Different Headlight Issue

Didn't want to hijack the other thread.

Ok, so I have an issue with one of my bulbs continually cutting out. When I first got the bike, my friend pointed out that the left headlight wasn't working. When I drove up to the parts store to get a new bulb I walked around and the light was back out. The other day in traffic I noticed in the reflection of a minivan at a stop light that the left bulb was out again. This morning I checked and all lights were working.

I did a little searching and I can't find any wiring that's loose. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

Headlight bulbs don't magically repair themselves. So my guess is you have some sort of intermittent wiring fault. Especially if you have been cleaning or fiddling with things in the vicinity of the headlights, then its posssible you have party dislodged a connector - most likely the one on the back of the bulb, and it is now being held only loosely in place by the rubber gaiter. Vibrations as you ride the bike can result in brief periods when its in contact and the bulb works but at other times it appears dead.

So try the easiest things first - removing and reinstating the bulb. Remember to avoid touching the glass bit of the bulb. For access to the dipped beams, you may find it easier to access and see what you are doing by putting the bike on the main stand and turning the steering to the opposite side. Then by sitting on the floor beside the bike you should be able to see the rear of the headlamps from below.

Whilst the bulb is out, inspect for any loose wires in the wiring connector and clean off any corrosion on the terminals. Line up the tabs on the bulb with the headlamp and ensure it securely fitted into the headlamp with the spring clip thingy. Then plug in the wiring connector and ensure you fully reinstate the rubber gaiter to keep water out.

Hopefully that will resolve the issue. If not you need to disconnect the battery and start circuit testing the wiring to find the fault.

Unfortunately modern bikes have a fair few components which won't like wrong polarity feeds, so this is the point where you may prefer to pass the problem to a dealer. Otherwise I tend to play safe and after removing the battery from the bike only use a circuit tester with its own integral battery to probe circuits for continuity.

The key here is to go online and find the manual for you bike. Hopefully someone on here will be along with a suitable link. NB what model year is your VFR?

Refer to the wiring diagram to spot which wires should go where. Focus on the wiring to the defective headlight and see where it meets up with the feed to the working headlight. Then use the circuit tester to confirm end to end continuity along each relevant wire, and also inspect the connectors for loose wires.

As its an intermittent fault - don't assume initial continuity = all good, check it remains OK whilst you flex the relevant wiring loom slightly - you may need assistance to do this. But don't go mad or you may make things worse - you are just checking to see the circuit remains continuous whilst you expose the loom to the normal sorts of movements encountered when you turn the steering from lock to lock.


Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Skimad