Seems HOT

[griz01]

I believe Chief & I are saying the same thing, just in differant ways. 

[Troll]

My pleasure. These lights can get a little confusing at times...I had an ERC student start waving his hand  at me on the range. When I came over to see what the problem was, he pointed to the oil light on his Sportster...it was on...but then he had stalled the engine.

[plevine1]

Thanks for clearing this up. I lights don't turn on once the bike is started

[Troll]

    The oil pressure light COULD stay on for a couple of seconds after engine start, or as long as it takes to build oil pressure. As long as the light comes on when the engine is not running, and goes off when it is, then all is well. If the light comes on when the engine is running, then there is a problem. The EFI light should come on for a couple of seconds while the computer does a self check, and then go off whether the engine is running or not. The temp. light comes on for 2 seconds for a system check at key on and should not come on unless the engine temp. gets too high.  The low fuel light is a completely different circuit, and come on when it feels like it, since it's connected to the fuel sensor in the tank.

[plevine1]

That is exactly how an Oil Pressure light is supposed to work! Be it Car, Truck, or Motorcycle; key on, light is on until the engine starts; then light goes out within a few seconds after motor is running.

Humm..... I will always admit to the things I know nothing about and this is one of them. You say the light should stay on until the engine starts (which is exactly what happens). Chief says that the light (as all the lights) should stay on for a few seconds then shut off prior to the engine starting.

I guess I'm still confused.

[griz01]

That is exactly how an Oil Pressure light is supposed to work! Be it Car, Truck, or Motorcycle; key on, light is on until the engine starts; then light goes out within a few seconds after motor is running.

[plevine1]

ok, you are talking about the oil pressure light. It stays om for about 3 seconds after startup. thats normal.

The light is on the right side directly below the FI light. In my case that light remains on until I actually start the bike. All the other lights do shut off after a few seconds.

[chief]

ok, you are talking about the oil pressure light. It stays om for about 3 seconds after startup. thats normal.

[plevine1]

No way the temperature is high enough to set off the light if you haven't ridden the bike.

I ride all the time. It has been very hot here in NJ recently and the bike seems to be hotter than normal. I have a 99 1500. I thought it was my water temp light. I plan on changing my oil during the week. I changed it about 3k ago but due to the heat will do it earlier then I would normally.

I just hope it's not an early warning that my oil pump is on the way out.

[plevine1]

I see said the blind man.
How long should the oil pressure light stay on? It does go off once I start the bike.

[chief]

No way the temperature is high enough to set off the light if you haven't ridden the bike.

[griz01]

did not state what year you have, but on the 99 & 2000 the light below the FI is the oil warning light, stays on until bike has oil pressure, don't know if the 01 & up are differant,

"Topping off" coolant, is possible by using the expansion tank under the side cover on the bike. Fiil tank to the full mark, go for a ride, let cool down and check the coolant  level in the expansion tank; repeat as needed. The level should remain fairly constant. Should not need to be "topped" unless there is a leak somewhere

[plevine1]

I checked my FI Indicator for errors and the good news is that it doesnt reflect any.
When I turn my key to the on position (without starting bike) my temp warning light (directly below FI indicator light) remains on until I actually start the bike, it then turns off. No other lights remain on.

Is the only method of topping off the cooling system (assuming it's required) lifting the tank? Should the light turn off as do all the other lights?