No Headlights, usual suspects checked. Where next?

_Will_ · Post by **_Will_** » Wed Oct 24, 2012 11:28 am

So the bike sat for a good while, runs and starts fine but have no headlights. Checked the fuse and it's fine, the infamous blue wire has long since been corrected (opened it up and hard wired for just low beams) and have opened it today and tried high and low with no result. Bulbs are fine and lights did flicker for a moment but went out. Any ideas on where to look next?

it's a 94 model that I already did the YZF VR upgrade to btw

kilika2 · Post by **kilika2** » Wed Oct 24, 2012 1:51 pm

Did you put the multimeter to the bulb sockets to test for juice? Just curious. Also the speech went great. I went to 129slayer.com and killboy for some pics of you and I. A little shameless plug.

Chris.

Post by **DonTZ125** » Wed Oct 24, 2012 1:54 pm

Check the starter button; this switch breaks the contact to the headlights before it makes the starter relay, to ensure max juice to the starter.

_Will_ · Post by **_Will_** » Wed Oct 24, 2012 3:41 pm

DonTZ125 wrote:Check the starter button; this switch breaks the contact to the headlights before it makes the starter relay, to ensure max juice to the starter.

we have a winner! hit the switch and saw a little flicker. Some repeat hits freed it up and I now have lights and armed with a high of 74 and clear skies an appointment with a mountain tomorrow morning.

Don, my sincere thanks

Post by **DonTZ125** » Wed Oct 24, 2012 3:49 pm

Most welcome. A few spritzes of WD-40 or the like through the button gap should keep it happy for a while, but you might want to consider doing a proper strip and clean.

Have fun on the ride!

meteorman2 · Post by **meteorman2** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 8:42 pm

DonTZ125 wrote:Check the starter button; this switch breaks the contact to the headlights before it makes the starter relay, to ensure max juice to the starter.

Worked for me. Thanks a TON.

acarte9 · Post by **acarte9** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 8:36 pm

mine sticks a little bit and i have to pull it out to get my lights on every time i start mine... must be common

Post by **DonTZ125** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 8:51 pm

*shrug* It's a little spring-loaded button that's exposed to the elements. Gunk, water, small animals crawl in there and screw things up. It doesn't need as much maintenance as your chain (for example), but all the moving parts need occasional love and attention.

GreyImport · Post by **GreyImport** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 10:24 pm

DonTZ125 wrote:*shrug* It's a little spring-loaded button that's exposed to the elements. Gunk, water, small animals crawl in there and screw things up. It doesn't need as much maintenance as your chain (for example), but all the moving parts need occasional love and attention.

Especially on 20+ yr old bikes! .......

_Will_ · Post by **_Will_** » Sat Nov 03, 2012 1:03 am

Very true, glad someone else got use of my problem and Don's advice. That's why this site is here.

And mines only 18 years old and was new when I was still in High School. Tomorrow I'm taking her up to Deals Gap for the last time before it turns into a winter wonderland.

LoneFizzer · Post by **LoneFizzer** » Sat Nov 03, 2012 2:31 am

DonTZ125 wrote:A few spritzes of WD-40 or the like through the button gap should keep it happy for a while, but you might want to consider doing a proper strip and clean.

WD-40 is a quick fix to get you moving. However WD-40 is flammable imagin a fire starting close to your right hand , unlikely but possible

You may burn your hands, think of the other road users when you jump off the bike to avoid the flames

Yes it's unlikely but possible, I'm sure Don would agree that the switch should be stripped down (take photos to assist you in the rebuild) then cleaned with switch cleaner, coat it with dialectic grease (NON flammable). Hopefully then the problem will not reappear

FZRSupport: the FZROnline Archive