headlight circute blowing fuses

[Geobob]

Has anyone experienced a reoccurring headlight fuse blowing.

 

I replaced a damaged fuse holder last time it blew and the head light socket. I put a new 2 amp fuse in and yesterday it blew the new fuse.

 

I looked at the headlight but could not tell if it was the stock wattage or not and I think the fuse holder indicated the circuit should have a 5 amp fuse.

 

Previously, the fuse holder got so hot it melted and the head light socket was melted.

 

My only theory is the wrong headlight but this one has been in for years, or the switch sitting in between high beam and low beam and both being on.

 

I had all the fairing off and could see all the wiring harness. I did not see any obvious damage.

 

Any ideas.

[Neil86]

The stock headlight fuse should be a 10 amp......so might have to get a heavier

fuseholder with wires for that amperage.

[Geobob]

I'll change it and see if it ever happens again.

[Flyinfool]

If the bulb socket is melting, that is either a higher wattage than stock bulb or a bad connection. I am not sure if it is possible to find a center position where both the high and lo beams are on at the same time, but that would also melt things.

 

It is also possible for the bulb to burn out and the broken element causing a short inside of the bulb, this will also melt and blow things.

 

It really helps if you put what kind of bike you have by your name. This makes it easy for us to help you out, often different bikes will get different answers to the same question. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=58880

[coop]

Are you talking an aftermarket fuse holder or the stock one under the left side cover? I was just in there yesterday and that fuse is a 20. That fuse is on the headlight and tail light circuit on my 06 RSTD. The brake light wire is blue and the plug is under the seat at the rear fender plastic. But if your headlamp socket is melted I'd say the wrong bulb is in there. Never the less a 2 amp fuse would blow right off even with perfect components....I think you missed the 0 after the 2.

 

Bob

[86er]

 

On a 1st gen it is possible to center the hi/lo switch and get both beams on. I do it regularly (on both my 86 and now my 88) and have never blown a fuse or burned anything up. Now with that being said, I doubt that I have ever run it that way for more than 10 minutes or so.

 

But then I have the "Wisdon Of Bubba" on my side, and he told me to never let the smoke out of the wires!

 

[Geobob]

I had to wire in a new fuse holder for that circute. I had a five in and now I understand it should have been a ten. I also understand that an after market ceramic plug has been used by others suggesting im not the first to have this pro lem.

 

Thanks to all of you for your help so far.

[coop]

The ceramic plug sounds like a good idea.

 

I see your from Oswego..... you don't happen to work at one of the many power plants up there do you?

 

Bob

[Geobob]

Owego is different than Oswego. Owego is just west. Of Binghamton between Elmyra and Binghamton. We have now moved to Williamsport Pa. I guess I need to update my profile.

[coop]

Ahhhh if only I could read )

 

Bob