Faulty Electrics

Miketfj1200 · May 31, 2017

Hi I have a 2004 abs model fjr and am experiencing various intermittent and permanent electrical faults. The first problem was the loss of all instruments and gauges, this fault is intermittent but the rpm/speedo gauges occasionally flick to max then back to zero. More recently the indicators (turn signals) have stopped working. Is there a known fault that could cause this ? and if not does anyone have any suggestions for a diagnostic route ? Cheers Mike

Fred W · May 31, 2017

Sounds like it could be a loose battery cable connection. Check that first.

Next there are some large connectors under the tank that can get corroded and cause weird symptoms on 1st Gens. Pop the tank off and open each one looking for green corrosion, etc. Usually they can just be cleaned up with contact cleaner, greased with silicone dielectrric grease to prevent future corrosion and reassembled.

infrared · May 31, 2017

Miketfj1200 said:
Hi I have a 2004 abs model fjr and am experiencing various intermittent and permanent electrical faults. The first problem was the loss of all instruments and gauges, this fault is intermittent but the rpm/speedo gauges occasionally flick to max then back to zero. More recently the indicators (turn signals) have stopped working. Is there a known fault that could cause this ? and if not does anyone have any suggestions for a diagnostic route ? Cheers Mike

Mike,

You may have problems that are to be corrected by open factory recalls. In the USA, you can call the Yamaha mothership to check on recalls. The UK probably has a similar facility, or maybe you need a dealer to check the recall history for you. Either way, Yamaha can tell you if any recalls are still needed by your bike.

Before you go hunting for specific gadgets, multiple malfunctions can be caused by faulty ground connections. Fix a multiple ground (we call them Spiders), and you may fix everything that was acting strangely. Happy hunting.

Fred W · May 31, 2017

First Gens do not have spiders, so there is no spider recall for them. They also did not get the ignition switch recall, though some have been known to get flaky. So that is a possibility in this case.

The only official recall for 1st Gens was the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) replacement. Yamaha also stepped up and fixed many of the valve tickers, but that was never an official recall.

Miketfj1200 · May 31, 2017

Thanks for the responses. You were spot on Fred big multi-plugs under tank. All done now,ready for a trip round the Scottish islands next week. Thanks again for all your help.

Happy Biking

Mike