GL1500 Cruise Control

[FuzzyWuzHe]

I am currently riding a buddies 1995 GL1500. I really like the bike and have a great offer to trike it this next winter (thanks Zook). I'm thinking the deciding factor might be if I can get the cruise control working.

Symptoms:

Nothing ... no on/off light, no set light, no cruise.

Fixes to Date:

Checked Fusses .. Okay.

The On/Off switch was not working - took it apart, cleaned with contact cleaner, sprayed with dielectric spray, now power to cruise on light.

Removed handle Bar clutch and brake switches, cleaned and sprayed as above. Still no set light or cruise.

Started the Trouble shooting steps in the shop manual, there are like 17 pages of them and it will require taking all the tupperware off (BMW days raising their ugly head), so, I was hoping someone might have some "typical" places to check. The shop manual mentions a vacuum switch ... since the bike i2 20+ years, I'm guessing the vacuum lines might be cracked. Bike runs really smooth, so who knows.

Anyway ... I'm open to suggestions ..

for now I have a cramp buster that works, but if I have too ... I'll take all the tupperware off to trouble shoot it this winter and while it's off, paint it pearl white ... ... the green is okay, but I really like white vehicles. So if you've got any advice on quick trouble shooting things ... I'd appreciate it.

[grumpy]

Just a thought...check the clutch lever pivot bushing. If it is worn, might not let the clutch switch do its thing properly. Stan

[Papa Zook]

It could be one of several things, the front or rear brake switch, the cruise control module, a corroded or loose connector pin, the speed sensor, tail light bulb, etc. Read the links below for places to look.

http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/2-goldwing-technical-forum/569410-1500-se-cruise-control-problem.html


http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/2-goldwing-technical-forum/435441-odd-gl1500-cruise-problem-help.html

[jfreelan]

I have owned Goldwings since 1992 every time I've run in to a cruise control problem, it ways always one of the release switch at fault, clutch, hand brake, foot brake, levers. If you have chrome levers they will stick the way you can tell is pull them in one at a time and release them slowly at the very end of travel their will be a click, if not push the leaver out if you hear a click while pushing out the leaver. is at fault. Hope this helps if give my a call 662-404=4115

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Thanks for the help guys.

Both the brake switches on the front brake click and seem to work as tested by a meter. Same is true of the clutch switch. Same for the rear brake switch. I'll look again at them tomorrow by checking the levers.

I'll have to join that other forum to get a looks at the linked items and I'll do that too. Looks like good info.

I talked to a Honda dealer ... a friend works there ... he said it's usually around $400 to do the entire trouble shooting ... He's never seen one coast more than $600 including parts ... he also said I could get a friend and family discount if I waited all fall ...

if I don't figure it out by then ... might be the way to go ... me and tricity never have gotten along.

I'll keep plugging along. Thanks guys.

[Marc H]

This is the link that helped me figure mine out.One tip is blow up the pic of the pin locations and print it.The first time I didn't and messed up the whole test.
http://www.goldwingworld.com/pages/cruisecontrol.htm

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Lots of good info here ... thanks guys ... I have a buddy that used to be an electrician in the navy ... he said he'd help me figure it out too. We will start with the tests here.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

okay ... so the buddy and I have spent many hours with the shop manual and various other reference items, some from this very thread. After beating our heads against the bike, w gave up and I made an appointment at the dealer.

The appointment was for today and here is the verdict. The speedo drive unit is shot, and so is the speedo cable. The bike has always had speedo bouncing between 25 and 40 mph. Apparently, the input to the cruise control was almost nil, hence, no cruise. Also, the fork seals are leaking a tad. (not related to the cruise issue) So ... long story short, parts are ordered (who knew when you have a 21 year old bike, no parts are in stock). Altogether the bill will be around $400.

Since it's all apart I agreed. My buddy said if I decide to buy the bike he'd reduce the price by the repair bill. If not, he'd just pay for it (pretty sure I'll be buying it once the cruise works) That will put the cost of the bike to me at about $3700 (includes the $700 for new tires and front and rear bearings I already did) So for $3700 I'll own a rock solid 1995 gl1500 with just at 60k miles. Even if I find a trike I like, I think I'll keep it to cruise around on. If not, I'll probably trike the wing. (thanks Zook)