AJA
XS400 New Member
Hello, I have a 1979 XS400 with a dim headlight because the wires for the headlight only outputs ~11VDC. I traced the wires from the battery and found that everything past the main fuse has a voltage drop (~1VDC drop). If I disconnect the red wires from the PAMCO ignition, it eliminates the voltage drop.
I noticed during my troubleshooting that the (stock) coils get warm/hot when the ignition is on (engine not running), which also seems odd. I have tried disconnecting the red coil wires, but it does not change the voltage. The other wires on the PAMCO also don’t affect the voltage… only disconnecting the red wires.
I also have had a problem where my battery drains on long rides which causes the bike to die. I had always thought this was the headlight that drained the battery, but I suspect that the two issues are related.
Full disclosure, I have eliminated the headlight cutout relay, and turn signal cancelling unit when I built the bike, but the fact that everything goes back to normal voltage as soon as I disconnect the red wires from the PAMCO Ignition tells me that the PAMCO is causing the issue.
I have attached a modified wiring schematic showing my modifications, as well as the PAMCO ignition hookup.
Looking for some advice on how to fix the issue. Any advice is appreciated.
I noticed during my troubleshooting that the (stock) coils get warm/hot when the ignition is on (engine not running), which also seems odd. I have tried disconnecting the red coil wires, but it does not change the voltage. The other wires on the PAMCO also don’t affect the voltage… only disconnecting the red wires.
I also have had a problem where my battery drains on long rides which causes the bike to die. I had always thought this was the headlight that drained the battery, but I suspect that the two issues are related.
Full disclosure, I have eliminated the headlight cutout relay, and turn signal cancelling unit when I built the bike, but the fact that everything goes back to normal voltage as soon as I disconnect the red wires from the PAMCO Ignition tells me that the PAMCO is causing the issue.
I have attached a modified wiring schematic showing my modifications, as well as the PAMCO ignition hookup.
Looking for some advice on how to fix the issue. Any advice is appreciated.