min200 Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 My headlights are playing up. They will only work on full beam theres nothing on main beam at all. I have checked the bulbs they are fine and run through the wiring and there is nothing amiss there that I can see so I am really at a loss as what to do!Anyone got any ideas?It would also appear that my old bike has been in a major accident at some point with all sorts of damage under the fairing that I wasn't aware of Looks like a right mess under there!So if you could all shout any ideas at me it would be much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tango Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Problem with the handlebar switch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 It's most likely going to be:-bulb(s) are they linked in series or parallel? If series and one goes, they both go. No reason why they should be but you never know?-fuse-connections (check the switch and bulb connections, perhaps the conductors aren't completely touching)-wiring (maybe wire has split somehow through being cut/pulled) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DreamytimeEscorts Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 What Tango said. Take the switch apart and rough the contacts up a bit with some wet and dry or a small screwdriver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
min200 Posted June 25, 2014 Author Share Posted June 25, 2014 OK folks thanks I will start with the switch as the bulbs are both ok There's a hell of a lot goes through to that switch though I bet I bugger it up! lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dav3y Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 I don't suppose you have a multimeter or wiring diagram ?If so, I would have thought you should be able to check the switch with continuity setting on the meter if you know what colour wires to check. Taking a switch apart sounds like you could have a spring or metal contacts come flying out.I'm guessing full and main beam might run off of the same fuse but again, a diagram will help to confirm incase it's a different fuse that could have gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
min200 Posted June 26, 2014 Author Share Posted June 26, 2014 Separate fuses and the switch was cleaned up and put back together...still doesn't work lolBest go and buy a multimeter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 This might be a really really dumb question... but how did you check it wasn't the bulb? I'd run some wiring from the battery-bulb/new bulb to be 100% sure if you haven't already. Also, have you checked the wiring connections at the battery end to make sure everything is as it should be?And you checked the dimmer switch I assume? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tango Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 I think you're gonna have to measure the voltage at the bulbs and work back from there..... Check the lighting relay too.....just in case that's shot..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
min200 Posted June 27, 2014 Author Share Posted June 27, 2014 I took the bulbs out and physically looked at the elements and they are fine.Relay???? I have to find a relay as well!!! lolHavnt had a chance to pick up a multimeter yet and it doesn't help that I am pants with electrics.Now how much would a new bike be..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acting_strange Posted June 27, 2014 Share Posted June 27, 2014 If you wanted to ride over to me near Lincoln mate we could go through it together with my knowledge and multimeter...Just let me know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 27, 2014 Share Posted June 27, 2014 To be sure, I'd test the bulb more thoroughly... I'd either ise a meter or wiring straight off the battery.That's a 15mim job which could potentially save hours and if you were right with the physical inspection then you've only lost 15mins of your life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
min200 Posted June 28, 2014 Author Share Posted June 28, 2014 If you wanted to ride over to me near Lincoln mate we could go through it together with my knowledge and multimeter...Just let me know I may take you up on that kind offer chap but im working until next weekend now apart form tomorrow which is already packed busy with family stuff! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
min200 Posted June 28, 2014 Author Share Posted June 28, 2014 To be sure, I'd test the bulb more thoroughly... I'd either ise a meter or wiring straight off the battery.That's a 15mim job which could potentially save hours and if you were right with the physical inspection then you've only lost 15mins of your life! I have checked bith of the bulbs again chap and they are fine. Still third times a charm! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acting_strange Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 The offer is there mate...np.....BTW....most elctrical faults are due to a poor earth... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
min200 Posted June 28, 2014 Author Share Posted June 28, 2014 Best be teaching myself how read these wiring diagrams properly I think! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
min200 Posted July 16, 2014 Author Share Posted July 16, 2014 A MASSIVE THANK YOU to acting_strange for his welcoming company, excellent knowledge and for fixing my headlights I have learnt a few new things today about my bikes electrics so have more of a sporting chance of fixing it at home in the future!Just goes to show this forum is spot on and the folks here are superb!I shall pass on the experience gained today to the next poor clueless bugger that comes along Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tango Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Hoorah.....result..... Good man Derek for getting it sorted..... What was the problem by the way......just for future reference..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
min200 Posted July 16, 2014 Author Share Posted July 16, 2014 It was in a block connector. The wire had moved back a bit causing it to arc and burn the connector a touch. We had to push the wire all the way back in and reconnect the block together and hey presto all sorted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastanglianbiker Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 glad its all sorted well done derrek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acting_strange Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I just saw this lost soul driving back and forth past my home and thought I'd better help him....lolCommon fault.....as the connector had been pushed together it had been done properly and it had forced one of the connectors out leaving a gap which caused arcing and eventual burning and failure..Pleased to help a fellow TMBF member ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
min200 Posted July 17, 2014 Author Share Posted July 17, 2014 Happy to be helped chap Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.