interstate radio and rain

[bikeslave]

 I have a 99 interstate.i have had the bike several years and its always done this.when i ride in the rain the radio/intercoms quit working.they will work only if i have the kickstand down or the clutch lever pulled in.A couple of hours they will work ok again.Its just a anoying problem.has anyone seen this before.
thanks bikeslave

[Novavalker]

I had a problem where my LCD display and radio would quit intermittently and I stumbled upon the cause by fiddling with the main wiring harness above the swing arm. There is an electrical connector or what I refer to as a jumper block taped up inside the main wiring harness. Unfortunately this jumper block is just forward of the rear tire between the battery box and the swing arm. SO when it rains the wiring harness/jumper block is exposed to road spray. Over time the connections inside the jumper block will corrode and hence all kinds of gremlins appear such as:
•   Stop Lights;
•   Clutch Lever Switch;
•   Side Stand Switch;
•   Neutral Switch;
•   Alternator turn on and voltage sensor wire;
•   Bank angle sensor and relay
•   General grounds


I know the LCD display and radio/CB are also connected through this jumper block too. My CB wouldn't work either ( I would get an ER code) on the display.

The solution was to cut out the jumper block; solder and heat shrink all the connections. Everything works perfectly now
You will need to remove the battery, battery box etc to get access to the wiring harness where the jumper block is taped inside. You will feel a square block inside the wiring harness. That’s the jumper block.

Another on this forum named Friagabi had a similar issue with his Interstate and he produced easy to follow instructions (with pictures) on what wires are to be spliced together, soldered and heat shrink.

I have attached a picture of the jumper block. Note..you won't see because it is taped up inside the main wiring harness.

I can email you the word document instructions on how to fix this.
Anyone with an Interstate should take not of this. That jumper block will give headaches sooner or later.

The Jumper block is the orange connector in the photo.

[bikeslave]

 I really thank you for your input i will check on that block this weekend.
thanks bikeslave

[Novavalker]

I really thank you for your input i will check on that block this weekend.
thanks bikeslave

NP ...just happy to help. I know how frustrating electrical gremlins can be.
I emailed you the word document with all the pictures and step by step instructions.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I lost my Xm the other day in the rain and a few miles later the bike radio quit and the screen went blank. The only thing working was the fuel guage. It  was pouring down and raining sideways. After a few miles and the rain letting up the radio and screen return to normal. The XM came back after setting overnight in the garage.

[TomL]

Thanks for heads-up also on the power problem.  I will also watch it for that issue.  Good stuff you gave out bro.

Tom(treefarmer)
vrcc22858

[Steve K (IA)]

I learned this 9 years ago, the first time the radio control got wet.  ALWAYS keep a ZipLock sandwich bag or 2 in the trunk.  When your out riding and it starts to look like rain, cover the control unit.  I do the same with my XM.  Also when washing the bike, make sure to cover the control.  I haven't had a problem since.  I did take the unit apart last year to clean the contacts because the volume wasn't working properly.