working properly; and (3) that you are familiar with the test equipment and itsoperation. If a test result shows that acomponent is defective, have a Suzukidealer
retest
the component to verify your test results prior to purchasing thenew part.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS
The Suzuki Interceptor is equipped with manyelectrical components, connectors and wires. Corro-sion-causing moisture can enter these electrical con-nectors and cause poor electrical connections leadingto component failure. Troubleshooting an electricalcircuit with one or more corroded electrical connec-tors can be time-consuming and frustrating.
When reconnecting electrical connectors, pack them in a dielectric grease compound. Dielectricgrease is especially formulated for sealing and wa-terproofing electrical connectors and will not inter-fere with the current flow through the electricalconnectors. Use only this compound or an equiva-lent designed for this specific purpose. Do
not
use asubstitute that may interfere with the current flowwithin the electrical connector. Do
not
use siliconesealant.
After cleaning both the male and female connec-tors, make sure they are thoroughly dry. Pack one of the connector halves with dielectric grease com-pound before joining the 2 connector halves. Onmulti-pin connectors, pack the male side and onsingle-wire connectors, pack the female side. Use agood-size glob so that it will squish out when the twohalves are pushed together. For best results, the
compound should fill the entire inner area of theconnector. On multi-pin connectors, also pack thebackside of both the male and female side with thecompound to prevent moisture from entering thebackside of the connector. After the connector isfully packed, wipe the exterior of all excessive com-pound.
Get into the practice of cleaning and sealing allelectrical connectors every time they are unplugged.This may prevent a breakdown on the road and alsosave you time when troubleshooting a circuit.
Always make sure all ground connections are freeof corrosion and are tight at various locations on thebike.
BATTERY NEGATIVE TERMINAL
Some of the component replacement proceduresand some of the test procedures in this chapterrequire disconnecting the battery negative (-) leadas a safety precaution.
1.
Remove the bolt and disconnect the battery negative
(Figure
1) lead.2.
Reach into the battery case and move the negativelead out of the way so it will not accidentally makecontact with the battery negative terminal.3.
Connect the battery negative lead to the terminaland tighten the bolt securely.
CHARGING SYSTEM
The charging system consists of the battery, alter-nator and a solid-state voltage regulator/rectifier
(Figure
2).
Alternating current generated by the alternator isrectified to direct current. The voltage regulatormaintains constant voltage to the battery and electri-cal loads (lights, ignition, etc.) regardless enginespeed and load.
A malfunction in the charging system generallycauses the battery to remain undercharged. To pre-vent damage to the alternator and the regulator/rec-tifier when testing and repairing the chargingsystem, note the following precautions: 1. Alwaysdisconnect the negative battery cable, as describedin this chapter, before removing a component fromthe charging system.