Help! - No Lights!

[MusclePump]

On my twenty mile trip home tonight I had about half a dozen people pull up beside me and yell over that, on a motorcycle, I had no lights!!! I flicked the high/low switch a hundred times, nothing happened. When I got home, I turn it on/off, on/off and nothing happens. And as far as I know, every bike in the last decade or so has lights that turn on with the bike. And mine used to! How do I fix this???

[Moker]

check the fuses?

[itsshemp]

sound like it would just be a fuse. Hopefully so!

You will still need to figure out why it blew a fuse, if that turns out to be the problem.

Do ya have tailight, marker lights?

[Y2K]

Sounds like a warranty issue to me,take it in and say fix it!

[Moved On]

It's doubtful that you blew both the high and low beam at the same time. Usually if one blows the other is still good. Have you ever taken the bulb out? The bulb may have broken glass if you touched it and left a finger print behind or if it got some water inside.

Check the fuses first.

Then take the headlamp out and look at the connector to the bulb. It's pretty common (on higher milage) Sporties for the connector to come loose from vibration, then arc and over heat and melt. If that happened you will need to get a replacement connector from the dealer or an auto parts store. It should be under warranty. Putting some dielectric grease on the connector is a good thing to do to reduce the chances of burning out a connector.

If thats all okay, then take the bulb out and inspect it for blown filaments or broken glass.

The connector should be under warranty, but a blown/broken bulb or a blown fuse probably won't be covered, so do a little investigative work first. If you find a problem that you think should be under waranty, put it all back together and take it too the dealer. They won't warranty a burnt connector if you replace it and just take the burnt part into the shop.

Gazza

[warpig]

Does HD uses fuses now?

Mine has a self resetting circuit breaker on the headlight circuit. If it trips it automatically resets as it cools off. I had a short once when I was doing some wiring and tested it. It resets in just a few seconds cycling the light off and on.

[MusclePump]

Is it possible I did this when I took off my seat??

[Moker]

the fuse panel is located on the left side under the cover. simple as heck to check

[Takingabreak]

Did you cycle the key switch fully?
I have seen this on some bikes, they will run in the accessory position.
Take the key out, and slowly insert it and turn it so you feel both notches.

Are the lights on now?
Juggle the key, do they flicker?

Let me know MP.

[MusclePump]

Did you cycle the key switch fully?
I have seen this on some bikes, they will run in the accessory position.
Take the key out, and slowly insert it and turn it so you feel both notches.

Are the lights on now?
Juggle the key, do they flicker?

Let me know MP.

it was all forward, tried a dozen times to be sure. no go

[Moker]

do any lights work on your bike?

[MusclePump]

do any lights work on your bike?

I know the turn signals work just fine

[MusclePump]

I've never paid that close of attention... but... has that center area always been open like that? Wasn't there something there?!

http://www.boymetworld.com/question.jpg

[Moker]

it's open on mine also. have you checked the fuse?

[MusclePump]

it's open on mine also. have you checked the fuse?

whew.

fuse: not yet. have to get up early, so i'm going to bed for now. i'll check as soon as I get home tomorrow. how will i know if its out/bad? any tell tale signs?

[Moker]

they're the flat type, 2 metal prongs coming out of the plastic, you can see through the plastic to check the continuity of it.
so basically, if they're connected (in the plastic), they're ok.
it really sounds like a fuse issue, but it's always possible your high/low switch opened (doubtful though)

[bplinson]

I've never paid that close of attention... but... has that center area always been open like that? Wasn't there something there?!

http://www.boymetworld.com/question.jpg

No, there was nothing there. The Rockerbox cover is suppose to be that way.

Check your fuses if both your Headlight AND taillight are not working. If only your Headlight is not working replace the bulb.

[nightwolf]

they're the flat type, 2 metal prongs coming out of the plastic, you can see through the plastic to check the continuity of it.
so basically, if they're connected (in the plastic), they're ok.


Should look like an S running sideways through the top of the fuse if it's the kind I'm thinkin' of. In a bad fuse the S will be broken or burnt

[MusclePump]

I didn't check last night, but I'm assuming it's both the head and tail that aren't working. Everyone who pulled up to me last night was like, "Dude, you've got NO lights on at all, what's your problem?"

[cantolina]

I didn't check last night, but I'm assuming it's both the head and tail that aren't working. Everyone who pulled up to me last night was like, "Dude, you've got NO lights on at all, what's your problem?"

HA too funny...

Probably a fuse....you have a brake light?

