Trouble shooting - Goldwing reverse light keeps blinking

[Eck]

Reverse Light Blinks

Sitting still at an idle in neutral, the reverse light blinks. If you press the reverse button to engage reverse the neutral light goes out and it will not go into reverse. It will run fine all day with the reverse light blinking all the time.

FIX: Remove the right hand side lower chrome engine cover. Look just above the oil filler cap for a rubber boot. Pull the rubber boot back and make sure the nut is tight on the stud that holds the wire on. But DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN IT, the stud is brass and will break off easily. It just needs to be snug enough to provide good electrical contact. A bit beyond finger tight is good enough. If you got pocket knife clean off the connector and then re-tighten. The rubber boot covers the reverse position sensor in the transmission. It provides a ground for the reverse system when the bike is not in reverse. If it is loose it will cause the reverse light to blink and it can also prevent your starter from working. See below pic.

 

 

If the nut is tight on the reverse switch, you could pull the seat and pull and reseat the 3 reverse relays in the bank. There are only 2 types of relays, 4 leg and 5 leg, and the 4 legs are interchangeable with other 4 legs, same with the 5 legs. Just pay attention to where the suspected bad relay goes, so you can identify it later. This kind of becomes like the shell game where you try to find the pea. So mark the original relays before you start moving them around.

I'm sure you know, but the relay box is under the seat.

Edited September 25, 2013 by Eck

[Hummingbird]

I'm sure you know, but the relay box is under the seat.

 

No, I didn't know - Thanks