XJ1100 headlight help

[mlew]

I replaced the ignition coils on my XJ1100, now my headlight does not work. What have I done??? After this I replaced the fuse block because I thought the conections were bad, they were but it still does not work.
I have also checked:
Headlight is good, no voltage going to it when the engine is running. ground wire on light is good.
Checked the wiring plugs around the coils and can't find anything out of place.
Changed the reverse lighting device, did not help.
Everything on the bike seems to work except the headlight, is there a headlight relay? If so where?
I'm frustrated, can anyone help?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Mlew,

Well, much to my surprise after reviewing the XJ's fiche and wiring diagram, I didn't realize that it appears to NOT have a headlight relay? I wonder if YAMAHA incorporated it into the RLU or if they just removed it completely?

You replaced your fuseblock..with what, spade or same glass fuses? Back to basics, are you getting power to either side of the headlight fuse junction?

I don't have access to an XJ, so can't tell or remember if they use an actual ON/OFF headlight switch, or if it's supposed to be on once the engine starts like the previous models? This function was controlled by a latching relay like what you were looking for, but IF it wasn't getting a charging signal, it wouldn't latch which was an indicator that the charging system was failing!

You replaced the RLU....was it from a known working system? There was a recent thread about someone wanting to bypass the RLU on their XJ, haven't heard back what they've done or found? Hopefully an XJ guru will chime in!
T.C.

[mlew]

Wow that was a quick response, I did not even finish my PB&J .

You are right,the headlight turns on after the enging starts, just like my XS. I could not find a blade fuse holder that would fit buhind the XJ side cover, so I replaced it with a marine style glass fuse holder.

I'll check for the latching relay and voltage at the fuses and the charging, I've got the rest of the day. I'll post some more findings later this afternoon.

Thanks for the quick response

[mlew]

Well , after a long day, no success. still frustrated.
I have power at the fuses , but I don't know where the wires go from there. I have a wiring diagram but it is hard to see. I can make the bulb work if I put power on the wires at the light. I don't have power at the high/low switch and the indicator panel does not give me a headlight warning.
Looking at my diagram I can't find any relays for the lights, there is only the RLU and high/low switch to control them. There are wires going to the warning display, but I don't know what they for.
The charging system is working, 13 volts at idle and 14.2 at 2000 rpm. I dont know if the replacement RLU is good for sure, it came from a parts bike I have, I seem to remember that everything on that bike worked when I took it apart
I took the coils back off to see if there was any ground wires that were missed, did not find any.
Tomorow I am going to print a diagram bigger so I can read it easier, clear my mind and make another attempt.

[wingnut]

Hey mlew did you see a red 1100 in your town today? My son lives in Apex and I rode the SH up there to see him. Lots of good roads around your way. Good luck on the headlight. If I can help let me know.

Dave

[mlew]

Hi Dave
I did not get a chance to ride, I was working on the XJ all day to try and get the headlight to work. Next time you are in town send me a message an I'll meet you somewhere.


Now for the good news,

The headlight works now,

For all the other XJ owners out there, here it is. Since I was replacing the ignition coils I assumed that the problem was in that area. Boy was I wrong. After spending many hours looking at the wiring diagram I could not find the problem, there are no relays in the headlight circuit. The only thing controling the lights are the handle bar switches and the RLU. Since everything worked on the bike except the headlight I did not check any of them. You might be thinking that it is the high/low switch, but no , it was the starter button. There are two contacts on the switch, one to start the engine and another to turn off the headlights while the engine is starting. This was the cause. After replacing the broken spring in the switch it all works. Wow : who would have ever thought of that.
So remember, next time your headlights don't work. Check your starter button.

[skids]

GOOD find!

Originally posted by mlew

So remember, next time your headlights don't work. Check your starter button.

[DELL82]

Thanks mlew, I have a similar problem that poped up during the TALIMENA rally this past weekend. We tried to find the problem by lookin at the controls to no avail. Never looked at the start button though, WILL TONIGHT. GOOD FIND. Will let you know if the fix works for me.
dell82