[Lucifer]

The road must have been pretty lit up! Probably a fuse, but I'm wondering why it blew, if so. Do you own a shop manual? Should easily be able to confirm or elliminate the fuse though. If you replace it you may also want to buy a spare. If problem persists check the wiring. H-D should also repair it under warranty. Ride to Live!

[MusclePump]

Actually it was like I was driving through mud... I couldn't see a damned thing except when another car was coming up behind me or coming toward me. Actually pretty scary.

I do own a shop manual. I'll check the fuse when I get home. They're cheap, so if it is the fuse I'm going to just go buy one instead of take it in. It would probably take my stealer a week to change the damn fuse and with my luck and their rep they'd probably give it back with a scratch or three. If it blows yet another one though, I'll go take it in out of virtue that something bigger is wrong.

Will report on brake lights when I get home.

[bplinson]

10 to 1 it is the fuse if you have NO lights.

[MusclePump]

10 to 1 it is the fuse if you have NO lights.

Well I have blinkers... does that negate the fuse?

[Moker]

was it the fuse?

[Moker]

blinkers appear to be on a seperate circuit according to the wiring diagram

[cantolina]

Well I have blinkers... does that negate the fuse?

No, it doesn't.

The brake light is separate from the headlight/taillight for safety reasons...

I would assume that the blinkers would be, as well...

[MusclePump]

You remember how I posted asking how often bikes needed warranty work? Well, mine is now one of them. I have an appointment (not way out until the 19th!!!) for my little fuse problem. It was a blown fuse, so I replaced it, and as soon as I did and turned it on to check and see if it's working... POOF! Blew again.

Now I can't ride!!! GAAHHH!!!

[cantolina]

You remember how I posted asking how often bikes needed warranty work? Well, mine is now one of them. I have an appointment (not way out until the 19th!!!) for my little fuse problem. It was a blown fuse, so I replaced it, and as soon as I did and turned it on to check and see if it's working... POOF! Blew again.

Now I can't ride!!! GAAHHH!!!

Not necessarily true....you see, you could always LOOK FOR THE CAUSE YOURSELF!

Strange idea, I know, but, I'm f'ed up like that....

The way I am, I'd want to know what's wrong even if I DID let them fix it...

[barry1967]

Put in a bigger fuse ;)

[cantolina]

Put in a bigger fuse ;)

Be nice! :D

[MusclePump]

It was a blown fuse, so I replaced it, and as soon as I did and turned it on to check and see if it's working... POOF! Blew again.

Now I can't ride!!! GAAHHH!!!

[dashadow]

OK, that means there's a short somewhere. IT'S A WARRANTY ISSUE.

Get thee to the stealer and be done with it.

[cantolina]

OK, that means there's a short somewhere. IT'S A WARRANTY ISSUE.

Get thee to the stealer and be done with it.

And not ride for 8 days?

I think not...

Find it...and THEN decide if you'll fix it or they will...

COULD take you an hour, instead of 8 days and then some....

[MusclePump]

I'm ok with getting greasy and changing oils, playing with cables and changing the throttle around and added this that or the other (including pipes, soon!) but I know jack shit about electrical stuff. I'd probably only make it worse :(

[cantolina]

I'm ok with getting greasy and changing oils, playing with cables and changing the throttle around and added this that or the other (including pipes, soon!) but I know jack shit about electrical stuff. I'd probably only make it worse :(

All ya gotta do is trace wires and look at components...

For example,

the headlight connector is a known design flaw that hasn't been addressed...SOMETIME, the connectors will come loose on the headlights....you'll KNOW if that could be the cause if you just LOOK at it...

Broken, rubbed, pinched wiring...can be easily seen in most cases...

Whatever is serviced bny that fuse (diagrams in the manual) should be looked at, and all wires traced from component to fusebox...paying PARTICULAR attention to grounds, (which will NOT go to the fuse box, but will SOMEHOW always terminate to body ground, by some means...)

Looking and making sure will do NOTHING to your warranty, but you MAY find the answer in a cursory inspection.....THEN you can make the decision whether or not to fix it yourself...

Sort of like I say about carb tuning...work the mixture...get it tuned...if you have to go out more than 3 turns...THEN make the decision to move up a jet....

Give it a try...what do you have to lose, except maybe a little time? Much to gain...if only in the knowledge of your bike....

Good Luck, whatever you decide to do! :)

[RedRider]

I think a great big fuse would take care of this, myself... ;)

Diagnostic, schmyagnostic.... :D

[dabronco]

Yeah if ya put in a REALLY big fuse, the wire that's shorting will catch fire making it easier to find!

