Headlight issues

**2nd2last1** · 13th December 2009, 22:21

Ok I came off my bike a few weeks ago and smashed my headlight. Have now replaced the healight and have tried to hook everything up the way it was but the light wont bloody go. The light still worked after the accident as it was just the surround that was damaged. Now that i've replaced the headlight the bloody thing wont fire up and because of that new law with the light thing means my bike is unrideable till I get it fixed. I'm truely stumped as all I did was disconnect the old headlight and insert the new one and now neither of em go!
My bike is a Zuki GS500e

Cheers guys!

**paddy** · 13th December 2009, 22:55

I'm not familiar with your specific bike, but probably the best place to start would be to determine if there is power reaching the connector that you plug onto the back of the bulb (I presume it's not a HID). Do you have a multimeter or automotive test light?

If you don't, you might like to have a hunt around and see if there is a separate fuse for the headlight. Fuses are easy to visually inspect. Does the tail light work? You might also have a look for any relays and give them a bit of a tap. Perhaps wiggle various parts of the wiring loom to see if it has any effect. Also, are you sure the bulb works?

It will be much quicker to narrow down with a multimeter. Go grab a cheap $20 one from a hardware store/The Warehouse if you don't have one.

**hayd3n** · 13th December 2009, 23:04

are you certain the bulb is inserted in the correct way + have you tested the bulb?

**CookMySock** · 14th December 2009, 05:19

Most likely the bulb is rewted, but yeah follow others' suggestions and check the fuses and then trace the fault (lack of power) back from the bulb connector.

It's much quicker and easier to use a test lamp than a multimeter.

Build one ;
http://www.electronics-tutorials.com...-test-lamp.htm

Or Buy one ;
http://www.sulco.co.nz/Product?Actio...roduct_id=1167

You might think it is better value for money buying the multimeter, since it has many more functions for the same price, but reality is more like the multimeter is very inconvenient to use in comparison to a simple circuit tester, and you will get pissed off with it pretty quickly. The multimeter is also a high-impedance device, leading to all sorts of misunderstandings in automotive circuits.

Steve

**YellowDog** · 14th December 2009, 05:26

Yep, lights are easy 'cos they shine bright when you get the power to them.

It can only be:

1. Fuse
2. Cable
3. Bulb
4. Switch

I'd start by running a cable from the battery to the bulb to see if it lights up your life.

Good luck.

**2nd2last1** · 14th December 2009, 11:08

ok thanks guys. Yip I'm sure the bulb has life as it was going before I disconnected it. Now it wont go at all. Yes it is hooked up right becuse I hooked it up exactly how I disonnected it. Yip all other lights are fine, indicators, dash light, tail light just the headlight wont go. Okay, my old mans got a multimeter so ill go for a ride to visit him and see whats the deal. Where are the fuse boxes usually located? I cant see it anywhere? is it hidden under the tank or something?

**YellowDog** · 14th December 2009, 11:24

Fuse board is usually easy to find under the seat (to keep dry) and close to the battery.

**paddy** · 14th December 2009, 17:57

Originally Posted by 2nd2last1

. . .Yip I'm sure the bulb has life as it was going before I disconnected it. Now it wont go at all. . .

Don't let that lead you up the garden path. It is still quite possible that the bulb has blown. After all, it has to blow at some point. Why not now. :-)

Don't touch the envelope of the bulb (the glass bit). The oils on your skin will damage the quartz and dramatically shorten the life of the bulb.

**CookMySock** · 14th December 2009, 18:28

Often when a bulb is knocked hard that will eff it.

Steve

**2nd2last1** · 15th December 2009, 09:52

true true.... Whats the easiest way to test the bulb then?

**breakaway** · 15th December 2009, 13:03

Visually inspect the element in the bulb - are they intact?

**kwaka_crasher** · 15th December 2009, 15:28

Bulbs may appear intact but actually be faulty.

You're not going to be able to actually check anything without at least SOME gear. Either get a test light or a multimeter - I'd go for the latter - they start at $11.90 at Jaycar.

Buy or borrow. They're not expensive. If you think you'll never use them again I'm not sure why you're even here asking. Just take the bike to someone.

**2nd2last1** · 15th December 2009, 23:59

Originally Posted by kwaka_crasher

Buy or borrow. They're not expensive. If you think you'll never use them again I'm not sure why you're even here asking. Just take the bike to someone.

My old mans got one but just gotta go for a ride to visit him so will do that on Friday.
I'm asking on here because I'm trying to do it myself to save a few bucks coz bike shops charge the earth and I just a poor part timer just outta school! lol

**CookMySock** · 16th December 2009, 05:28

Just get the test light or meter, and rip in to it. It's easy, fun, and rewarding. Once you get going with your tester, ask here if you have problems, or google some basic electrical circuit stuff.

But really, all you do is clip one end of the tester to a shiney part of the bike frame, test the tip to the battery positive (always test a tester before you start using it) and then turn the lights on and start tracing back from the headlight unit.

Steve