Just another charging thread...

[GeoJim]

No headlight

I have read every post here on non-working headlight....yet I cannot get my headlight to work. I have checked light, it works. I have traced all wires...I cannot find a diode - it does not exist on my bike 1979 XS1100.

I have blinkers, tach, signals, good charge....etc. They only diagnosis I came up with the relay. However, trying to bypass did nothing....no light. So I am not convinced its the relay. The reserve unit also works....I think. Bypassing this did nothing.

I'm frustrated to say the least.

Any additional help out there?
Jim

[crazy steve]

No, the '79 won't have the relay diode unless somebody has swapped harnesses. Only the '80-up bikes had the diode.

You have checked all the plug connections, right? 99% of wiring issues on these is poor/dirty connections, either the switch contacts or the plugs...

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35339

Have you checked the dimmer switch and it's connection to the harness? Broken wires/dirty contacts at the switch can knock the light out, and poor connections where the handlebar switch plugs into the harness. Verify that you have power at the red/yellow at the headlight relay? If you still have the OEM fuse panel, they're notorious for poor connections, make sure you have 12V at the red/yellow there. Same thing goes at the RLU, is power present at the blue/black wire? This wire comes from the relay.

I suspect that if you've bypassed both the relay and the RLU and the light still didn't work that your problem is at the fuse box.