Author Topic: Headlight lowbeam dim  (Read 5444 times)

Offline toon

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Headlight lowbeam dim
« on: June 05, 2011, 09:59:09 PM »
Hi,
Long time lurker, first time poster. I had the lowbeam go out on my 88 c10 (the fastest color). I have replaced the bulb but no help. when the low beam is selected the head lamp indicator is lit on the dash and the bulb is dim. I think I remember this being discussed on the old forum as a switch issue. I wanted to check with the experts here before I started with the screwdriver.
Thanks
Alton
Any landing you can walk away from is a good one
88 connie (rear ended)
12 Ural, 16 KLR
09 Connie

Offline Outback_Jon

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Re: Headlight lowbeam dim
« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2011, 10:17:41 PM »
I don't know if it may be a switch issue, but it sounds like the "Reserve Lighting Device" is kicking in.  This is a circuit that keeps a light on in the headlight when one of the filaments burns out.  Sounds like the bulb you put in as a replacement is defective. 
"Outback Jon" Gould *** South Cairo, NY *** COG #9506 *** 2006 C10 "Blueline" *** CDA #0157

Offline toon

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Re: Headlight lowbeam dim
« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2011, 10:20:46 PM »
Thanks outback. I should have a new one from murphs in the mail box when I get home. I'll try that.
Toon
Any landing you can walk away from is a good one
88 connie (rear ended)
12 Ural, 16 KLR
09 Connie

Offline toon

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Re: Headlight lowbeam dim
« Reply #3 on: June 16, 2011, 12:51:09 AM »
Ok, I've changed the bulb 3 times now. No help, still the same dim light on low beam and Head lamp indicator on dash lit. What else should  I be checking? Fuses? Broken wire? My next step will be to use a test light or volt meter to check wiring. Any help would be appreciated.

Toon
Any landing you can walk away from is a good one
88 connie (rear ended)
12 Ural, 16 KLR
09 Connie

Offline SteveJ.

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Re: Headlight lowbeam dim
« Reply #4 on: June 16, 2011, 09:49:17 AM »
My next step will be to use a test light or volt meter to check wiring. Any help would be appreciated.

Toon
That would be my next step, start at the headlight connector and work back in the circuit.
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'99 Conk: 234k mi, '98 KLR650, both gone, '15 Versys 650LT: 74k mi
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Offline Pfloydgad

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Re: Headlight lowbeam dim
« Reply #5 on: June 16, 2011, 07:16:34 PM »
Through a volt-ohm meter on the hot line to check voltage to the light. I bet there is a drop off from a cut or break in the wire. The ground could also be damaged, it could be pulling the citcuit down. Trace it back all the way to the j-box.
Good luck, and ride safe.
Greg
Why did we have to run for cover with the promise of a brave new world unfold beneath the clear blue sky ?

Offline DaveO430

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Re: Headlight lowbeam dim
« Reply #6 on: June 16, 2011, 07:46:05 PM »
If the high beam works it rules out a ground problem.
I get a chuckle out of the troubleshooting in the manual.
"If all wiring and components other than the reserve lighting device check out good, the device is defective"

Offline toon

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Re: Headlight lowbeam dim
« Reply #7 on: June 16, 2011, 10:08:05 PM »
I will work on it this weekend. I'll let you know what I find.
toon
Any landing you can walk away from is a good one
88 connie (rear ended)
12 Ural, 16 KLR
09 Connie

Offline toon

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Re: Headlight lowbeam dim
« Reply #8 on: June 21, 2011, 12:40:27 AM »
Ok, Update time....
I did not have a chance to trace the wiring over the weekend (moving household took longer than I planned). While on the way to work tonight the low beam started to work. I only noticed after I took pity on the car in front of me at a stoplight and turned off the high beam. Now no Head Lamp indicator light and a bright low beam. So now I will have to wonder what was wrong and be happy I am lucky enough to own the rare self correcting Concours.
Untill the next dark saga,

Toon
Any landing you can walk away from is a good one
88 connie (rear ended)
12 Ural, 16 KLR
09 Connie

Offline m hanlen

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Re: Headlight lowbeam dim
« Reply #9 on: June 21, 2011, 11:27:40 PM »
Ok, Update time....
I did not have a chance to trace the wiring over the weekend (moving household took longer than I planned). While on the way to work tonight the low beam started to work. I only noticed after I took pity on the car in front of me at a stoplight and turned off the high beam. Now no Head Lamp indicator light and a bright low beam. So now I will have to wonder what was wrong and be happy I am lucky enough to own the rare self correcting Concours.
Untill the next dark saga,

Toon
Sound like you've got an intermittent bad ground, probably the blade plug on the back of the light. Probably got hot and melted.

Offline toon

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Re: Headlight lowbeam dim
« Reply #10 on: June 22, 2011, 09:57:34 PM »
Thanks. I will check that.
Toon
Any landing you can walk away from is a good one
88 connie (rear ended)
12 Ural, 16 KLR
09 Connie

Offline toon

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Re: Headlight lowbeam dim
« Reply #11 on: August 02, 2011, 11:56:58 PM »
I need a little help.... started to check the wiring and found what i think is a modulator????? can i just remove this and plug the original wires in?  or are the OEM wires removed when the unit is installed?

Thanks Toon
Any landing you can walk away from is a good one
88 connie (rear ended)
12 Ural, 16 KLR
09 Connie

Offline toon

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Re: Headlight lowbeam dim
« Reply #12 on: August 09, 2011, 02:09:34 AM »
OK...
Fixed the problem. Modulator was shorting the low beam. Removed..plugged in original plug. no more problem.
Any landing you can walk away from is a good one
88 connie (rear ended)
12 Ural, 16 KLR
09 Connie