xs11 79 Dim Headlight

[Rollerman]

I have been frustrated trying to fix my headlight system. I took the bike to be saftied. they said the headlight was dim so I had to pay to have them fix it.. paid a few hundred, got it back and it stoped working again. took it back paid another hundred and it had other electrical problems. still dim headlight.

NOW I am trying to fix it on my own. enought with the "Pros" turning to you guys.. those with the most hands on experiences.

OK.. here is how it is..

1) headlight on - Dim
2) headlight warning light on
3) 5.34 volts to headlignt main blue
4) 7.3 volts to headlight green
5) 14 volts to all other plugs in headligt housing.

I have replaced the Healight realay

tested the RLU for continuity and can post the readings..

HELP I want to ride at night.. and short of putting on riding lights, although not a bad Idea.. need to track this problem down..

much appreciated..

Ron

[randy]

dumb question:

have you tested the bulb?

[DiverRay]

CLEAN ALL the GROUND wires!! Look for the headlight to ground, and see what part of the frame it connects to. I would also get some "dielectric grease" and use it on ALL the connections on the bike.
Check th FUSE BLOCK, and replace it if it's still the factory unit.
Just doing this, about 3 hours work, should keep the bike charging and running for a few more years.
Ray

[Ken Talbot]

SWMBO's H had a headlight what was dim most of the time. Used to drive me crazy as I saw it all the time when she rode behind me. After much hunting and cleaning, here turned out to be one single pair of connector pins in one of the plastic connector blocks.

[xschop]

chop and solder

those connectors are the problem, If not the relay. even after cleaning them they corrode right back (galvanic rxn)unless dielectric grease is used. Simple way is to cut and solder, then electrical tape,problem won't return...chop

[John]

I see the light!

You say the headlight warning light is on? That means the reserve lighting unit is in use because the low beam filament is burned out. You still have high beam, don't you? Like Randy said, check the bulb.

[randy]

Yes, folks.

We could be witness to an RLU that actually works! Stay tuned.

[DiverRay]

Randy,
They even work for high beams!!!
Had the high beam go out on the Reno Ralley, and the light came on when I tried to put on the brights. Replaced the bulb, and everything was back to normal.
Ray

[randy]

You have succeeded in confusing the **** out of me.

[DiverRay]

Hey, I must be getting close to guru status!!
What I am saying is the "headlight" indicator works when either the high or low beam is out. The RLU will light the lamp, and turn on the high beam. If there is no high beam, the lamp is on, and the low beam will be used.
Ray