Headlight Problems

[biker1059]

Ok, heres the deal. My headlights will not go off. Was out riding the other day and after about 3 or 4 hours stopped at a store for a break and noticed that my headlights were on. So my first thought was the ignition switch crapped out on me but it was cool to the touch and so was the key. Everything else works perfect when you turn on the key, even the small parking lights under the headlight turn on and off with the key. So while I was stopped I pulled the fuse so the lights would go off. When I got home I started to trouble shoot the problem, lifted the tank and checked all the connections that involved the lighting, saw nothing unusual. Finally I made it back to the relay behind the ECU and thought this is for sure the problem. So I call my dealer and explained my light problem and we both agreed that the relay was probably the problem. So he mails me the relay and no go, still my lights will not turn off. The relay is a five prong so its nothing I can go down to the auto parts store and get (they only have the four prong relays). I still think it may be the relay because when you plug it in you cannot hear the relay enguage. I'm really just hoping it the relay because if not I think it may be the ignition switch. Any suggestions wil be appriciated.

 

[Sidecar Flip]

The realy field has to be energized by a signal current which excites the electromagnet and closes the contacts. I would think that you need to check the signal line. Looking at the wiring diagram (which gives me a headache), leads me to believe (maybe without merit), that's it's the ignition switch. According the the diagram, the feed is from the ignition switch through the fuse and you said you removed the fuse the break the circuit. Unless you had a high resistance short in the ignition switch, it would not get warm. If it's a contact failure and low resistance you won't feel it heat up.

Just an observation. Last time I had a burned out light in the shop, I stuck my finger in the socket to see if it worked......It did.

 

[biker1059]

Thanks Flip, I was afraid of that. Maybe Triumph wil take care of me again, if not my bike might have 2 different sets of keys to it.

 

[chiburbsguy2006]

Just an observation. Last time I had a burned out light in the shop, I stuck my finger in the socket to see if it worked......It did.

Ughhh, I had an Uncle that was an electrician. Back when everyone had fuses in their house, he would wet his finger and stick it in the socket to see if it was live. He said it only gave him a little tickle doing it that way and offered to show me how to do it without getting fried, but I could barely stand to watch him do it let alone do it myself! Of course, he was an alcoholic so maybe that was part of the reason for him not feeling it!

 

[Freightbusters]

That **** little blue light!

Does the "bright lights --- blue lite indicator" bother anyone while riding at night?//

 

[ted1296]

I put a little bit of black electrical tape over that ****ed blue light, way too bright.

 

[Molinoman]

If Triumph replaces the ignition switch (happened to me) you will get two key lock sets that will open with the same key (ignition and the seat latch side lock set)...but your original key will not work after the ignition switch replacement.
Dennis

 

[biker1059]

Your right on the keys Molinoman, Triumph did replace the switch for me so now I have one key for the ignition and another key for the tank and seat. I keep the key for the tank and the seat in a windshield bag. If there is anyway to take the guage apart you can get a wad of cotton and put over the lcd light on the bright light indicator. I did this on my VTX and worked great. The light still shines through the cotton but is not bright.

 

[sleeves]

Does the "bright lights --- blue lite indicator" bother anyone while riding at night?//

You too huh? I just about had to stop and wait till my night vision came back. Small piece of black insulation cut to circle and stuck on, works a treat, think my old speed triple was the same. Your right why does it have to be THAT! bright. I asked someone and they reckoned it was so you could see if it was on highbeam in the daytime, but I don't care if its on in the daytime it'll only annoy some car driver, and they're all out to kill us anyway . Merry Xmas