Topic: Squeak then nothing...

[billstron]

I tried to start my bike this moring, and something bad happened.  That is not too unusual for me, the problem is that I can't figure out what bad happened.  I turned the key.  Then hit the starter button.  I heard a squeek from the left or driver side, and all electrical went dead.  Anyone have an idea what happened? 

[Einyodeler]

Blow the main fuse ?

[MrZxp]

Blow the main fuse ?

Yep, that would be my guess also.... you're in for some fun,  scouring your loom, checking inside your headlight etc looking for the culprit... have a few spare fuses on hand and enjoy!

[scunny]

it also could be a bad connection at the battery/solenoid/ or earth. look at the big wires first, then move on to the intricacies of autocycle wiring.

[oldbiker]

If it is the main fuse that has blown, you do not need a load of fuses. Connect a spare 12v bulb (about 5-10watt) in place of the fuse. Switch on and if there is indeed a short-circuit in the loom, the bulb will light up and will also protect the wiring from any excess current flow.
Now search round until you find the fault and when you do the bulb will go out. Cure the fault and then replace the bulb by a new fuse..JOB DONE.

[billstron]

Thanks for all of your help.  It appears that I have a bad connection at my ignition key.  After looking on the forum for a bit, I decided to give that a try, and thank god, it worked.  No endlessly searching trough the wiring for me (well... I probably just jinxed myself).  I Will have to fix that connection, but at least I know what is wrong. 

Thanks Again.

[nickjtc]

If it is the main fuse that has blown, you do not need a load of fuses. Connect a spare 12v bulb (about 5-10watt) in place of the fuse. Switch on and if there is indeed a short-circuit in the loom, the bulb will light up and will also protect the wiring from any excess current flow.
Now search round until you find the fault and when you do the bulb will go out. Cure the fault and then replace the bulb by a new fuse..JOB DONE.

Now that's a useful tip. Thanks!

[DrMark]

I like the tip about the bulb from OldBiker. I made a copy and stuck it into my manual. Thanks, DrMark

[KB02]

If it is the main fuse that has blown, you do not need a load of fuses. Connect a spare 12v bulb (about 5-10watt) in place of the fuse. Switch on and if there is indeed a short-circuit in the loom, the bulb will light up and will also protect the wiring from any excess current flow.
Now search round until you find the fault and when you do the bulb will go out. Cure the fault and then replace the bulb by a new fuse..JOB DONE.

Would this be done with the key turned on or off?

[oldbiker]

Turned on. You only have a short causing trouble when the key is turned on. Note though that the coils and alternator field will always draw current when the key is on, so it may be necessary to disconnect the coils and the alternator field lead to avoid false indication.