again and rode home. And thanks for the links as well.

Several years ago, I had a similar problem, and my mechanic recommended disabling the kill switch because that can short as well due to vibration. I did and had no problems since then until now.

- - - Updated - - -

Thank you!

 

[jim1958]

This could help.

Thank you!

 

[The Seeker]

The three things that quit on you intermittently all have one thing in common....they are all wired into the left hand handlebar switch housing.

I would start there....removing and disassembling that switch housing looking for something awry.

I will warn you that inside the workings of that switch housing are very small ball bearings and springs. Take pics for reference as you take it apart and pay close attention to how it's all arranged. Disassemble the switch anticipating a ball bearing or spring is going to fall.....do it over a solid surface - preferably white so you can find the dropped part easier.

My headlight dipper was shorting in a way that turned both hi and lo beams on at the same time and therefore draining the battery. A little copper slider in there had moved and was making contact where it shouldn't.

Your problem may be similar or a wire has worn bare from vibration. The intermittent aspect of your problem sounds like that or a loose connection.

Intermittent problems are hardest to solve since they are so hard to make happen again

-- Posted with TapaTalk

 

[jim1958]

The three things that quit on you intermittently all have one thing in common....they are all wired into the left hand handlebar switch housing.

I would start there....removing and disassembling that switch housing looking for something awry.

I will warn you that inside the workings of that switch housing are very small ball bearings and springs. Take pics for reference as you take it apart and pay close attention to how it's all arranged. Disassemble the switch anticipating a ball bearing or spring is going to fall.....do it over a solid surface - preferably white so you can find the dropped part easier.

My headlight dipper was shorting in a way that turned both hi and lo beams on at the same time and therefore draining the battery. A little copper slider in there had moved and was making contact where it shouldn't.

Your problem may be similar or a wire has worn bare from vibration. The intermittent aspect of your problem sounds like that or a loose connection.

Intermittent problems are hardest to solve since they are so hard to make happen again

-- Posted with TapaTalk

Seeker, thank you. Along with replacing my ignition switch, this also makes sense. My hi-low light will only work on hi beam, so this is logical as well.

I could have more than one issue here and as you say, an intermittent problem is very difficult to track down.

 

[hemibee]

I forgot to add the handlebar switch in my earlier post. When it happened to me, the switch was also part of the problem but not my main issue.


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