Member Contributer interceptor69 Posted December 26, 2019 Member Contributer Share Posted December 26, 2019 Recently replaced both my headlamps with halogens and they worked great for about 2-3 weeks but on the last ride of the year I went out to turn the bike on and they wouldn't come on. Does anyone know why that may be happening? I checked the fuse under the seat and it was fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer MBrane Posted December 26, 2019 Member Contributer Share Posted December 26, 2019 Could be the starter switch. Seriously. Happened to me once it just needed a good cleaning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Cogswell Posted December 26, 2019 Member Contributer Share Posted December 26, 2019 Is it both high and low beam? Most headlight bulbs are now manufactured in China, even name brands like Sylvania - and IMHO they are crap. I've had them burn out after 3 months. The Japan made OEM bulbs in my Camry finally failed at 190,000 miles and I drive with them on 24/7. After several disappointing tries with both Phillips and Sylvania, I found Japan sourced OEM bulbs on Amazon and have had no troubles since. If the bulbs have failed this may be an instance where paying up for Honda OEM might be worth it. YMMV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Grum Posted December 26, 2019 Member Contributer Share Posted December 26, 2019 Agree with MBrane. Starter switch is a common one, also had the same issue. The Starter Switch apart from energising the Starter Relay (when pressed), it also powers the Headlight Relays when NOT pressed (both Hi and Lo Beams). Sometimes dirt/crud stops the switch from fully returning back to normal to re-energise your headlights. A good spray of WD-40 into the switch with ignition off, then give it a good workout - solved my problem. Also agree with Cogswell, but check your switch out first for both mechanical and electrical operation. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer interceptor69 Posted December 28, 2019 Author Member Contributer Share Posted December 28, 2019 Is it both high and low beam? Most headlight bulbs are now manufactured in China, even name brands like Sylvania - and IMHO they are crap. I've had them burn out after 3 months. The Japan made OEM bulbs in my Camry finally failed at 190,000 miles and I drive with them on 24/7. After several disappointing tries with both Phillips and Sylvania, I found Japan sourced OEM bulbs on Amazon and have had no troubles since. If the bulbs have failed this may be an instance where paying up for Honda OEM might be worth it. YMMV Yes- both high and low beam. Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer interceptor69 Posted December 28, 2019 Author Member Contributer Share Posted December 28, 2019 Agree with MBrane. Starter switch is a common one, also had the same issue. The Starter Switch apart from energising the Starter Relay (when pressed), it also powers the Headlight Relays when NOT pressed (both Hi and Lo Beams). Sometimes dirt/crud stops the switch from fully returning back to normal to re-energise your headlights. A good spray of WD-40 into the switch with ignition off, then give it a good workout - solved my problem. Also agree with Cogswell, but check your switch out first for both mechanical and electrical operation. Cheers. Thanks for the suggestions-I will try that. I wondered if there was a relay somewhere I didn't know about. Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Grum Posted December 29, 2019 Member Contributer Share Posted December 29, 2019 5 hours ago, interceptor69 said: Yes- both high and low beam. Now it's really looking like a stuck or faulty Starter Switch or its wiring. Good Luck, keep us posted. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer interceptor69 Posted April 13, 2020 Author Member Contributer Share Posted April 13, 2020 I'm embarrassed to say that the bulbs were simply burned out despite the fact they were only 2 or 3 weeks old. Before I called my buddy with the voltmeter to come over I decided I would at least pop and old one in that I still had the low beam working just to make sure they weren't burned out before he drove all the way here. Turned out that was a good move because that was all it was. I am now wondering if these old VFR's electrical system can't supply enough current or voltage to these halogen bulbs. Or maybe the heat got to them -I don't know because they were very hot- you could feel the heat on the headlight cover. I should have popped an old bulb in before assuming something electrical was kaput- the simplest solution... But thanks to everyone who responded to my post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted April 13, 2020 Member Contributer Share Posted April 13, 2020 Did you touch the glass with bare fingers when you installed them? That is a sure way to shorten life span (as is buying cheap-ass knockoffs....) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer interceptor69 Posted April 13, 2020 Author Member Contributer Share Posted April 13, 2020 Nope- used latex gloves. They certainly weren't cheap knock off either. Sylvania halogens. Silverstar Ultras. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted April 13, 2020 Member Contributer Share Posted April 13, 2020 I'd give the person who sold me them a ring...... Or just cut my losses..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BusyLittleShop Posted April 13, 2020 Member Contributer Share Posted April 13, 2020 If each bulb filaments are indeed broken then its possible 1) the wrong part number or 2) charging system over volts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer interceptor69 Posted April 14, 2020 Author Member Contributer Share Posted April 14, 2020 Not sure what you mean by wrong part number. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer MBrane Posted April 14, 2020 Member Contributer Share Posted April 14, 2020 I second the over voltage suggestion. I buy the cheapest H4s I can find, and they last a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer interceptor69 Posted April 14, 2020 Author Member Contributer Share Posted April 14, 2020 Are you using halogens? Over the years I've had several halogen bulbs high beam element burn out but not the low beams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Grum Posted April 14, 2020 Member Contributer Share Posted April 14, 2020 Agree with BLS step 2. Running a Halogen Lamp at higher than rated voltage will have a great effect on its life. An Overvoltage situation with your charging system needs to be sorted ASAP if you have one, else you'll start frying your battery, and potential major damage to your ECM! Run your engine with a voltmeter on the battery, with engine at 5000rpm the voltage MUST be less than 15.5v. Ideally it should be around 14 to 14.5v Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer interceptor69 Posted April 14, 2020 Author Member Contributer Share Posted April 14, 2020 Thanks for the info-I definitely need to check that. Tired of replacing bulbs or going without high beams. Would high temperatures affect their life span? I noticed when I had high beams on the cover was so hot it almost burned my fingers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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