Running light/ License plate light issues - at my wits end!!!

[oldskoolsleeper]

First off this is my first post and I want to say hello to this board I look forward to conversing with all of you.
On to the problem...

2008 zuma 50, only mod is dual headlight mod
I have been messing with this bug for quite a while and it gets scary in the dark without a rear light whatsoever...

When the main switch is turned on, everything works except for my rear running light and license plate light.

According to the schematic online, there is a common ground for these lights and the turn signals and brake light, so I don't see how it could be a ground issue since the brake light and turns work...

Ive checked both bulbs and sockets for continuity and they are fine. I don't know how this happened but if anyone could shed some light or tell me where to go from here it would be much appreciated!!

[zeonsredcomet]

check your relay i would think have you tried that and your harness make sure everything is tight. Im not an electrical expert by any means but still check the relay and fuses and such take panels off and check the rear assembly

[florida derbi rocket]

running lights only work when the motor is spinning.they are not connected to the battery, just the stator.....no spin,no juice.

[zeonsredcomet]

yah know i was thinking that too derbi but i didnt say it! yeah make sure your stator is spinning and the copper poles and such are still good to go because if not you get no power

[ZUMIKE]

Weird my old 2005 running lights work with the engine off, that and the fuel gauge comes on with the switch turned to run and engine off

[BWSman67]

@ the OP; since there is no problem with the brake part of the tail/brake light, check to see if the wire does not have a break in it (put an ohmmeter on both end of the wire; if there is no resistance, you're OK). Next; put a voltmeter from the harness connection to the ground to check for a voltage drop. I don't know if the taillight & licence light share a power connection; but I'm guessing that they do.

You have made a good start by checking the bulbs & sockets. Just continue tracing the wiring back to the battery by testing what I suggested above.

[BWSman67]

running lights only work when the motor is spinning.they are not connected to the battery, just the stator.....no spin,no juice.

The only light that doesn't run off the battery is the headlight. All other lights are live when the switch is turned on.

[majesus]

This should be a simple troubleshoot problem as it is not intermittent. Those are the head scratchers. As mentioned by others, I am confirming that the backlight is ON when ignition is ON.

See schematic attachment with my post and review the yellow sticky notes. Since you mention your turning lights and brake light is working, then the brown (+) has power when the ignition light is on. This actually makes things easier as it confirms that the ignition switch and fuse is ok.

With ignition on, check voltage at the bulb terminals use battery (-) as common reference (Ground). See if there is even voltage there first. Broken bulb? (Might as well ask in the troubleshoot process...)

If no voltage, locate and check that disconnect terminal that I show in the yellow sticky on schematic. If still no voltage, then you will have to trace back from there as I circled in red. Based on the symptoms you described, it has to be a disconnect issue somewhere in that region.

Let us know how it goes.
Cheers,
Majesus