Help with failing lights

[TheMechwarrior]

All,

The other night while riding home I had 9 instances where my headlight failed to light up. 
In most cases it was when switching from high beam back to low beam.

When switching from low beam to high beam I could hear a relay click and there was a short delay and momentary darkness as it switched from low to high. When switching back from high to low (on coming traffic) I lost all light. 

Eventually I gave up on high beam and rode 75km home on low beam...it reminded me of riding in th e 80's.

I've ridden a few times since then without issue.

Any thoughts?

I ride a 2003 ST1100 PY

Cheers,

Mech.

[alans1100]

I had that issue on my 1100 as well. I put it down to dirty contacts in the switch.

I'd switch to H and have no lights. Switch back to L and back to H and it would work. It was intermittent but sometime later the indicators would do the same (mainly RH).
Undid the LH switch block and part of the indicator switch fell out. I put it back together and ordered a new switch block.

Been trouble free the last 4 years.

The relay your hearing maybe the L one going off as you switch to H.

[Brock]

I concur, (means agree  )

Good place to start is the high beam switch, and its the easiest as well.

[Streak]

I concur, (means agree  )

Good place to start is the high beam switch, and its the easiest as well.

Agreed....

[saaz]

It is not an uncommon problem. If you are lucky a squirt of something like Inox or CRC and using the switch will put it all right.  Otherwise cleaning the switch is the next option, but watch out for all those small bits.  The relay can go but much more rare.  using Inox/CRC once a year on both switchblocks is probably good practice, as the kill switch can also play up after years of use and out in the weather.

Hard to remember, but many ST11s are at least 10 years old, often a lot more.  I still have to get around the fact that I have a 1996 ST1100, and it is 17 years old.  It still seems relevant and modern to me.

[TheMechwarrior]

Thanks chaps, dismantling the LH switch block sounds easy, assuming you mean the assembly on the handlebars?

I have not done anything electrical (other than remove and recharge the battery) on this bike as yet. As such I wouldn't have a clue as to where to find a single relay. I should take some time to get to know her better, I know.

Thanks for that last suggestion saaz - I did leave the bike parked outside for an extended period of time prior to this problem so a moisture build-up in the switches is very likely. I'll lube her up ASAP

[saaz]

The relays are all up the front under the dashboard.  The problem usually is the switch, and preventative maintenance is the trick.  The relay itself rarely fails.  The problem with the switch is usually a combination of moisture and gunk from riding is all weather/parking outside.  A spary and working the switch usually works, otherwise a physical clean is the next options.  CRC contact cleaner is great stuff to have on hand (not cheap) followed up by Inox or the normal CRC spray lubricant.

[Yorkie]

Do not use CRC 5-56 on anything electrical, ships engineers cause a lot of problems, it is a lubricant, not an electrical cleaner, conducts electricery to earth.

[Biggles]

Do not use CRC 5-56 on anything electrical, ships engineers cause a lot of problems, it is a lubricant, not an electrical cleaner, conducts electricery to earth.

I'm gonna wait for someone else to ask what that means.   

[Brock]

The only problem with 5-56 and elec stuff, is if you spray it on to live energised circuits. There is a danger of ignition. While not specifically for elec use, can be used. CRC 2-26 is better for elec use...

CRC website and tech data sheets have the needed info.

P.S. I have been using the stuff for many years with no problems.

[gaz]

agreed? 

[Abe]

I use these (Deoxit), and carry a 20ml can in with my compressor/repair kit.

Look at last entry http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=2502.25

I had a similar problem when I got the bike.

http://www.techtronics.com.au/p/116538/TOOLS_AEROSOLS/NoBrand/T3064.asp

[Yorkie]

Do not use CRC 5-56 on anything electrical, ships engineers cause a lot of problems, it is a lubricant, not an electrical cleaner, conducts electricery to earth.

I'm gonna wait for someone else to ask what that means.   

I maintained a fleet of oil rig tenders in a past life, engineers who have done a 2 week electrical course belief 5-56 is the solution to all their problems, a few had to be towed home.

[TheMechwarrior]

I meant to get back to you all, you were spot on.

I sprayed out the switches to remove excess moisture and that fixed the problem, seriously scary problem to have when you have to ride home at night in bad weather.

Thanks all.