Thread: Dim Lights, Battery Issue or Wiring??

With the key in the first ON position the horn and brake light should work even when the engine is not running. With the key in the second ON position the tail light will illuminate, the brake light and horn should work when actuated even if the engine is off. Check both those positions and see what you got. Is it a sealed or unsealed battery you installed? Did you put battery acid in it and charge it as required prior to it's first use? The head light is naturally dim at engine idle. Once the engine speeds up it does brighten.

Check the fuse and fuse holder located on battery harness.

Connect a meter to your battery output leads, what is the voltage reading? Should be greater than 6 volts dc.

If you have dim lights, the #1 and #2 causes are bad grounds or too much resistance in the wires. The easiest solution is to replace the complete wiring harness since most of the original connectors are corroded raising the resistance thus dimming the lights.

This takes into consideration:

1. You have a good battery
2. Your lighting coils are working properly

Speaking of replacing the wiring harness, is this an extremely time consuming job?

Originally Posted by Campn Dad

Speaking of replacing the wiring harness, is this an extremely time consuming job?

The battery, battery tray, seat hinge, air filter canister (to remove and reinstall fuel lines), ignition switch, headlight, and gas tank & bracket all need removed to replace the wire harness. It can all be out and back in in less than an hour if you know what you're doing.