Headlight blues!!!
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Stage IV
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 4
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From: Kentucky
Headlight blues!!!
Dealing with a headlight issue. While driving down the road with the headlight on bright it will shut off. Once it does this you can flip it to Dim and it takes about 30 seconds for it to revive itself. Already installed new voltage regulator and the brushes in the generator look good.any and all advice appreciated.1976 xlch 1000. It's been converted over to kickstart and has the Electra glide style ignition. Thought I'd add that in case it makes a difference.
Last edited by Jreed1976ironhead; Jun 12, 2018 at 10:17 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 410
Likes: 127
From: Iowa
When it goes out and you flip it to Dim, does the dim light come on immediately? Or does it not come on for the 30 seconds?
Is the headlight the only light that goes out? Does the taillight stay on?
Depending on the answers to those questions, it sounds like the circuit breaker for the lights might be tripping due to the high current draw of the high beam.
After it sits for a little while, the circuit breaker resets and you're good to go until it trips again.
I've read that circuit breakers can go bad, but I've never had to replace any on my bikes yet.
I don't think the ignition would make any difference to the headlight going out. Ignition and lights should be on different circuits with different circuit breakers.
Is the headlight the only light that goes out? Does the taillight stay on?
Depending on the answers to those questions, it sounds like the circuit breaker for the lights might be tripping due to the high current draw of the high beam.
After it sits for a little while, the circuit breaker resets and you're good to go until it trips again.
I've read that circuit breakers can go bad, but I've never had to replace any on my bikes yet.
I don't think the ignition would make any difference to the headlight going out. Ignition and lights should be on different circuits with different circuit breakers.
Checking the breaker: with the seat off you can see all of the breakers. You can then hear the click when one of them trips. Also, with a finger tip on a breaker you can feel it heat up and you can feel the click.
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Stage IV
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Will check that out, it's a xlch that's been converted over to electric start. I tore the generator down and everything looked normal except for the seal was missing. I've been chasing this issue for a while. I had to replace the voltage regulator not long ago because it shorted out and the issues started shortly after that. I installed a adjure headlight with the h4 bulb in it and I thought that was the issue at first but I'll check out the circuit breaker.thanks for all the help. I'll keep you posted.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 2
From: canada
Circuit breakers,like everything else,get worn,and weak,especially if it has been handling higher curent.
if it is happening going down the road,it's going to be hard to check
.I would just replace it,and see if that cures the issue.
if it is happening going down the road,it's going to be hard to check
.I would just replace it,and see if that cures the issue.
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Stage IV
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
I tested the circuit breaker when the light shut off while at a idle. No power on the post that runs to the lights. It was also warm to the touch. Thanks alot guys for pointing me in the right direction. I'm going to keep an extra one in the saddlebags.
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