low fuel light not working.

[ThomasMagna]

When I got Burgundy Betty, '82 V45, the low or reserve fuel light didn't work. I tried to get into the housing of the instrument panel to see if the light was burned out. The manual says something about the removing two screws that secure the front cover. I tried but couldn't do it. It isn't clear which two screws they are talking about. The ones I was able to get out didn't release the cover.

Can anybody give me a clue? I have run out of gas once. I use the odometer as a gage, but my milage fell off for a time last summer (and again this winter) so the odometer gage was way off. I am back to my normal milage but it would still be nice to have that light.

Thanks

[mike86ttype]

ground the two wires together on the sensor and see if the low fuel light comes on. if it does then the sensor is bad. if not it is the gauges. If it is the sensor take it out and clean it and it may work.

[ThomasMagna]

Thanks Mike,

That's so logical that I am embarrassed that I didn't think of it. I'm still learning the game and I am too focused and not letting my problem solving skills a chance.

So, thanks for the tip and changing my paradigm a bit.

[mike86ttype]

i just got my magna 2 weeks ago and learned everything from this forum. http://www.v4hondabbs.com/

[ThomasMagna]

Mike,

If you learned everything in two weeks, you are a lot smarter than I ever hope to be. Well, you said you had the magna for two weeks. I have been and do go to that forum, but I like this one much more. That's me.

Haven't tried the test yet. I'll get to it after work or when I take a break.

The question still remains though. If it is the bulb and not the sensor, how do I get too it?

Thanks again Mike, I start cruising that site more often.

[mike86ttype]

im not that smart. i just had that problem with the sensor or thought i did and  searched the other the forum. There is a download on the other forum for the service manual and i think it should have a how to on replacing the bulb. let me see if i can find it
http://thepit.shacknet.nu/honda/
it may take a while and sometime it reaches it download limit so try it often. i just downloaded last weekend.

[ThomasMagna]

Mike,

Experience is a great teacher. I do have a Clymer manual, that is where I got the thing about two screws holding the face to the body of the instrument cluster. I just haven't found the correct two screws. I need an exploded view or something so I can see it.

As for the download on a manual, I am in the dark ages. My modem speed at it's best is 36k. The down load time is several hours. I also use the free library connection and that isn't all that reliable. I get disconnected often. I'll have to take the lap top to someplace with a wireless connection.

The problem is minor since it doesn't stop me from riding. I'll take a look around on the other site and some others that I have found. Thanks for your time and trouble.

[silveradocowboy]

Thomas, maybe this breakdown will help.

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http://www.geocities.com/silverado_cowboy_2000/0037a.jpg

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http://www.geocities.com/silverado_cowboy_2000/0037b.jpg

[Aurox]

When you first turn on your key, they low fuel light should come on.  Mine didn't for years.  Last weekend, I pulled off and reseated the connections on the switch (under the seat) and now the light comes on.

HOWEVER, switch still does not work, as I was riding it this evening trying to see if it would come on and ran out of gas at 141 miles.  Fortunately, I was at an intersection and gas station was right across the street.

Will try shorting the switch out and see if I get anything different in the way of results.

When removing the switch, does it need to be sealed with anything when reinstalled?

Thanks all,

[ThomasMagna]

First, let me thank Jeff for the blow up. I can't say that it has helped me yet for sure. I did the shorting out thing and it isn't the bulb. I think I found the right screws from it and will check it out.

I also want to know if there is any seals or such for re-instalation. Also, should I run out the main tank and most of the secondary tank before I take out the sensor?

How do you clean it? I shined up the connectors before reconnecting and that didn't help.

[ThomasMagna]

Aurox,

Wasn't looking in the right spot in manual. It's in the electrical part. Clymer says to replace o-ring and put non-hardening gasket sealer on the threads.

Also says that if bulb and wiring are good, the sensor is bad. No fix listed.

Answered my own question. I'll have to keep that in mind before I come crying to the forum again.