Help! Electrical problem!!!

[arthureld]

Not me and I've rode 1000s of miles in the rain. And I washed my bike with pressure washers a bunch of times even though everyone says not to. I just stand back a couple feet.

[JD]

If you get water inside the ignition switch or handlebar controls, yeah, this isn't terribly uncommon, however, of your starter is clicking, that is often a sign of a weak battery. A simple battery load test will answer that question. But if it starts otherwise normal (without additional charging) then something got wet. I always put some dielectric grease on fuse sockets and electrical connections as a preventive measure, right when I first take ownership of any bike.

[Horse]

Consider what is happening when you wash your bike. House pressure (garden hose) maybe 60 / 70 psi.
Pressure washing, several hundred psi or more (bad). Riding in the rain psi is low, 60 mph does not equal 60psi. Protest the electronics from water,..

[royd]

If you get water inside the ignition switch or handlebar controls, yeah, this isn't terribly uncommon, however, of your starter is clicking, that is often a sign of a weak battery. A simple battery load test will answer that question. But if it starts otherwise normal (without additional charging) then something got wet. I always put some dielectric grease on fuse sockets and electrical connections as a preventive measure, right when I first take ownership of any bike.

Where would I find dialectric grease? And how would I apply it?

[arthureld]

You can get dialectric grease at any auto parts store. Since it's not electricly conductive, you can smear it on heavy without hurting anything. Just try to make sure all of the electrical connections that might get wet are covered in it.
Take your battery cables off and clean them and the terminals with a wire brush. Cover the terminals with the dialectric grease and put the cables back on. Put a glob of grease on top of the terminals.

[royd]

thanks Art.