Now I've finally got my bike back on the road I noticed that the high beam does not work! If I switch from low to high beam the light goes out but if I press the passing light switch, high beam comes on. My bike is a USA spec so I cannot turn the lights on and off like on the UK version.

Could the instrument panel issue have anything to do with this?

Thanks for any help.

What is the 'passing light switch'?
Are you talking about the flasher?

Crazy Frog wrote:What is the 'passing light switch'?
Are you talking about the flasher?

The the switch is the same as the headlight but it just flashes the headlight on high beam.

I suspect the switch itself is the problem. Can you disassemble it?

kg4miq wrote:I suspect the switch itself is the problem. Can you disassemble it?

I can have a look at it later on this week. It may just be some dirt then?

In the download section (under the electrical section) you will find a tutorial on how to dismantle the switch.

CF

Yup, same problem, dirty contacts inside the switch. Before you pull it apart, buy some DeOxit spray to have on hand.

How do I get to the download section when using 'Chrome'? The browser sends me to 'Member's introduction'!

Crazy Frog wrote:Click here

Great, now the password which was sent out on 18/03/2011 does not open the link. Is there a new password?

I looked at the switch this weekend and it seems OK. Is there a relay for the headlamp?

There isn`t any relay in this circuit from factory, but it`s not unusally fitted afterwards, as burnt contacts in this switch is rather common.

As your low beam functions you have power to the switch, and that your passing light is in function confirms that this circuit is not open......the problem must be in the switch itself.

Unless there is made some weird modifications on your wiring.

Inge K.

Inge K. wrote:There isn`t any relay in this circuit from factory, but it`s not unusally fitted afterwards, as burnt contacts in this switch is rather common.

As your low beam functions you have power to the switch, and that your passing light is in function confirms that this circuit is not open......the problem must be in the switch itself.

Unless there is made some weird modifications on your wiring.

Inge K.

I'll have another look at the switch. I possibly missed something very obvious!

Pay especially attention to the contactpoints at the end of the white wire, it`s two points, one for pass the other for high beam.
I would strongly advice to mount relays, and avoid problems with this switch.

Inge K.

The kit from Eastern Beaver is excellently engineered and fits perfectly.
Regards,
K-BIKE

I had the opposite problem before. My low beam was on and off during riding.

Later I found out it was the switch problem. I replace the whole switch with a second hand unit and it works well now.

Cheers.

This is going to sound a bit crazy but, could a sticky starter relay have anything to do with the high beam not working properly? It's been really cold recently and the relay has started to stick 'on'. if I tap it lightly it disengages immediately.

No, this is not related. As your low beam functions, the problem is in the switch.
High and low beam is feeded from the same wire to the dimmer switch.

About sticky starter relay: this is caused of a to weak battery, recharge or replace,
or you soon need another starter relay also.
Open the starter relay and clean the contacts, after the weak battery been sorted out.

Inge K.

The battery was replaced about nine months ago and I ride about 75 miles per day so I think that it must be OK. I didn't know that the relay contacts could be cleaned. That was a useful tip.

This thread could be useful: starter relay pictures

Inge K.

The amount of DIY information on this forum never ceases to amaze me! Thanks again.

The search button is your friend.

Inge K.

I just pulled my starter relay apart and brushed up the contacts, it is worth a look and it is pretty quick. I was able to get to the relay without removing anything other than the cover to the relay box.

Inge K. wrote:The search button is your friend.

Inge K.

A friend it may be, but I don't always know what I should be looking for! Electrics are still a bit of a 'dark art' to me.

This thread about a light switch might be helpful for your other problem,
and adding some more to your know how about "dark art".

It is a photo of a burnt switch contact almost in the bottom of the thread.
Above the photo it`s a link to more photos of the same subject.
The link doesn`t function, use cut`n`paste into your browsers adress field.

Inge K.

This weekend I spent a few hours giving Carpathia, my bike, the due care and attention she deserves. I checked the battery, cleaned the ternimals the protected them by smearing them with vaseline. After that the headlight switch got the going over and now I have both high and low beam again! Then an oil change and finally, the starter relay got a looking at, the points were quite dirty and I really think the relay should be replaced.

After doing just those few jobs, my enjoyment and pride in my bike has also been restored. Well she does around 700Kms per week so a little love doesn't do any harm!

yay .....good work martin ....love that name carpathia ...giggles

charlie99 wrote:yay .....good work martin ....love that name carpathia ...giggles

I like to give my vehicles names! My 1976 Benz is Lady Genevieve and the other Lady Augusta!