low fuel light

[Dr. Strangelove]

doesn't this illuminate at start then go out if there is enough fuel?

I had to replace my left turn signal indicator telltale and as I was doing so I noticed the amber fuel light was not lighting on boot, ie ignition on, no turnover.

replaced the indicator light on the turn signal...fine

replaced the bulb on the low fuel---> no joy

swapped the high beam telltale bulb, which was working, to the low fuel---> no light

put new bulb, previously tried on the low fuel in high beam telltale, light

I really really don't want to take the dash apart, but I am having a senior moment about whether the amber light illumes on boot

tia

John

[n9owk66]

the low fuel light on my r only comes on when the fuel is low

[Dr. Strangelove]

Thanks, but it seems like it should go on when the ignition is on and before the starter button is pressed, if only to show that the light is working.

[Rog(UK) - Yorkshire Dales]

The low fuel light on my Rockster does not come on when the ignition is switched on unless the fuel level is already low.

Rog

[Dr. Strangelove]

ok, obviously a senior moment for me. I will just have to go on a ride and burn some gas.

Thanks

John

[Sunbeemer]

Hey Doc, where did you find a bulb for the dash panel telltale light?

[towerworker]

John, I confirm what others have said---only burns when low. My senior moments come a tad more frequent as well.

regards,
Wayne

[Dr. Strangelove]

Thanks, Wayne, but it really should go on w ignition just to show the bulb is working.

And, Rich, Advance Auto had some Philips #74 bulbs, 2 for 4.99 I think, on an aisle in a blister pack with the rest of the bulbs. I didn't look at pepboys or napa or autozone, but I bet they have them also.

And my good fellows there is a trick to getting them out. Actually, two tricks.

It appears from searching the literature that some are able to pull out the rubber housing to get to the bulb, while others do not have enough slack behind the dash to pull the housing free.
I was lucky.

First you pry off the bezel. Use your fingernails or be careful not to scratch the dash
Second, behind the bezel--which is polarized, btw, for proper orientation with re-install--is the black rubber housing for the bulb. it too is polarized, but-trick one coming- there is a bump on the housing that will hang up "delivery" of the housing, unless you turn it 180 degrees and allow the "bump" to pass through the notch at the top of the opening...the notch that polarizes the whole thing. You'll get about half inch out before the bump hangs you up...turn 180...deliver the bump through the notch. If yours is like mine you'll have it out completely, but not a whole lot of room to work. It helps to remove your windscreen for all the body English to come.

Third, now you have to get the bulb out...trick two. Remember the "bump" on the housing? It actually has a purpose, and none of this is in Clymer's, though it may be somewhere else???
On the underside of the bump, the side that faces the front wheel, are two small holes. The trick...Get a paperclip or something narrow that can fit through those holes. I had some applicator sticks---the medical version of a 7" Q tip with a wooden stalk. Poke the "whatever you're going to use" through those holes, I just used one, and push the bulb out of the holder. A stiff ballpoint refill will do also.

The base of the bulb is spade shaped and slides in and out to engage or disengage. No twisting at all. You will feel and see the bulb free in the housing. To put the new bulb in look at where you're going with it. The way the female part is designed it is possible to disorient it 90 degrees to the proper fitment, so look down there, and using a tweezers or fine hemostat, put the bulb in the socket. I used a pencil top eraser to push it fully in.

Test it and if all is fine reassemble.

I would have taken pictures, but it was one of those frustrating things and maybe I was a little lazy. The other thing I was lazy about was getting the bulbs. Doing a search you'll find people who ordered special bulbs from the UK, and they do look cool. I just wanted to get it done, though.

John

Hope this helps someone out there

[Hottech]

I pulled my fuel filter out of the tank for the external filter modification and was a bit concerned that my low fuel light was not coming on. Figured I screwed the float or something else up on the reinstall. It usually came on around 175 miles but with the fuel filter out of the tank it came on at 200 miles. Sure was happy to see it working, just not sure how far I can go with the light on. Filled up at the first gas station and it took 4.1 gallons.

[Sunbeemer]

Thanks John, that's good info for future reference.
You've shown us the light!