85 VF500F Headlight woes

Greetings folks.

I'm hoping someone with better electrical knowledge can give me hand.

The headlight won't turn on. When I first purchased the bike it would turn on sometimes, but it hasn't for a week or two. All other lights turn on, including dash lights. I bought new fuses and swapped out each with a new one and no change. I pulled the bulb and it looks new. I don't have any test gear at present to check any of the wiring. I took apart the dimmer switch and it looks ok (no scorch marks, etc).

I guess what I'm asking is a) what test gear do I need to buy and b) where should I start? Is there an easy way to check the bulb?

Any help would be most appreciated. Time to learn some electrical! :redface:

John E.

 

Have you tried messing with the start button?

On my old VF I'd have to pull it out sometimes cause it would stay in just far enough to kill the headlight.

 

Not yet. I was warned by the PO that the start switch sometimes sticks and to be sure it comes out. I'm guessing there's a cut out in there for the headlight? Sounds like a good thing to check. Cleaning that up couldn't hurt.

Thanks for the tip!

 

Sounds like it could be your issue.

Yup. When you press in the starter button it cuts power to the headlight.

Everyone gets one. :redface:

 

Here's the status on my headlight woes:

Thanks to slowbird's excellent advice, I've traced the problem to the starter button. Seems there was a short in there at some point. Plastic looks a bit melted and one of the pivot pins on the button is broken off (the side with the spring).

While I was messing with the starter switch, I managed to break the connection on one of the two wires running to the engine cut off switch. :frown: So now bike no workie... and it was a beautiful day to ride too. :frown: I know a number of people at work who can solder so I plan to pull the harness off the bike and bring it in.

That being said, I'm looking for a complete wire harness for the right control group. If I can find one fairly cheap with the plugs and switches that would solve both problems.

Thanks again for everyone's help!

John E.

 

Good to hear you found the headlight issue. :smile:

Sorry to hear it's opened a can of worms. :frown:

 

It is what it is. I'd much rather know what the problem is than have no idea. :tongue:

 

would probably be easier to solder the connection without removing the entire harness...

 

Agreed, but I don't know how to solder. :tongue: I have a friend at work who may be willing to come over and solder it; if that works out all well and good.

However I have to replace the starter switch at some point due to the short circuit damage. If I can fix both at once mores the better. :smile:

 

no doubt...I just think you'll find removing the harness more trouble than it's worth...soldering is a piece of cake and a very useful skill to have, if you dont know how this might be a good chance to learn =)

 

You're certainly right there. If I can get my friend to come over maybe he can show me how it's done. Thanks!

 

+1 on the soldering. There is no value added in replacing the right control harness and routing it is a bit of a pain. If after the soldering there is still problems that you can't troubleshoot than i would replace everything. I do have a spare set, but shipping might be a little high from here.

 

Well, I know the starter button is hosed; there are signs of melting in the switch itself and it keeps the headlight from working. If I can find the starter switch itself it would be worth replacing. Otherwise I'll have to find the entire harness.

 

The switch failure is common , best to replace with a gen 3 or later switch gear. Not sure aboot the 500 but all the other gens (1-6) use the same plug and wiring and is direct replaement part. I have a gen 5 on my 86, just bolted on and plugged in and a much better design, no more hinge failures.

 

That sounds like a good plan to me. Any chance you have a part number so I can check the fiche and determine if it matches my VF500F part?

 

Really?

A 5th Gen Starter switch fits right onto a 2nd Gen?

Any pics?

 

+1 on the pics.

This is a nifty tidbit.

I am curious to see if this is a direct plug and play on a First Gen (VF500F).

 

+1 as well. It would significantly ease fixing my problem. :tongue:

 

That was 2x +1's.......including my original request THAT'S A 3!!

Why are you Ignoring the #3 Toe Cutter.....WHY!!?!? :tsk:

 

A huge THANK YOU to all who posted in this thread! Totally saved my bacon tonight! Out of town headed home from a ride in the mountains, as dusk set in, it became apparent I had no headlight. This thread saved me, as I live alone with no family or friends nearby, no one to bring the trailer out. And of course a huge THANK YOU to the two homeless gentleman who held the flashlight and loaned me tools to troubleshoot. Cheers all.

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