Fuel Indicator Light When Braking

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

Hi,

I have a problem since my indicator shows that my tank is full when I am braking (front as well as rear brake). Someone that might know why?

Also, the oil indicator might some times light up when the ignition key is on but the bike is not yet started. After that the oil indicator shuts of. Someone?

Thanks!

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

I have a problem since my indicator shows that my tank is full when I am braking (front as well as rear brake). Someone that might know why?

Fuel shifts forward when you brake, and might expose the low fuel light sensor. The low fuel sensor is not part of the fuel gauge.

Also, the oil indicator might some times light up when the ignition key is on but the bike is not yet started. After that the oil indicator shuts of.

Seriously? ALL vehicles do that. Get in your car and turn on the key. You see all of the indicator lights light up. It shows you that the light works.

 

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

Fuel shifts forward when you brake, and might expose the low fuel light sensor. The low fuel sensor is not part of the fuel gauge.

Seriously? ALL vehicles do that. Get in your car and turn on the key. You see all of the indicator lights light up. It shows you that the light works.

1. It's not because of the forward shift. The indicator shows if I'm standing still and brakes. I'm on a flat road with 4/5 of a tank, so there should not be any lights.

2. It doesn't do it all the time. The only light that shows all the time when twisting the key is the indicator for neutral gear.

 

[Bert Jan]

Hi,

I have a problem since my indicator shows that my tank is full when I am braking (front as well as rear brake). Someone that might know why?

Also, the oil indicator might some times light up when the ignition key is on but the bike is not yet started. After that the oil indicator shuts of. Someone?

Thanks!

you first say the light comes on when you apply the brakes and then you say the light comes on when you don't brake. Wich one is it?

Stick to the program, get paid after....

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

I think English is not his first language, so some of his wording seems a little ambiguous, but I think I understand that he means it happens when he applies his brakes even if standing still.

 

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

you first say the light comes on when you apply the brakes and then you say the light comes on when you don't brake. Wich one is it?

Stick to the program, get paid after....

AlphaDogChoppers is correct. Eng. is not my first language...

There are two lights that I tried to describe. Sorry for the writing..

1. The (fuel) light comes on when applying the brakes. It lights up even though standing still and doesn't depend on if it's the front or rear brake. (4/5 full tank also)..

2. The (oil) lamp comes on when the ignition is on but not the bike, even though the bike has got oil.

The biggest question in the fuel lamp and why it is shining up when breaking, even when I'm standing still..

 

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

I think English is not his first language, so some of his wording seems a little ambiguous, but I think I understand that he means it happens when he applies his brakes even if standing still.

Correct!

 

[ILoveThumpers]

The biggest question in the fuel lamp and why it is shining up when breaking, even when I'm standing still..

Do you have a wiring diagram for your bike? I searched Google and found several models of KZ650 so I'm not sure which one you have. Trace the wires on the diagram from the brake switches to any junction they may share with the fuel level lamp. Remember that a lamp can light with current from either direction.

Most oil level indicators are driven from pressure switches. When you turn the bike on (but it isn't started) there's no pressure so the lamp is lit. Once you start the bike and it builds oil pressure, the lamp goes out. If your lamp is out when the bike is on but not running, that indicates maybe the pressure switch is faulty.

-Deek

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

Generally, when an electrical device comes on when another, seemingly unrelated device is activated, it is usually a grounding issue. The brake lights may be poorly grounded, and when activated, find a ground path through the dash lights.

The oil light is usually for pressure, when the engine is off and the key on, the oil light should be On as there is no oil pressure. My NH750 shows an oil light with key on, engine off. Loose connection seems more likely in this case, or maybe a poor ground that is intermittent.

I would say check connections and grounds. Likely source of the issue.

 

[fresh_c]

Holy crap a light that tells you fuel is running low? I usually just want for that sudden deceleration from 70 to 45 to know I need to fill up again. That would be an awesome feature to have!

In all seriousness, it sounds like you have a grounding issues. Check to where things are supposed to be grounded and go from there.

 

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

Do you have a wiring diagram for your bike? I searched Google and found several models of KZ650 so I'm not sure which one you have. Trace the wires on the diagram from the brake switches to any junction they may share with the fuel level lamp. Remember that a lamp can light with current from either direction.

Most oil level indicators are driven from pressure switches. When you turn the bike on (but it isn't started) there's no pressure so the lamp is lit. Once you start the bike and it builds oil pressure, the lamp goes out. If your lamp is out when the bike is on but not running, that indicates maybe the pressure switch is faulty.

-Deek

It's a KZ650 D4 -81. Will try to find one now. Thanks for the great answers! Will look into the wiring diagram and see what might be the issue.

 

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

Generally, when an electrical device comes on when another, seemingly unrelated device is activated, it is usually a grounding issue. The brake lights may be poorly grounded, and when activated, find a ground path through the dash lights.

