headlight glitch

Normally the headlight is on when the ignition is on, along with sidelights; now, only sidelights and tailight comes on. I checked the bulb(ok)and voltage at socket(ok), but I have had problems with starter button. Would the problem most likely be in ignition switch, starter button, or where? Thanks.

 

Aside from the basic headlight fuse and bulb...I would look at the starter button and the dimmer switch. Try activating those switches many times repeatedly, sometimes they start to work again.

 

OK, thanks! I have tried rocking the dimmer switch several times(no effect), so I'll try the starter button again(I know it's defective, but I can still start the bike). It's about 80 bucks for the new starter button assembly...mostly plastic.

 

If you have a wiring diagram, or a service manual. You could find which wires feed power to and from the switch, cut your switch harness open and short those two wires (essentially the switch does the same thing). At least you'd have a headlight until you can replace the faulty...and you'd be replacing the harness at that time anyway.

 

If I join the two wires used by my (defective)starter switch, it will enable me to start the bike, but will it give me a headlight? When I start the bike now, everything works except the headlight. I do have a Clymer's for this bike, with wiring diagrams. Thanks.

 

Yes!! it will, that is if the button is your problem. Your starter button actually operates two separate switches. They may have a common power supply...so you can't cut the wire. But it's a completely separate wire that feeds power from your starter button over to the dimmer switch (usually white with a blue tracer). When you hit your starter button it opens (breaks contact) from the power supply to the white/blue...while the other switch working off the button closes (makes contact) from the power supply to the (usually yellow/red) wire that goes down to your starter relay.

So...you can do it. Matter of fact I've done it numerous times...I'm not gonna lay up a customer's bike while ordering a switch when it can be easily worked around...and they can be riding in meantime.

 

Headlight

Thanks, Dizzy. I finally tore into the right-hand switch assembly; the start button mechanism was worn out, but I can start the bike and turn on the headlights(so I can ride this weekend). Also, my fan came on for the first time since I've owned the bike---maybe related somehow?

Anyway, thanks again for your help.:vtr2: