VF500 Headlight Question

Hi VF people! :smile:

My friend's 1986 VF500 has a headlight that only works on hi-beam.

Before I try to switch out the headlight, I was wondering how likely it is that the switch is the problem or the headlight. The bike was purchased in this condition so we don't know if swapping the light has ever been tried. The last owner thought it might be the switch.

Is there something I can do with my voltmeter to check the switch or is swapping parts the way to approach this?

Any advice is most appreciated!
Thanks!

I've got a Nighthawk but don't tell anyone

 

You could always pull the bulb and visually check the elements. If you don't want to do that check continuity between blue and ground and white and ground (on the bulb not the harness).

I believe the white wire is the low beam so with the high beams off you should see 12V on the white wire. If your high beam is working the starter switch can be eliminated as a culprit.

-Jake

 

anyones guess really. old bike, may have sat. perhaps even in the rain.. got some corrosion in the switch, inhibiting the contact, fuse pannel corroded on that leg, or one element of the bulb finally gave out.

Suggest checking easiest to get to first... work your way to the bulb last.

 

Thanks Jakobi and Ghost,
I'll get over there with my voltmeter and see what I can figure out before I start tearing things apart. The fuse panel and wires going to the headlight sound like good places to start.
Thanks again

 

Why not just pull the plug and put a voltmeter on it? That would tell you right away if it's the switch or bulb. My guess - bulb.