Electrical idiocy

[gh900]

Hi

Hope someone can help. In a rush to get my 1995 900SS started last week, I connected jump leads from my car to the wrong battery terminals.

This blew the 15A fuse in the fuse box, and the big 30A fuse by the battery holder.

I took the battery out, topped up the cells which were very low, and recharged on the Optimiser for a few days. Armed with fresh fuses, I tried again at the weekend.

This time the 15A fuse blew, but not the 30A one, but more worryingly, a small puff of smoke came out of the switchgear by the starter button.

I read this thread: http://www.ducatisportingclub.com/showthread.php?t=12830 but I'm still not sure what I should try next.

Is it likely that the battery needs replacing as well as the regulator, plus checking for any melted insulation causing a short ? I don't have a multi- meter, so can't check the battery voltage either.

Any advice gratefully received.

Gareth

[Iconic944ss]

Hi Gareth,

I see I replied on the thread link too - I think it covers most of the main points anyway.

I had to have a look at my fuse cover to remember what is what...

20A = Master
15A = 1) Ignition / Fuel pump 2) Hi & Lo Beam

You will need to get hold of a multimeter, Maplin do some good automotive types at reasonable prices.

The switch gear is very fragile at the best of times, I think the starter button uses the handle bar as an earth from memory but, like you, I think some insulation might have melted so have a detective job on your hands too.

Hopefully its mainly just regulator gone; £90 from...

http://www.electrexworld.co.uk/rr451-regulator-rectifier-8310-0.html

guess you will have it already but quite a few good tips in the WSM, hope this link works for you:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/26653469/Workshop_Manual_SS.pdf

Good luck - Frank

[FoxCorp]

Or you can get a new rectifier for £30 on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200517088102&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

[gh900]

Thanks for the replies - I'll post any progress here. Wish me luck !

I've got the WSM, so will have a read.

Gareth