[icebob]

Ok here's my .02 I'm an avionics tech ( I take care of everything electronic and electric on an aircraft) the first thing ya need to do is check the amperage at your fuse. if it is higher than what the fuse is rated. If so check the 2 wire coming to the fuse and ring them to ground. If you can read any value that mean that you have a wire leaking to ground (volt=resistance by amperage)so if your amp is higher than the fuse is rated that mean you have a damage wire so trace down the one that give you a reading on your multimeter and fix it , pretty simple

[XLFREAK]

Could a wire have been pinched when the seat was reinstalled?

[MusclePump]

Yay, I'm an idiot! Normally you wouldn't hear people bragging about this, but I am. And I'm happy about it because I now have my bike back, without giving it to a stealer.

I was so upset that I couldn't figure it out, I went to the store to buy yet more fuses. Well, they were out of 15's, so I bought 10's just to trouble shoot (I kept the spare the HD gives you in the panel until I fixed the problem. Didn't want to waste it). I then detached everything one by one that had an electrical wire running to it and blew fuse after fuse. Then, I found it.

On my left grip I was pinching the cable, and it ultimately was popping the fuses. I undid both compartments, made sure I gave the cable as much slack as possible, adjusted the seating, tightened it back up, and VOILA! It works!

I then put the spare in the lighting fuse space and put the 10 in the spare just for an emergency.

This, somehow, is building my character.

Nonetheless, banana's are in order.

:banana :banarock :brocoli :bananinj :banapart :banapart

[Sandman]

:roflblack Good for you MP! Have some more bananas!!!

:banana :banarasta :banana :banarasta :banana :banarasta :banana :banarasta :banana :banarasta :banana :banarasta :banana

[MusclePump]

Yay for nanners! I had never even thought to check there because after I put the grips on, the light still worked. So I figured if it were that, it would have done it right away.

Guess not :)

[FSZEKE302]

Good on you Muslepump. feels good tow in, doesn't it. congrats. :clap

[merc]

that was some pretty good trouble shootin'
nice job
have a few more
:banana :banagui :carrot :banarock :brocoli

[cantolina]

Yay, I'm an idiot! Normally you wouldn't hear people bragging about this, but I am. And I'm happy about it because I now have my bike back, without giving it to a stealer.

I was so upset that I couldn't figure it out, I went to the store to buy yet more fuses. Well, they were out of 15's, so I bought 10's just to trouble shoot (I kept the spare the HD gives you in the panel until I fixed the problem. Didn't want to waste it). I then detached everything one by one that had an electrical wire running to it and blew fuse after fuse. Then, I found it.

On my left grip I was pinching the cable, and it ultimately was popping the fuses. I undid both compartments, made sure I gave the cable as much slack as possible, adjusted the seating, tightened it back up, and VOILA! It works!

I then put the spare in the lighting fuse space and put the 10 in the spare just for an emergency.

This, somehow, is building my character.

Nonetheless, banana's are in order.

:banana :banarock :brocoli :bananinj :banapart :banapart

Nothing makes me happier than a success story...

Congratulations...

:smoke

[Schmidtrock]

:banapart :banapart

[willprevale]

You aren't an idiot by a long shot. You had a problem, you solved it and you're now in a position to offer help to someone who just might have a similar problem.

[Kelley]

Ahhh the pleasure of success.
Congratulations on the troubleshooting.

[KC_Sporty_Gal]

Grats on solving the problem.


I am posting just for an excuse to have more bananas ;) (and a dancing cow just for fun)

:banapart :bananinj :banarock :danccow

[mordak]

<SNIP>

Nonetheless, banana's are in order.

:banana :banarock :brocoli :bananinj :banapart :banapart

And some Brocoli too I see. Too back Cucumber and Chili Pepper didn't make it to the party as well!!!! :(


:cucumber :dpepper


And don't forget Carrot!!!


:carrot


Congrats BTW on your trouble shooting. Feels good don't it?!?!?!

[75oldschool]

:bluebanan :banadevi :cucumber :banagui :banarock :bananinj :banadanc :dpepper :danceman :leekguit :banarasta :banarasta :danceele :danceele :banapurp :banapurp :danccow :danccow :carrot :carrot :brocoli :brocoli :dancesmil :dancesmil :banapart :band :rockband :bagpipe :urock :why

[bw9]

Actually, that was a pretty good job of troubleshooting, MP. Congratulations and you saved a chunk of change for sure!!!

