Author Topic: 2012 Glee electrical issue (Read 10475 times)

Brockett · « **Reply #20 on:** February 02, 2017, 17:23:39 »

Is that the same problem first reported here by former forum member "Fatbelly" where cable sheath is rubbing on the frame?

UK_Vstrom650 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 02, 2017, 22:10:07 »

Leaving the left handlebar switch and kill switch disconnected, I can get the dash to react near the frame chaffing area in Fatbelly's post... I've arranged for a Suzuki dealer to collect it as if it is that issue that's caused it then I'll be hoping they'll will rectify it.

Plugging the switches back in makes no difference.

Here's a video (if it works):

alibx11 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 02, 2017, 22:28:20 »

As I posted earlier... it would have been my first check point with your symptoms.

I suspect a Suzuki dealer would want to replace the loom if that is the issue as they would be reluctant to warranty a repair fix, and a loom will not be cheap.

A decent autospark could repair for a lot less money and while it's off do a more protective casing to prevent it happening again.

greywolf · « **Reply #23 on:** February 03, 2017, 00:21:02 »

Many more UK bikes develop that problem than any other country I've seen. I'm pretty sure it's because of riding on wet, salted streets. As I see it, the salt water seeps into the wiring harness, corroding the crimp connections inside the loom. The corrosion causes poor conductivity, creating heat. The heat softens the insulation, allowing the wires to contact the frame. That creates even more heat until the area over the frame gets cooked and shorts out.

It's often attributed to a rough or sharp area on the frame but it's rare in places without salt water and I never found a rough or sharp spot on my bike. The pictures of damage I've seen look like widespread heat damage rather than cutting.

Hugo Magnus · « **Reply #24 on:** February 03, 2017, 09:09:04 »

GW the roads are so rough in the UK it's like a third world country. So our bikes get well rattled

Hondaman · « **Reply #25 on:** February 03, 2017, 09:14:30 »

And their riders Hugo.
Makes me laugh when you see those in sporty cars with sporty skinny sidewalled tyres - is there anything less practical on bumpy, potholed, badly patched roads....

greywolf · « **Reply #26 on:** February 03, 2017, 12:31:02 »

I still think it's the salt. Every time I remember a report of a wiring loom going bad, it's from a UK rider in winter except for one USA member who rides all winter on salty roads. He had his entire wiring harness replaced. I would not ride on salt. Maybe my thinking is influenced by that.

UK_Vstrom650 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 03, 2017, 15:52:03 »

If I was to fit a new wiring loom, how difficult would it be, I.e. can I leave the engine in place? Just wondering whether I should source a used replacement?

alibx11 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 03, 2017, 18:39:46 »

Don't see why the engine would have to come out, the electrics tend to run along the top of the frame and branches off to each sensor, light etc...

Personaly I would just mark old connectors as I disconnect them with description of connector or placement, take photos of wiring placement as you remove, then match it against another loom and mark those connectors accordingly and fit.

Wait to have it confirmed by the dealer first though, but don't think it'd be too hard a job.

Sure working on the bike is half the fun of owning one...

Hugh Mungus · « **Reply #29 on:** February 03, 2017, 20:32:51 »

It's not that difficult to replace a loom. Just be methodical and as suggested earlier take plenty of photo's. You don't need to remove the engine although it may get tricky in places.

UK_Vstrom650 · « **Reply #30 on:** February 03, 2017, 22:57:07 »

Spoke to my dealer earlier today. He says they'll check the wiring harness and submit a report to Suzuki and see what they have to say... backup plan is to source a used loom and fit it myself.

Typical timing as I was free tomorrow for going out on the bike

Plumbit101 · « **Reply #31 on:** February 05, 2017, 08:34:15 »

I had exactly the same issue as you have with my 2012 650, It wasn't until I took the wiring loom out that I found 6 wires had melted together on the frame rub point near to the battery. Luckily for me I got a 2015 loom from ebay for £80 and fitted myself adding inner tube to the same rub point so it wouldn't happen again. Removing the loom is pretty easy but some of the connectors are awkward to get to, I started at the front and worked back taking photos as I went, only the air box and battery box need to be removed. Whole job took less than 3 hours.

vstroman · « **Reply #32 on:** February 05, 2017, 19:28:54 »

Is there a thread with some pictures of how to protect the loom at the point where it's melting/chafing?

greywolf · « **Reply #33 on:** February 05, 2017, 19:48:11 »

I reached up under the left side of the seat to locate the area where the wiring harness passed over the crosswise frame piece. I just cut a piece of plastic to be pushed in between the two. It wound up being about 2" x 4". Once in place, I added a little silicone seal where the plastic met the frame to keep it from working out.

vstroman · « **Reply #34 on:** February 05, 2017, 20:46:25 »

Thanks Greywolf, I'll have a look to see if I can figure out where you mean.
Prevention is always better than cure.

Hondaman · « **Reply #35 on:** February 05, 2017, 20:53:42 »

I'll take a pic tomorrow.
I put a piece of 1/2'' workshop mat foam there when I bought the bike.

vstroman · « **Reply #36 on:** February 05, 2017, 21:04:45 »

Thanks Hondaman.

user650 · « **Reply #37 on:** February 05, 2017, 21:06:13 »

Have a read here

http://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=16745.0

greywolf · « **Reply #38 on:** February 05, 2017, 22:21:59 »

Good reminder. I forgot about a possible zip tie problem.

Hondaman · « **Reply #39 on:** February 06, 2017, 16:35:11 »

Not the best pic but may give you an idea. Protect under the loom where it runs over the frame.