The oil light is usually for pressure, when the engine is off and the key on, the oil light should be On as there is no oil pressure. My NH750 shows an oil light with key on, engine off. Loose connection seems more likely in this case, or maybe a poor ground that is intermittent.

I would say check connections and grounds. Likely source of the issue.

Ok. Thanks! Grounding seems to be the problem. Hopefully I'll be able to fix it!

 

[ILoveThumpers]

It's a KZ650 D4 -81. Will try to find one now. Thanks for the great answers! Will look into the wiring diagram and see what might be the issue.

Hey it looks like your "low fuel" indicator lamp is shared with the "brake light failure" feature. If your brake lamp is burnt out or loose or there's some other problem with it, that lamp will light when you step on the brake.

-Deek

 

[DeanJ]

Also, the oil indicator might some times light up when the ignition key is on but the bike is not yet started. After that the oil indicator shuts of.

Idiot lights seems to be far too complicated for some.... ;D

 

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

Hey it looks like your "low fuel" indicator lamp is shared with the "brake light failure" feature. If your brake lamp is burnt out or loose or there's some other problem with it, that lamp will light when you step on the brake.

-Deek

I see! Thanks for the tip! Thinking of changing the light, so hopefully the problem with go away after that!

 

[Tim]

Most important is to not depend on the indicator lights too much. I'm not suggesting you are, and I'm glad you're sorting out these little electronic gremlins, but anytime someone starts talking about having problems with their neutral, fuel, signal, oil etc. indicator lights, my suggestion is to hack them all off and toss them in the bin (unless you're keeping the bike stock).

I like to think I've become a bit of a better and more aware rider having spent a few seasons riding my XS650 with no dashboard lights, no mirrors and no turn signals. I have to be that much more aware of what's going on around me, and in tune with the bike's behavior and mechanical fitness when I ride. That being said having been riding my BMW all season this year, I do appreciate signals and mirrors and will be fitting them to my XS should I start riding it more.

 

[Rich Ard]

That being said having been riding my BMW all season this year, I do appreciate signals and mirrors and will be fitting them to my XS should I start riding it more.

Funny you say that - speaks to Yinzer's posting of the 'all my rowdy friends have settled down' video the other day. I haven't had indicators on a bike for a couple of years, but after the accoutrements of the oldwing I feel rather exposed and alone at night on my viragostrosity with its little headlight and one, count 'em one, tiny taillamp. :

 

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

Most important is to not depend on the indicator lights too much. I'm not suggesting you are, and I'm glad you're sorting out these little electronic gremlins, but anytime someone starts talking about having problems with their neutral, fuel, signal, oil etc. indicator lights, my suggestion is to hack them all off and toss them in the bin (unless you're keeping the bike stock).

I like to think I've become a bit of a better and more aware rider having spent a few seasons riding my XS650 with no dashboard lights, no mirrors and no turn signals. I have to be that much more aware of what's going on around me, and in tune with the bike's behavior and mechanical fitness when I ride. That being said having been riding my BMW all season this year, I do appreciate signals and mirrors and will be fitting them to my XS should I start riding it more.

I concur, though there might be a slight problem getting the bike approved without indicators. But I guess that might not be a problem if there are signals etc. Better to check oil etc. for yourself as you say to understand the bike better and feel comfortable with it!

 

[conghos]

Hello ABOM, I own 1981 KZ650SR (D4) as yours. I didn't read all the post and maybe this have been said. The indicator as stated in the manual means, when red lights is ON:
-low fuel and you need to switch to reserve the petcock.
or
-when you press the front or rear break indicates that the brake lights bulbs are working properly.

My tank was rusty when I bought the motorcycle, I guess either the switch fuel level get unsuable or the electronic device that controls this is dead.

I unplug the switch fuel level and only have the brake status monitor until I find some replacement for the level gas monitor.

Cheers form Argentina.

PS: If you need some help with parts I own the Parts Catalos of the D4 (unfortunatly not scanned)

 

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

Hello ABOM, I own 1981 KZ650SR (D4) as yours. I didn't read all the post and maybe this have been said. The indicator as stated in the manual means, when red lights is ON:
-low fuel and you need to switch to reserve the petcock.
or
-when you press the front or rear break indicates that the brake lights bulbs are working properly.

My tank was rusty when I bought the motorcycle, I guess either the switch fuel level get unsuable or the electronic device that controls this is dead.

I unplug the switch fuel level and only have the brake status monitor until I find some replacement for the level gas monitor.

Cheers form Argentina.

PS: If you need some help with parts I own the Parts Catalos of the D4 (unfortunatly not scanned)

Hi,

Great! Thanks for the info! Weird that the indicator lights up because the brake is working... But good to know I'm about to check out the electric in the bike and see if there is any other problem. Think I have the catalogue as a PDF already

Thanks again for the info!