Maybe I should start a new "Idiot" thread...WTF is with the bananas?

Brent

[dashadow]

And not ride for 8 days?

I think not...

Find it...and THEN decide if you'll fix it or they will...

COULD take you an hour, instead of 8 days and then some....


Chuck, you need a new dealer, big time.

[dashadow]

Oops, just read the next thread, and it's MusclePump that needs the new dealer. :sorrysign

[txsporty]

Congrat on the Fix MusclePump!!!!!! :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper
:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper
:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper
:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper:dpepper

[dabronco]

It is so cool troubleshooting and finding a problem, especially when you think it's over yer head! Just like my Daddy always said, "There ain't nothin' ya can't do if ya put yer mind to it." Now to take care of that little brain tumor of mine!

[Moved On]

OK, that means there's a short somewhere. IT'S A WARRANTY ISSUE. Get thee to the stealer and be done with it.Not necessarilly a warranty issue !!! It's only a warranty issue if it's something that came that way out of the factory or was caused by something being assembled or designed wrong at the factory. Since it just started happening it most likely isn't an assembly flaw, it could be but it's not guaranteed to be an assembly flaw. If you have taken any thing off the bike (headlight, left side control housing, seat, gas tank, etc... ) and pinched a wire replacing it, then it's not a warranty issue, in that case it's your own fault and that aspect of your warranty could be voided.

You should take Cantolina's advice in the other thread and do an inspection on your own before you take it to the shop, so you don't get slapped with a big bill for something that's outside the warranty.

Speaking about the other thread... why do you have three threads running now all talking about this same problem MP ??? Kinda makes it hard to follow the history of the problem when it's bouncing around between three seperate threads!

MP: I just merged the other two threads into this one... so that the whole ordeal is chronological and hopefully helpful for the next guy that comes along with the same problem and searches the forum for "no headlights" or something like that...

Gazza

[Moved On]

I then detached everything one by one that had an electrical wire running to it and blew fuse after fuse. Then, I found it.

On my left grip I was pinching the cable, and it ultimately was popping the fuses. I undid both compartments, made sure I gave the cable as much slack as possible, adjusted the seating, tightened it back up, and VOILA! It works!That's a great way you thought up to isolate the problem. You should be proud of coming up with that on your own!!! Good work.

You might want to think about that pinched wire in the control housing. If the housing pinched through the insulation, then you most likely have some exposed conductor in one or more of the wires up there. A little electrical tape or shrink tube would be a good idea so that it doesn't intermittantly short due to vibes in the future.

Gazza

[cantolina]

That's a great way you thought up to isolate the problem. You should be proud of coming up with that on your own!!! Good work.

You might want to think about that pinched wire in the control housing. If the housing pinched through the insulation, then you most likely have some exposed conductor in one or more of the wires up there. A little electrical tape or shrink tube would be a good idea so that it doesn't intermittantly short due to vibes in the future.

Gazza

Yeah, in fact, they make a really great shrink material in TAPE form now...

Mostly found in 12 v electrical/communications (and hobby) supply shops...

works AMAZING, and you don't have to get a cable end to put it on.. :)

Just wrap it, and heat it...

[Moker]

well, i'm glad it was just the fuse, but heh....

i do agree with chuck, you're not gonna hurt anything by looking. try to isolate area's.
if the headlight connector has been an issue in the past like chuck say's, then isolate that. unplug it. bust out that schematic and get dirty! :)\\


*edit*
yay congrats on fixing it :) and yeah, take their advice and wrap the puppy in tape

[PlanB]

That'll build your confidence, MP...good job! When the monsoons start, you'll be in that garage wrenching away...that's my prediction!

[MusclePump]

That'll build your confidence, MP...good job! When the monsoons start, you'll be in that garage wrenching away...that's my prediction!

monsoons??

[sunkenloot]

Did someone say nanners?...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/sunkenloot/qYx1goow44lqxjFkPkKuYK1REvPE.gif

[MusclePump]

Love nanners.

[Piggy]

I just had this same problem Friday night. I went out to the garage to start up the bike and take a little cruise and found out the headlight and taillight weren't coming on. It kept blowing the fuse and was pissing me off. I decided to do a search on here to see if anyone else was having this problem and I found this thread.
I remembered that I had changed the grip on the left side about a month ago so I went out Saturday morning and found the problem was exactly where Musclepump said his problem was. It was pinching the wire next to the grip.
Thanks a lot musclepump for helping me find the solution and saving me some money instead of giving it to the stealer. :banana
:tour