Topic: Way to test controls off the bike?

[jakec]

I just did some soldering on my left side switch pod. The fiberglass plate for the hi/lo switch broke so I just soldered a new switch into my old switch pod. Unfortunately the sheathing on the wires got really hot and melted a bit. I was able to separate the middle (black/yellow) wire from the other two (white and blue) wires. And the covered it in that liquid electrical tape substance that has worked for me in the past. I'm a little worried about the wires crossing since the sheathing is scarce, though.

I'm wondering if I can test it, like hook up the switch pod, battery, and headlight somehow (bike is in boxes) and see if the switch is working properly.

[Don R]

 You can make up a test light easy enough with any old light socket that has wires on it. If you want to get fancy, add some alligator clips or battery charger type clips. Or get a cheap meter at harbor freight.

[jakec]

Since I want to test the hi/lo, it would be easiest to connect to the actual headlight. I’m wondering if I can hook up the black and green to the battery and the headlight will come on (without damagin anything somehow).

[Don R]

sure

[mrbreeze]

If you want to test on the bench you will need a 12 volt battery or power supply, a test light or meter, and a wiring diagram. Figure out which wires to hook your power and ground to and then just go through each function of the switches. Check for power at the appropriate wire.