[Stubby]

The headlight on my wife's GL quit working. Any ideas? I have tried or checked the following:



Looked for broken or shorted wiring

Checked fuses

Tried a different headlight

Check headlight bulb



Not sure what I have missed, but I am sure one of you will know.

Thanks

 

[Shep]

Do you have a multimeter?



If so check that there's power getting to the bulb holder/connectors.Set on 20v DC and test.

 

[Stubby]

Do you have a multimeter?



If so check that there's power getting to the bulb holder/connectors.Set on 20v DC and test.

Yes. I'm getting 11.60 for each terminal.

 

[Abes_CW]

Yes. I'm getting 11.60 for each terminal.

Wiggle your starter switch, see if she flickers.

 

[Shep]

Yes. I'm getting 11.60 for each terminal.

And can you get a good ground reading e.g zero or really low resistance?



The Grounds on these bikes are green wires."Green is mean" is the way I remember

I had to make a new ground inside my headlight as the one going into the harness was flaky.



Note:My UK CXs have the headlight/indicator electrics inside the Headlight nacelle but the principle is the same.

 

[Shep]

Also pull apart all the large connectors and spray with electrical cleaner or at a push Carb/Brake cleaner and work them back together to clean the spades.

 

[DaveF]

Yes. I'm getting 11.60 for each terminal.

Was the headlight plugged in when you made this measurement?

See this writeup.

 

[Stubby]

Going to my parents for dinner. When we get back or tomorrow I will check all of the above and let you know.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Abes_CW]

Wiggle your starter switch, see if she flickers.

http://home.wanadoo.nl/motors/cx/electrical/gl500_82int.htm



The wire marked l/w coming from the starter button has been known to cause a dead head. When the starter button is pressed, this disables the headlight to allow maximum voltage to the starter. If you have an issue with the starter button or associated wiring, your headlight will not illuminate.

 

[Stubby]

GOT IT!!!!

It is definitely the starter switch. Is there an actual fix for this? Or is this one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". A.K.A. if it's working now, leave it alone.

 

[Shep]

All of the throttle assembly can be serviced as can the Clutch assembly.Split and be careful with the tiny components.Clean with Electrical Switch cleaner or Carb/Brake cleaner and re-solder if any frayed wires found.Dress contacts with a bit of emery/scotchbrite or fine wet and dry and then clean off again.

 

[Stubby]

Thanks Shep. Sounds like fun.

lol. Also, thanks to everyone for your quick responses.

 

[Shep]

Thanks Shep. Sounds like fun.

lol. Also, thanks to everyone for your quick responses.

Some info here,



http://www.pdsrecording.site90.com/cxgl500/Electrics.htm

 

[marshallf3]

GOT IT!!!!

It is definitely the starter switch. Is there an actual fix for this? Or is this one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". A.K.A. if it's working now, leave it alone.

First thing to try is electrical contact cleaner, several times. Use the little extension tube and blast the switch good then operate it several times. Let it sit for a while then repeat.

 

[AloRaptor]

The first thing I thought of when I saw the thread title was a grateful dead fan.

 

[Abes_CW]

GOT IT!!!!

It is definitely the starter switch. Is there an actual fix for this? Or is this one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". A.K.A. if it's working now, leave it alone.

Awesome stubby!



[quote name=shep]Split and be careful with the tiny components[/quote]



IIRC there is a tiny ball under the off/run/off switch that likes to jump out and hide. I believe it goes to the same unknown dimension as the missing socks in the dryer."