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Me Again: 6Th Gen With Zero Voltage To The Headlights


digitallyhip

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It's not the 20A fuse on the left side fusebox (the bike has ABS). I've replaced that.

But my headlights are getting 0v with the ignition on and with/without the engine running. The last time I had the front cowl on the bike (4-5 weeks ago, I've been out of commission) , all four lights lit. I have changed NOTHING since then.

What don't I see? Please!

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Right. All signals, brake lights, starter, dash, even the temp works!

And the bike runs. The bulbs are not the issue as there's zero volts going to them.

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Headlight relay ( I think there is one behind upper cowl, isn't there )??? Pinched or broken wire when re-installing upper cowl???

I remembered reading this thread a while ago, thought just maybe................... Might help.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/77193-headlights-not-coming-on-as-usual/?hl=%2Bheadlight+%2Brelay

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I'm betting on the contacts in the starter switch.

Issues with that switch happened with my bike this spring after sitting over the winter.

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Thank you, ZZ (hey! I lived in Kelowna for six years, left in 1978), but it's high and low beams, so it's probably not both relays at the same time.

MarkD, thank you I will check that out.

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I do not know how the latter models are wired, but if you have a diagram, can you trace backwards and verify others on the same line have voltage? Is there a ground involved? that is how I would move forward.....Good luck!

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Thank you Gary and SB. Once it cools off and dinner is over, I am heading out there to disassemble the ignition switch. Fingers crossed!

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It's the starter switch. Simply fiddling with the starter button "fixes" the problem. So... I will try the contact cleaner/WD40 option, but wonder if that's just buying time.

My bike is 11 years old, has been a commuter for the past five years and has about 30,000 miles on it. Gary: have you ever replaced yours?

And in testing everything/showing my 16 year old daughter who is very interested in everything motor-related, I have discovered that my front brake does not activate the brake lights. Rears do activate the lights, and I have tested/cleaned the contacts for the front brake switch. Nothing.

Any more ideas, my esteemed friends? :)

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Glad to hear it David! Mine is fine so far....103k and counting, but you are on an island I would shoot some electrical contact cleaner in the switch and work it though, I am no electrical guy but is the circuit open??

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Loose wire(s) on the brake switch circuit? Maybe either have a helper hold the brake on, or use a small bungee cord or equivalent to hold it while wiggling related wires / connections to see where the break is in the circuit. Also, check the grounds - I don't have a diagram, but each switch probably just grounds the brake light circuit.

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The brake lights worked properly last night after a little cleaning of the contacts in the switch. A proper cleaning is in the future, but i just couldn't wait to ride!

Thanks to everyone for your insight and suggestions.

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Guest Recalcitrance

Had the same problem. Cleaning took care it. It's a temporary fix though and after a while you'll need to order a new switch. My honda guy told me that it's on back order since it's very common for these things to corrode. But he also said after a proper cleaning, I'd be fine for a long while.

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