Blowing Headlight Bulbs
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro, OR
Blowing Headlight Bulbs
Not really a question, but rather a frustration. 
I have an '06 FXDWGI and it has started blowing headlight bulbs like crazy. HD repalced the headlight bucket about a month ago, but I'm not sure when how long it has been out as I haven't been out at night in awhile. (Got caught in the dark last week) They replaced the bucket bucause the rivets were loose causing it to rattle.
I replaced the bulb and it burnt out the same day. So I turned on the high beam to get home and it burnt out about 3 blocks later. I am on my 4th bulb now. I have put a volt meter to it and let it run in the driveway for about an hour ( in all RPM ranges) and am getting a max. output of 14.2 volts. Which is correct according to the mechanic at HD. There really isn't anything it the headlight bucket that would cause the bulbs to just go out.
I took it to the local HD to have them take a look at it. I was told by the mechanic that I had checked all the things they can check and that he can't think of what else would be causing it. WTF? So am I supposed to carry around a dozen bulbs and a screwdiver for the next time it happens?
Nothing else is burning out. Taillight, marker lights... If it were a spike from the regulator, other things would go out. It's not popping fuses, just the headlight.
So, they have it right now with the idea that I have checked everything...
I have an '06 FXDWGI and it has started blowing headlight bulbs like crazy. HD repalced the headlight bucket about a month ago, but I'm not sure when how long it has been out as I haven't been out at night in awhile. (Got caught in the dark last week) They replaced the bucket bucause the rivets were loose causing it to rattle.
I replaced the bulb and it burnt out the same day. So I turned on the high beam to get home and it burnt out about 3 blocks later. I am on my 4th bulb now. I have put a volt meter to it and let it run in the driveway for about an hour ( in all RPM ranges) and am getting a max. output of 14.2 volts. Which is correct according to the mechanic at HD. There really isn't anything it the headlight bucket that would cause the bulbs to just go out.
I took it to the local HD to have them take a look at it. I was told by the mechanic that I had checked all the things they can check and that he can't think of what else would be causing it. WTF? So am I supposed to carry around a dozen bulbs and a screwdiver for the next time it happens?
Nothing else is burning out. Taillight, marker lights... If it were a spike from the regulator, other things would go out. It's not popping fuses, just the headlight.
So, they have it right now with the idea that I have checked everything...
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
RE: Blowing Headlight Bulbs
It sounds like there is a bit of wire that is stripped and is touching metal, most likely on the wiring for the front bulb. Or maybe just with a serious kink in it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 1
From: MA
RE: Blowing Headlight Bulbs
sounds like you've covered your bases pretty good.
check the continuity on the black ground wire going to the headlamps - make sure it's solid. hook up an ohm meter and flex it around to make sure the connection does not vary.
check the continuity on the black ground wire going to the headlamps - make sure it's solid. hook up an ohm meter and flex it around to make sure the connection does not vary.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 645
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Blowing Headlight Bulbs
ORIGINAL: anubisss
It sounds like there is a bit of wire that is stripped and is touching metal, most likely on the wiring for the front bulb. Or maybe just with a serious kink in it.
It sounds like there is a bit of wire that is stripped and is touching metal, most likely on the wiring for the front bulb. Or maybe just with a serious kink in it.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 681
Likes: 4
From: N.E. Oklahoma
RE: Blowing Headlight Bulbs
get a cheap bulb from the auto parts store and see if it happens. sometimes there are bad lots of bulbs that are prone to vibration failure.
it is doubtful that the bulb is burning out from voltage spike if the alternator, voltage regulator and battery are functioning as designed. only other thing that i can think of is making sure there are no fingerprints on the bulb when being installed or possible interference from the lamp hood located in the reflector assy.
it is doubtful that the bulb is burning out from voltage spike if the alternator, voltage regulator and battery are functioning as designed. only other thing that i can think of is making sure there are no fingerprints on the bulb when being installed or possible interference from the lamp hood located in the reflector assy.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 842
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Blowing Headlight Bulbs
The problem may be in the socket. It could be bad. Make them put in a new socket. 2cents
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro, OR
RE: Blowing Headlight Bulbs
UPDATE:
Well, the bike is back and they didn't do anything to it. They tried to get it to "Blow" and it never did.
All the bulbs (4) that have blown have come from different sources. I have been really careful not to touch the glass and make sure it isn't bumped replacing it.
So far, 175 miles since it has been in the shop and it has not blown this bulb. Not sure what the hell is going on, but I'll keep an eye on it.
Well, the bike is back and they didn't do anything to it. They tried to get it to "Blow" and it never did.
All the bulbs (4) that have blown have come from different sources. I have been really careful not to touch the glass and make sure it isn't bumped replacing it.
So far, 175 miles since it has been in the shop and it has not blown this bulb. Not sure what the hell is going on, but I'll keep an eye on it.
