Rear Lights Not Working

I have a 1982 550 SECA that I just bought last week. The rear running lights are not working when the engine is running. The brake lights are working and I noticed toady that when I switch the key to the "P" position (I assume that stands for Park), that the rear lights go on.

Should the rear lights be whenever the engine is running, just like the head light?

 

Most of the XJ's don't have running lights. One way to check is the bulb type. Running lights use 1157 dual filament bulbs and indicators use 1156 single filament. So they only work as turn indicators. The brake light is supposed to be on in the park position.

 

I find this hard to believe.

This seems like it would be completely unsafe to not have a light in the back when it is night time. Are you sure about the not running light situation?

 

Oh, I did check and they are 1157's. The brake lights work great and the lights are less bright when you switch the key postition to "P".

 

Go to this site and look for your bike to get a good electrical diagram. Get out your multi meter and start checking. These bikes are notorious for electrical issues.

 

Not quite what I meant. The amber turn signal lights may not light up all the time but the brake light should. The 1157's you found in it are for that purpose. One filament burns all the time, (or in the park setting) and the other lights when the brake is applied. So yes, you should have a rear light on at all times.

 

Thanks for the schematics link daveflick.

Also thanks for the clarification BlueMaxim.

I will have to get the meter out and start checking things out and track down the problem.

I got a few months to do that now that the cold is setting in.

I welcome any other comments from anyone else who has had the same problem.