Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work

Trying to get your Spree/Elite to run, or run better? Post your questions here.

Moderator: Moderator

Post Reply
Caspervolas
BMX
BMX
Posts: 46
Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2022 4:28 pm
Location: Traverse City Michigan

Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work

Post 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?
Caspervolas
BMX
BMX
Posts: 46
Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2022 4:28 pm
Location: Traverse City Michigan

Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work

Post 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
User avatar
motormike
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 5488
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2010 10:58 pm
Location: Glasgow, KY

Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work

Post 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
RideRed
<Gyro S><MB5><Honda Navi><Helix><Sym Wolf><Yamaha Razz><Honda CH150 Deluxe>
"Live Large - Ride Small"
User avatar
bonesv
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2130
Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2011 2:00 pm
Location: Florida

Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work

Post 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.
Honda Elite SR
Honda Elite-Dio ZX

Dio ZX Headlight/Disc Brake Mod: http://hondaspree.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=30861
Caspervolas
BMX
BMX
Posts: 46
Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2022 4:28 pm
Location: Traverse City Michigan

Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work

Post 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.
Caspervolas
BMX
BMX
Posts: 46
Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2022 4:28 pm
Location: Traverse City Michigan

Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work

Post 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.
Caspervolas
BMX
BMX
Posts: 46
Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2022 4:28 pm
Location: Traverse City Michigan

Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work

Post 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.
User avatar
Wheelman-111
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 11319
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 5:09 pm
Location: Deepinnaharta, Texas

Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work

Post 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.
Wheelman-111
Most of my money is spent on scooterparts. The rest is just wasted.
"ISO": '03 Vespa ET4 Malossi187 74MPH
Flash 9: 2001 Elite SR Contesta 72 ZX Tran, 9:1 Gears, Stock Airbox/Carb/Pipe 58.8 MPH
Punkin: 2010 Vespa/Malossi S78, 61MPH
Caspervolas
BMX
BMX
Posts: 46
Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2022 4:28 pm
Location: Traverse City Michigan

Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work

Post 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?
Caspervolas
BMX
BMX
Posts: 46
Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2022 4:28 pm
Location: Traverse City Michigan

Re: Headlights and turn signals suddenly don’t work

Post by Caspervolas »

Could it be my regulator? Some of the connections look a little corroded.
Post Reply