SV650.org - SV650 & Gladius 650 Forum



SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking Discussion and chat on all topics and technical stuff related to the SV650 and SV1000
Need Help: Try Searching before posting

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 02-10-07, 10:32 AM   #1
Tiger 55
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Why do my headlights only work sometimes?

I say 'only work sometimes' because I can't spell intermittent...

Anyway, a K6S it is so the lights are supposed to be on all the time but they seem to be on some kind of work to rule (ask your Dad). Makes no difference if it's wet or dry, warm weather or cold, been running or standing, you name it. Flasher doesn't work either but side lights and indicators are fine.

I'm figuring it's not a fuse or bulb issue and I've had the fairing off to check for (really) obvious chafes in the wires and to give the connector block a damn good WD40ing. The next event is switch disassembly (the old loose wire theory) but l'm less than keen on that so thought I'd find out what the usual problem is...

Cheers!
  Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-07, 10:53 AM   #2
hovis
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Why do my headlights only work sometimes?

sounds like a losse wire?
  Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-07, 10:58 AM   #3
Sideshow#36
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Why do my headlights only work sometimes?

You say that you figure it isnt the fuse box but have you actually checked it?
Not being condisending (cant spell either... I think,) but when I had my RS125, one day it wouldnt start for love nor money, I had it down in so many bits, tank off, carbs off, sparkies changed, battery changed. Then my missus said have you checked the fuses? Funnily enough there was one not quite seated properly and wouldnt you know... it started 1st time!




I've never heard the end of that one!
  Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-07, 11:53 AM   #4
Ceri JC
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Why do my headlights only work sometimes?

As others have said, intermittent problems are usually symptomatic of a loose wire/dodgy connection. Talking to the electrician last week (problem with wiring in my house) he said that the reason they usually go from only failing occassionally, to only working occassionally (and eventually to not working at all) is that as the wire gets loose, it gets hotter and the heating/cooling tends to make it work itself even looser.
  Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-07, 11:56 AM   #5
the white rabbit
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Why do my headlights only work sometimes?

Does it depend on it you have pressed the switch or not? HTH

NIBDH
  Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-07, 01:29 PM   #6
Stu
Trinity
Mega Poster
 
Stu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Guildford
Posts: 8,027
Default Re: Why do my headlights only work sometimes?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiger 55 View Post
a K6S
Did somebody say warranty?
Stu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-07, 05:57 PM   #7
Tiger 55
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Why do my headlights only work sometimes?

I did check the fuses and one of them was loose! But it was the spare

No objection to having it done under warranty if that's what it comes down to, I'd just rather do it myself if I can. Helps justify tool expenditure to Mrs Tiger...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr Rich View Post
Does it depend on it you have pressed the switch or not? HTH
There is no switch on a K6 Doc, but thanks for the H
  Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-07, 07:15 PM   #8
-Ralph-
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Why do my headlights only work sometimes?

"It's only just happened today offisher! I've known about it since 19th August? But thats just not true offisher! "

  Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-07, 07:21 PM   #9
Stig
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Why do my headlights only work sometimes?

Not sure if this is the same on the pointy as on the curvy. But on the curvy, under the riders seat next to the fuses there is a little relay box that controls the headlights. It has been known for this to come loose giving the exact same symptoms that you describe. Try pushing it taking it out and put it back in again. This just may cure your problem.
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-10-07, 07:14 AM   #10
Spanner Man
Member
Mega Poster
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Sunbury Middlesex
Posts: 1,396
Default Re: Why do my headlights only work sometimes?

Morning all.
On a lot of bikes that have the headlights on permanently, the starter button is actually a two way switch, which disconnects the headlight when depressed. Thereby making more current available for starting.
I believe this is the case with K5 models & onwards. It would be worth getting a little contact cleaner into the switch, for it'll only be a refugee spring from a ballpoint pen that holds the contacts together, so any corrosion on the contacts could cause a loss of contact.

A mate of mine totally stripped his 1500 Goldwing in an attempt to find out why his lights didn't work, & finally after several hours of checking wiring & connections rung me in desperation, I said rather casually, 'have you checked the starter button'? He touched it, & guess what, it was stuck in slightly.
I wont repeat what he called me, as this is a U rated site, but it began with knowall & ended after several expletives with F***HEAD!

Cheers.
__________________
Spanner Man
http://stewarts-motorcycles.co.uk/default.html
Spanner Man is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
No Headlights Grinch SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking 17 15-09-08 03:49 PM
Headlights ejtrent SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking 1 09-12-07 12:54 PM
headlights gettin2dizzy SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking 8 21-02-07 11:55 AM
Does anybody know these headlights? Unlucky Charms SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking 4 08-03-06 12:49 AM
Two headlights?? Cédricstaps SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking 3 21-02-05 11:12 AM


All times are GMT. The time now is 06:48 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® - Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.