Replace headlight?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 9
From: Toledo, Ohio
Replace headlight?
Trivial as far as this forum goes, but quick headlight question….. my low beam does not come on. But for a week or so when it first went out, it would come on if I tapped it a few times. Now, it's doesn't come on at all. All other front end lights are ok and have been. Should I just replace the bulb or does it sound like something may be loose? Also, wanted to make sure…..high beam selected is just the head light while low beam is the headlight "and" passing lamps, correct? Thanks as always
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,874
From: Upstate New York
A bit more information on year and model of your bike might help us a bit here. Usually, replacing a headlamp isn't a big deal, but it's nice to know what we're dealing with.
On my bike, I replaced the original 7" sealed beam unit (like a 1950's auto) with an H-4 type unit when my original headlamp burned out. Last year, I had some trouble similar to what you describe. Every so often, I'd turn on the lights, and no headlamp. I ended up tightening the contacts in the headlamp plug and have had no problems since.
On my bike, I replaced the original 7" sealed beam unit (like a 1950's auto) with an H-4 type unit when my original headlamp burned out. Last year, I had some trouble similar to what you describe. Every so often, I'd turn on the lights, and no headlamp. I ended up tightening the contacts in the headlamp plug and have had no problems since.
Last edited by Uncle G.; Jul 14, 2013 at 09:55 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 246
From: Lakeville, MN
Mark, you don't have a bulb on your bike, you have a sealed beam OEM. You'd either have to replace it with a new OEM headlight or change over to the HDI or similar. If you need it, I can send you my former headlight that is in a box from when switched over to HDI....worked fine when I pulled it this winter!
Uncle G, he rides a 95 FLSTN.
Uncle G, he rides a 95 FLSTN.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 9
From: Toledo, Ohio
Ya right, I didn't mean bulb. Just wasn't sure if I should throw a new beam in or it sounded like something electrical ie. loose connection,etc. Was busy with some other stuff and didn't have time to pull it off and check. Thought I'd ask here real quick here and see if it might be another issue I'd be dealing with besides just slapping a new one in later this week.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 159
Likes: 3
From: Upper Bucks County, PA
Yep you prob burnt out the low beam and by hitting it the filament would reconnect causing light to work again. (As you found out, you can only do this so many times) I would go online and buy a sealed beam to H4 conversion light then the next time it burns out it will cost you less than 10$. And yes you are right low beams on passing lights on, high beam on passing lights off.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 115
From: Boston, MA
on my 1995 flstc i replaced the sealed beam with the most expensive one i could find. it was a sylvania silver st6024 from wally world and it was $20. i think it may have been made in the usa too. their r&d plant is several miles from my door.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,202
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
My 86 FLHT came with a H4 bulb. The Sportster was sealed beam, but when we needed a bulb, the MoCo only sold the replacement type that takes H4's. I now have LED headlights on both.
I didn't see where MJHJEA mentioned what bike he has. So, is it sealed beam or H4? Either way, yeah, try a new bulb.
I didn't see where MJHJEA mentioned what bike he has. So, is it sealed beam or H4? Either way, yeah, try a new bulb.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,202
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From: NW AR
At the time, 2007, I think, HD stopped carrying the 5-3/4" sealed beam. We had put a couple of the auto store bulbs in and they only lasted a day or two. Solid mounted Sportster engines have a bit of vibration. Anyway, stopped at the dealer in Pierre, SD (great people, but that's another story) and all they carried was the replacement that took the H4, so I bought that. I eventually had to go with a lower wattage (35W) bulb when I converted to bike to EFI, as 19 amps just isn't enough to run the lights and an EFI system. The LED headlights just came out and are only 25W and way brighter.