Searching for the Short ~ A CB550 story

[Represto]

My tail light (running light, bake light is fine) and gauge lights do not work. When I turn the key to position 1 (on), the 'tail' 7A fuse pops.

When the key is switched to position 1, the circuit from the tail fuse is bridged with the circuit going to the gauges. I'm assuming that somewhere this circuit is shorting to ground.

I've checked the physical connection from the fuse to the tail light and from the key switch to the wiring in the bucket. Nothing seems shitty. I've taken my dremel and cleaned up all the contacts; although, nothing looked like a bad or burnt connection. The next thing I'll try is taking off the gauges to check the connections in there. I can't see them being all buggered up though. I've never opened them.

I let my buddy borrow my meter and should get it back tomorrow. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I might check first? Anyone have a nugget of advice to chuck my way for my search?

Wiring diagrams can be found here: http://www.sohc4.net/index.php?title=CB550&Itemid=146#Wiring_Diagrams

 

[stevendefense]

Before you start trying to chase down the short with a meter, I would give all the wiring a good once over first. Look for shoddy previous repairs, loose butt connectors, pinched wires, insulation that has been rubbed off, and stuff like that. I have wasted a lot of time on electrical problems by not checking the simple stuff first.

 

[Represto]

I hear ya. I've traced the line out quite a bit. Cleaned up and reseated butt connectors. Made sure at the butt connector boots were intact. This week I'll do more work on it.