Need some help with the electrical to the OE headlamp

[keand3]

So the other day my headlamp stopped working, or at least some of it... The longbeam is the only functioning light left in the headlight.

I tried the easy thing first, to change the bulb but it turned out with the same result.

So I measured to see if there was power in those two cables coming down from the switch, one for longbeam and one for shortbeam. Power was switched to each cable as i pushed in the button.. So i figured it had lay elsewhere..


I then measured ohm on the other side of the connector and down to 3plug connector that connects to the bulb, but the measurement turned out just fine. Allthough at the time I'm writing this it got to my attention that i didn't messure the same line for power. But if the ohm is ok, then power should to?




I also noticed this bulb was due for replacement, but that shouldn't have anything to say?


The switch it self was not possible to separate on meassure inside. One screw was so worn and rounded it has to be drilled out. That would be done tomorrow instead if needed..
I do have the HID kit ready to install from my last time experimenting with the projector thing... But that's added to the winter project..

[ribbert]

Use one of these and just keep checking along the wiring until the power stops.
Another possibility is a dodgy earth, it can fail with the extra load of high beam and I have seen enough brand new globes that are faulty to warrant checking the globe itself. Neither of these are exactly common but if you've got power you have to start looking elsewhere.
The easiest way to check the earth is use a length of wire. Just poke it in with your fingers and hold the other end onto the frame while you test it.




Get yourself one of these. They have a surgically sharp point. You can test for power through the insulation, poke it into connectors without pulling apart and draw copious amounts of blood if you hold the wire between you fingers while trying to press it through the insulation.

If you use one often enough and get familiar with the brightness of the globe you can even approximate voltage.

These testers will find 99% of electrical troubles. I rarely need to use a multi meter.

I also carry one in and on all my vehicles.

[keand3]

Hi Noel.

Thanks for the input. Yes, i too suspect dodgy ground somewere, the trick would be to find it 
Will be measuring the groudcable from the H4 connector and futher down on the harness later today. It might be a dodgy wire connector too, would be the first time. Had to bypass one with the brakelight line from the M/C last year.

Update:
The ground connector doesent show any sign of a broken circuitry, allthough i measured it by ohm..
Will be sure to get one of this cadet you suggested for future issues.

[keand3]

Update:
While i was meassuring and were to try the lights again, the low beam suddenly turned it self on after i added the power..
Im guessing it is a poor connection inside the handelbar switch which i'll have to addres once i a: obtain some new screws or b:obtain a used switch to 86fj or a new unit compatible to the fj.

Ken

[Firehawk068]

My highbeam would work intermittently some time ago....................I traced the problem to a large connector on the left side of the fairing stay (with 8 or 10 wires all connected there) There was some corrosion on the connectors, and after cleaning them all I have not had the problem since........

[keand3]

Yes i tought of that too.. I did clean them good and sprayed a protectiv layer afterwerds.
The funny part is that the lowbeam started working before i got around to clean the connectors