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This one's got me scratching my head and I know there are a fair few motorbikers on here too so hopefully someone can help!
Bike is a 1996 Honda VFR750F and the dip beams have stopped working. Here's what I've tried, in order:
- New bulbs
- Checked whether I was getting power at the connector, nothing there
- Replaced the relay - one of the connectors had clearly got a little warm so I replaced that too
- Checked for power at the connector again - no power when everything is off, power to one pin when dip beam on, power to the other pin when main beam on
- New bulbs back in and still nothing
- Checked bulb by taking plastic connector apart so I could connect the main beam wiring to the dip beam filament - bulb is fine
So after all that I've got power to the connector when I should yet with a new, tested bulb it doesn't work, what am I doing wrong??
Fuse?
I know that model is susceptible to problems with the instrument panel pcb, tracks lifting or just breaking. Seems a lot of weird faults can originate from there.
Did you check earth?
How you measuring voltage? Just cos you see 12v doesn't mean it's got enough oomph
You could have 12v but no current.
Thanks everyone, there is only one fuse for the headlight and the main beam is working.
I'll have to have a look at the back of the instrument panel and see if I can spot anything there
Not checked the earthe yet, would that really cause an issue just on this circuit? I'm waiting for a manual to arrive to have a proper look at a wiring diagram
Cheers,
Matt
Sounds like you may need to check the switch, from memory it's the 800's that have an issue with the track on the cct bd corroding ?
I did have the switch apart to spray some contact cleaner in - is it possible it isn’t making a good enough connection when there is a load?
I have been measuring voltage and continuity as I can’t measure current because as soon as a load is applied the circuit stops working
Bad earth. Cause of 90% of issues on bikes.
Have you checked continuity on the other side of the connector to earth? If you have power to the connector then run a wire from it to the bulb and run the other side of the bulb to earth. If it works then it is an earthing issue.
Hi Matt
Had this issue on and off with a 99 VFR800... It was poor connections in the switchgear. Some contact cleaner helped, but ultimately it needed taking apart and lovingly cleaning and putting back together. Or replacing with one in better condition!
Well I’ve been looking at this again this morning and not had any luck. I can’t see how to get into the actual switch in the bars so only option there would be to replace but it does seem to working as high beam only works when that switch is in the dip position.
I can only see one ground point on the right side of the frame near the battery coming out of the main loom. Had that off and cleaned up (was clean anyway) and no difference
I think it’s going to have to go back together and get booked in with someone who knows what they’re looking for now
Thanks for the pointers though!