Clock stopped working

[Motocod]

That's weird, got the bike out this morning to take it for an MoT, and the clock has stopped working. Any ideas why that might be?! Bloody annoying, it's really useful, and you don't realise how much until it's not there.

Nik

[Blackal]

Nik, do a search for "clock" - I'm sure this has come up before, but I can't remember the answer.

Al

[Motocod]

Thanks Al. Seems like it could be related to the horn circuit, so hopefully that's still working for the MoT... If not it looks like I'll be rooting around in the fairing.

Nik

[Motocod]

Well predictably it's failed the MoT test. So off down to the garage to try and figure this out. I hate electrics

[Motocod]

Also failed on headlight aim too low (that'll be due to running max preload at the rear), and rear pads too low. Just called my local BMW dealer and they want £67 for pads - James Sherlock has them for £15!

Regarding the clock/horn fuse, any ideas on what could cause it to blow?

[Blackal]

Clock and horn share the same fuse. Just renew the fuse initially, could just have been a surge to your horn.

If the second fuse fails - I'd put a Multimeter (which has an inline 10A measuring capability) in that circuit - and see what is going on.

Could easily be a short to earth in that circuit.

Al

[Motocod]

I believe the accessory socket is also on that circuit. I pulled the connector off the back of it and it's quite corroded, so perhaps it might be that.

New fuse in and order is restored. Wish the little fuse box was a bit easier to access!

Nik

[Blackal]

That rings a bell! It'd be unlikely to be another fault.

That socket is very prone to damage.

Al

[Motocod]

Still a bit mystified by what caused this, but all working at the moment!

[Motocod]

So... Bike ok yesterday, left it overnight and its blown the fuse again.

A couple of questions:

1. Should this circuit be running a 10A or 15A fuse? It's blown two 10A fuses now, and I've replaced it with a 15A (possibly unwise?).

2. Could my solar panel charger be causing this? Seems unlikely! It's plugged it to the accessory socket. My feeling is that perhaps the accessory socket cable might be rubbing on the frame somewhere.

A colleague at work suggested the horn itself could go quite high resistance due to corrosion, but presumably this would only cause a few to blow when you press the horn, and not while the bike is parked up overnight.

A bit mystified my electrics, so would welcome any advice!

Nik

[Blackal]

A short to the frame (and hence -ve battery terminal) can easily create the current flow to blow the fuse (think it is a 10A).

Current flow depends on potential difference, and between 12v and 0v - is as high as it can (potentially) get.

If the horn goes "high resistance" - it won't draw more current, it will draw less.

Your solar panel is likely producing voltage around 13v only, which when charging a battery with say 12.5v float - is not going to be a lot of current flow.

I reckon you have a short somewhere in that circuit

Al

[Boxermed69]

Pretty sure it should be a 15A fuse for the accessory socket - I pulled the bugger enough times trying to sort a lack of power to mine...

I was assuming you're talking R11S

Mike

[Motocod]

Yes, R11S.

I'm pretty convinced it's the accessory socket cable that's trapped between the airbox and frame. I'll take it out over the weekend and check.

Nik