Headlight not working

[awbraun]

Hi folks,

my name is Andre, I'm from Hamburg, Germany. I'm driving a FJ1200, US version, construction year 1990.

  It would be great if you could help. I'm planning to go on vacation soon ..

Since quite a while I'm having issues with the headlight. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. When it works, it works until the engine is stopped. It does never turn of while driving.

Is there a relay for the light? if so, where is it located?

Many thanks from Hamburg!
Andre

[rktmanfj]

Sometimes the starter button gets a little sticky and can cause the headlight to not work.

Next time it happens, try pulling out on the button.

You may need to open up the switch housing and clean/lube things a bit.

There's no relay unless a PO added one aftermarket.

[FJmonkey]

Welcome Andre, Have you checked the bulb? Sometimes the filament breaks but can still make contact, acting like an intermittent problem. It is easy to check and eliminate as the cause. The other common cause of the headlamp not coming on is the "START" switch. It can stick and not fully return, allowing the engine to run but he headlamp does not turn on. You can test this by fiddling with the switch when you are having the problem. A relay is a good idea for the headlamp but are not OEM, our bikes did not come with them from the factory. Try these simple things first and tell us what you find.

[awbraun]

Thanks for quick responses!

I'll check the Start switch at the weekend. In case there are pitfalls opening the switch please let me know.

-Jens

[yamaha fj rider]

Try lubing the start button with some silicone spray before removing it to see if this fixes the problem. A little spray can sometimes fix this problem with out removing the switch. Hope this helps.

Kurt

[mpribble]

My headlight wasn't working, so I replaced it.  Still nothing.  Read this post, went out and started it, wiggled the start button, instant headlight.  Thanks.  I'll take it apart and clean it. It probably needs it.

[FJmonkey]

My headlight wasn't working, so I replaced it.  Still nothing.  Read this post, went out and started it, wiggled the start button, instant headlight.  Thanks.  I'll take it apart and clean it. It probably needs it.

Welcome to the club, happy to help.

[faser41]

This is such an awesome place.......I would have never thought of relating the starter switch to the headlight and wiring. And btw....full confession I am an electrician for a living (albeit in construction/IBEW-hoorah)! Long story short I just had the exact same experience as above on an 86 model I'd recently bought and have been working on ever since, one thing at a time. Gotta love this forum! I had the exact experience having even bought a new bulb figuring what else could it be since I'd cleaned the switch gear, checked for connection on each end, made sure all my fuses were good.........did get a brighter bulb though so it's all good right?