LOSS OF ALL HEADLAMPS

[Kevan]

I've read a few posts about loss of either high or low beams due to dirty High / Low switch on the left handlebar, but haven't seen THIS ONE before.
I've lost ALL my headlights.. !   And before anyone asks - no the globes are o/k because the Flasher / Pass switch works  (front of the left handlebar), and the main beam comes on along with the high beam warning light (blue).
So Whats going on ???
Only thing I can think of is I've lost the 12Volt feed to both relays, and somehow these are being bypassed when the PASS lever is flicked.
All other lights are fine, inc rear, indicators and all panel / dash warning lights, inc High beam warning when "Flashed"..
ABS and Traction warning also o/k.
The Haynes manual does not indicate were the relays are, and I've got different wire colour coding ( on the 3 connectors - Ignition, Left handlebar loom & right handlebar loom)  to what is shown in the Haynes manual.
Model
2000 - 1100 Pan European with ABS & Traction.

[alans1100]

Check to make sure your start switch releases fully after starting as the headlights turn off during start up.

Sometimes the contacts get dirty and the switch sticks half way.

[Biggles]

Check to make sure your start switch releases fully after starting as the headlights turn off during start up.

Sometimes the contacts get dirty and the switch sticks half way.

Yep- I've seen that one too.  And just think- all that time, you'r starter motor has been running while you've been riding along!   

I don't think it's the contacts.  On mine it was the actual switch mechanism- i.e. the pivoting plastic rocker part.  WD40 fixed it.

[alans1100]

Check to make sure your start switch releases fully after starting as the headlights turn off during start up.

Sometimes the contacts get dirty and the switch sticks half way.

Yep- I've seen that one too.  And just think- all that time, you'r starter motor has been running while you've been riding along!   

No it doesn't.......At the half way point there is no power to the lights or the starter motor. I say contacts but it's more likely lack of lube/dirt in the switch area.

[STutter]

Hey all, I think my relay is gone.

The bike had all lights but would make a clicking noise occasionally after startup and then the lights would decide to come on. I cleaned up the contacts in both swicthes with contact cleaner and while they move better we have no light. Even the high beam switch doesnt bring up the blue high beam dash light.

However, hitting the 'passing' trigger switch makes the blue indicator light come on, though the headlights remain off. Just before I go researching the part/s everyone would be in agreeance its a relay?

[saaz]

There are two relays - one for high and one for low. Unlikely they would both go.  There is a single 10A fuse for the headlights, so perhaps look there first as it powers both the relays?  I will have a proper look tomorrow at the wiring diagrams - the passing switch turning on the high beam indicator might be a clue as to which part of the circuit is not working, or at least eliminate parts of the circuit.

Electrics are bad enough dealing with when you have the bike, let alone remotely!

[STutter]

Yep, replaced the fuse already, then cleaned the switches.

[Kevan]

Well in my case guys, its the starter switch.. Managed to get a 2nd hand one from a breakers in Victoria.. In the interim, I peeled back the insulation on the two wires that go to the starter switch and shorted them out. This simply by-passes the starter / headlight link and the lights remain on at all times (apart from when you take the key out of course  ). Didn't see the point in squirting contact cleaner into the switch as its supposed to be waterproof, as is the indicator switch on the left. When that started sticking I just took it apart and dry cleaned it. Cant do that with the starter switch as its too small.
Anyway - my problems have been resolved. Thanks to all suggestions.   

[Kevan]

If people haven't this service before http://www.findapart.com.au/  is a great place to go. This is what I used and had a number of replies from wreckers around Oz. Standard price for the starter switch assy is $149.00, my local Honda dealer (Joondalup WA) offered it to me for $115.00. Got it from the wreckers for $70.00 and its near new.. 

[Shiney]

If people haven't this service before http://www.findapart.com.au/  is a great place to go. This is what I used and had a number of replies from wreckers around Oz. Standard price for the starter switch assy is $149.00, my local Honda dealer (Joondalup WA) offered it to me for $115.00. Got it from the wreckers for $70.00 and its near new.. 

Thanks for the link Kevan
I'm sure it'll be useful in the future.

Cheers
Shiney

[saaz]

Good to see one problem solved. In my 1996 police model the starter switch does not cut out the headlights when starting, so perhaps that is a good thing as it seems to be a failure point.

[STutter]

Well the relays arrived today (i bought two just in case).

So when I hit the high beam trigger, I can hear one of the relays clicking, and I can feel something clicking in there.

However, there seems to be about 5 or so similar looking objects in the area. Which one is for the headlights?

Also, I found my headlight adjuster.... it was tucked into the inner fairing. I have a voltmeter in the usual spot for headlight adjustment.... weird.

[saaz]

Each variation has a different layout.

For lbs-abs/tcs, when looking from the front (page1-35 of the honda workshop manual)  low beam relay is on the inside bank to the rear. Hi beam relay is the front one on the outside.

Police models had the headlight adjuster hidden, to make way for a voltmeter. If it is a police model then low beam relay is (looking from the front) right hand side, inside bank of relays, the one at the back. Hi beam relay is left hand side, outside bank of relays at the front. (page 15 of police addendum)

[STutter]

Thanks John, I've got a non ABS, but it'll be similar no doubt.

There seems to be three on the inside, one on the outside on the LHS when looking at the bike from the front. I'll take another look when I get home

[saaz]

I just changed the post, as I looked at the wrong bike. If it is a normal standard one the layout is different again!

Thanks John, I've got a non ABS, but it'll be similar no doubt.

There seems to be three on the inside, one on the outside on the LHS when looking at the bike from the front. I'll take another look when I get home

[saaz]

If the relays don't fix it, time to trace the power to the relays, starting at the fusebox for power.  On my 96 police model the headlights stay on during starting, so I haven't looked into how the start cutout works.

[gaz]

If people haven't this service before http://www.findapart.com.au/  is a great place to go. This is what I used and had a number of replies from wreckers around Oz. Standard price for the starter switch assy is $149.00, my local Honda dealer (Joondalup WA) offered it to me for $115.00. Got it from the wreckers for $70.00 and its near new.. 

Thanks for the link Kevan
I'm sure it'll be useful in the future.

Cheers

 
Shiney

[STutter]

Well you wouldnt believe it.

I took the bike to the shop to get tyres fitted and I just said - bonus points for figuring out the headlight issue while you're there.

Got a call and they asked if it was a trick question because they replaced the fuse and it worked! Admittedly they said they thought the fuse looked fine as well.

Lesson learned - do not trust your eyes, rely on a multimeter!