Headlight not working,please help.

[Mmartin4509]

Hello everyone, I hope someone can help me with this problem. I have a 86 VR that I just got a couple of days ago, this is my first big street bike, anyhow, when I picked the bike up everything worked fine, I could tell right away carbs need cleaned and battery is draining fast. I got the bike home and went to start it for a friend, I noticed the dash lights were not working, I'm referring to the lights that light up the speedo and tach, the lights above for blinkers and such worked fine, so I walked to the front of the bike to find that the headlight was not working. I checked the fuse and bulb, both looked fine to me.I went out the next day after work and the lights worked, now tonight they stopped working again. Electrical is not my thing, I tried looking at the wiring diagram on this site, might as well been written in japanese.Is this happening because the battery is junk? Is there a relay that deals with the headlight? Any help would be awesome,thanks

[calgaryrider]

Try jiggling or make sure your start switch/button is all the way out after starting the bike

[bkuhr]

The starter bush button on the right grip has 2 sets of contacts.

1 set N.O. and closes when pushed to apply ground to the start relay to start engine

2 set N.C. and opens when pushed to remove power from headlight RLU (reserve lighting unit, powering the headlight) and dash lights

 

99.9% sure your problem is the second set of contacts are dirty and not closing when starter button is released. The grip can be opened and contacts cleaned. Thread about cleaning here somewhere.

 

Found the cleaning thread

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=42433

Edited June 27, 2012 by bkuhr
add thread

[bongobobny]

The above, as well as possibily corrosion on the fuse contacts. I would go with the start switch first though...

[Yammer Dan]

All The Above!!! After you start it pull out on the starter button. If headlight comes on switches need cleaning.

[Mmartin4509]

HOLY FREAKING CRAP!!! thank you guys so much, I only wish I would of asked a couple days ago as I now have the whole front of the bike turn apart lol! O well it needs a good cleaning, thanks again, it is the start button and I will be cleaning that ASAP!

[Mmartin4509]

Headlight works, now my blinkers don't?any ideas? Fuse is good

[dingy]

Headlight works, now my blinkers don't?any ideas? Fuse is good

 

Just in case you have front end off, the turn signals will not work with the hazard switch unplugged. (right side under handle bar, in plastic cover)

 

Gary

[Mmartin4509]

Your the man Gary! Thanks. I guess I can tear into carbs now, this will be my first 4 cylinder carb job... Wish me luck, thanks again.

 

 

-mike

[Flyinfool]

We don't know why you are still a trial member.

 

There is always someone with an answer to anything, even if it is just a smarta$$ one...

 

But since you have only been here 1 day we can cut you some slack.........lol

[KIC]

But on the 2nd day... your fair game....

[Yammer Dan]

Not all my answers are Smart-ass. I gave a good one once!!

[KIC]

Not all my answers are Smart-ass. I gave a good one once!!

 

I agree ...that's the one where you said I was a nice guy !

 

[Mmartin4509]

Best $12 I ever spent!!!

[Venturous Randy]

We don't know why you are still a trial member.

 

 

Well, he must have joined.

Welcome aboard.

RandyA

[bongobobny]

Don't worry about that "clanging" sound your computer made when you paid your dues, it's just the watchman making sure you are all tucked in here at the asylum...

[Flyinfool]

Welcome to the funny farm. Now that we got ya hooked...........

[KIC]

You can check out, but you can never leave.........

[sgn]

You can check out, but you can never leave.........

 

 

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