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Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work
Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2023 4:19 pm
by Caspervolas
1988 sb50 elite e with af16 swap
Everything used to work but suddenly the headlight and turn signals don’t work. I know the headlight runs off of the alternator and the turn signals off the battery. The bike runs and the taillight and oil light works. What could be the possible issues?
Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work
Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2023 7:19 pm
by Caspervolas
I have confirmed the headlight works by connecting it to a battery, I basically just wanna know what the problems could be. Is it the switch, turn signal relay, grounds? I installed a s23 race ignition but it worked with it previously.I just don’t really know where to start
Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work
Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2023 10:31 pm
by motormike
I know nothing about your specific model.
My first thought is this: the switching for both items is on the same control handle.
Maybe a fault there.
Second: yes, ground wire faults will cause all sorts of issues. usually very weird.
Good luck friend...motor
Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 8:15 am
by bonesv
Check fuse next to battery. But if not that then I believe it would be a generator problem AND a dead battery causing that condition. Yes, you are correct, the turn sigs work off of the battery and the headlight works off of the generator (stator/mag). I say also check connections under headlight cowl.
Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 12:47 pm
by Caspervolas
My oil light comes on my my horn works so I thought my battery would be ok but I’ll test it. Connections looked fine under the headset everything was connected. I’m wondering if one of my alternator wires got shorted or something. Fuse is also fine.
Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 1:48 pm
by Caspervolas
So I tested the battery and it was only giving out 10 volts, put a battery with confirmed 12v and turn signals worked. Gonna test the battery and if it’s good then I guess I’ll be looking into the wiring on the stator.
Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 7:24 pm
by Caspervolas
Took the battery to a store and they said it was shot. Got a new one and turn signals work now but still no headlight.
Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 8:09 pm
by Wheelman-111
Greetings:
If the symptoms appeared suddenly, it sounds like the alternator has failed. (or a wire connection - hopefully) That would explain both the 10-volt reading on the battery AND the headlight not working. Good luck with the alternator.
Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 9:28 pm
by Caspervolas
So I haven’t even been riding the bike that long I just finished the build. Found a lot of loose bullet connectors from the alternator/stator, I have a feeling that is the problem. I don’t think there is any power being converted to charge the battery or run the light. This is my first time doing anything automotive so I’m gonna redo the wiring and make sure I do it right. Also cleaned the grounds, are there only 2 on the frame?
Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work
Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2023 2:02 pm
by Caspervolas
Could it be my regulator? Some of the connections look a little corroded.