Igniton switch wiring harness problem

KEYSMAN · Post by **KEYSMAN** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 2:50 pm

The last few times I rode my 81 CBX, it was cutting out, as in engine trying to shut off and the lights going off but would either keep running or would immediately restart. On Weds afternoon, I started it and it ran fine for a few minutes, brought it out front, and it quit and was totally dead,as in no power.
After checking battery, fuses, and looking at the wires I discovered wires pulled out of the plug on the ignition switch. It appears that a previous owner somehow put the clutch cable under the wires and the movement over the years somehow pulled the wires loose. I unwrapped the wiring pigtail and found where wires had been soldered together and it looks like someone has redone the wiring there for what ever reason.
The red wire is still in the plug and I assume it's the battery wire. There's a small wire still attached, which I assume is the taillight wire as the tail lights come on with the key turned on. All the other wires are all pulled out. I don't have a 1981 service manual, it's for a 1980 and I'm not sure the the wiring colors are the same. The schematic I found on line is not clear on the color labelling and if I zoom it in, it looses it's clarity.
So, here's the question...anyone have a wiring schematic they can look at and tell me what wire goes where? Or, possibly, if someone could look at their 81 CBX, and tell me where the wires go in relation to the thick red one. If so, that would be great. I thank anyone in advance for any help and apologize this is so long.

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 3:29 pm

I have an excellent Hi Def 79/80 wiring diagram that I can post which may help but I will await & see if anyone has the later...

KEYSMAN · Post by **KEYSMAN** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 9:21 am

That would be helpful but I will wait to see if anyone else has anything also.

EMS · Post by **EMS** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 11:04 am

Only wiring diagram for 81 I have is the one in the service manual. It is black and white and indicates the wire colors attached to the ignition switch in the schematic from left to right:
Bk = Black, R = Red, Br = Brown, Br/W = Brown/White, LG/Bk = Light Green/Black and Br = Brown
I can scan it and post the picture of the detail

KEYSMAN · Post by **KEYSMAN** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 9:34 am

That would give me a place to start and I can make sure the wires are indeed the correct colors.

KEYSMAN · Post by **KEYSMAN** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 10:43 pm

With EMS's info, someone sending me a nicely scanned wire schematic, and a little experimentation on seeing what wire did what, I have repaired the problem and now have a running X again. I also put in wire additions to extend the pigtail to the switch plug and route it a bit further away from the clutch cable. Thanks to all who helped with info. Much appreciated.

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 7:19 am

Many thanks for the feedback, good news indeed....