VFR400 lighting problems

[Coyote]

Park lights and low beams work, but flicking into high beam turns the lights down to park lights. Also the rear brake lights don't work, so too the neutral light. Indicators are a bit irratic in how they flash.

What should I look for if I was to try fix it myself? I've been told to look in the switchblocks to sort out the headlight. Should I even try or best to get the shop to do it?

[davereid]

Sounds like you have a few problems !

Assuming the battery is in good condition and fully charged, quickly check all fuses and earths for the problem lights.

If this does not help, the high beam problem is very likely related to the switchblock, look there first to sort that particular problem.

Rear brake lights don't work - I assume this means they are OK off the hand brake. This is likely a switch or connector problem associated with the rear brake switch.

Irratic indicators - follow the symptoms !
- Turn em on and don't flash but they all light up - faulty flasher unit.
- Turn em on and they don' flash, but one dont light up - dead bulb
- Bulbs all ok, but no lights - fuse, flasher or switchblock.

have fun.

[Coyote]

The main fuse box is all sweet. I'll check the earths (though I'm not that electrically endowed so I might have to return, fairly sure I know what you mean). The brake lights are definately not going though I haven't notice them not working normally. Could be the bulbs.

Can't do anything untill the weekend

[davereid]

A faulty earth - thats the wire connected to the chassis will give all sorts of odd-ball results if its not there or is faulty.

[JMemonic]

I concur with davereid on this I would say faulty earth looking the the wiring diagram, there are not a lot of relays in the system, try looking at the earth going to the switch block after you confirm the battery to main wiring earth connection.

[Coyote]

I took the switchblocks apart. Nothing seemed to be wrong. Put them back together, only I put one screw in the wrong place and stuffed up it's thread.

I checked the headlight bulbs to see if they were broken. They weren't, untill I dropped one. Got some of those Xenon blue ones as replacements, they're a bit whiter but not by a huge deal. Not worth replacing working bulbs with them.

I found out where the clicking noise came from when you flicked to high beams. It was some box. I took it off, cleaned it's terminals, and the high beams seem to work now. However, sometimes they would work and later on into riding they'd stop, so I can't confirm they're fixed untill I've been out riding.

Brake lights weren't plugged in properly for a start after the last time I took the fairings off. But one of the bulbs was blown anyway, replaced that. I figured out why they don't brighten up under braking, the switch underneath the front lever isn't working. Have to call a few wreckers.

[JMemonic]

Hmm sounds like there is a relay in the high bean circuit, it does not sow on ion the wiring diagram for the bike. As to the switch block screw if the cost gets a bit high for a new or second hand part try gett ti one you have helicoiled.