Headlights not turning on until bike starts (2003)

[marquisclan]

I have a 2003 with 32k on it. Last weekend I washed my bike like normal, everything's good. The next day I notice that the headlights aren't powering on when I turn on the ignition, but when I start the bike they come on. Everything else appears normal. Flashers, blinkers, etc are all fine. Both hi and lo beams work properly.

I've checked all the fuses, they're good. I actually started to replace the ignition switch with a new one; but I electrically connected it first and same symptoms and results.

Am I looking at one of the two relays for the headlights, or possibly the ECU? Or a ground? Seems like it has to be a simple answer, but the manual hasn't helped me.

Thanks for any insight.

 

[wnyfjr]

Isn't that normal? I'm pretty sure on my Gen II that's they way it works, lights come on at startup, not just ignition on.

 

[ericboutin]

Isn't that normal? I'm pretty sure on my Gen II that's they way it works, lights come on at startup, not just ignition on.

What he said....key on all marker lights will light up but no headlight......start and headlight comes on......now where you may be getting crossed up is when you then turn ignition off after it's been running the headlight will stay on until you turn the key off and the whole cycle begins once again. Perfectly normal. At least you've given all your fuses and stuff a good once over! lol

 

[ionbeam]

See what happens when you wash your bike, you should have been out riding it. After all these years you are about to learn something new about your FJR -- it is supposed to work like that. Key on, no headlights. The ECU sees the engine is running and it turns on the headlight relay and voila, let there be light. Use the kill switch and the engine stops but the headlights stay on.

 

[majicmaker]

Yep!

 

[marquisclan]

OK, thanks guys! I could have swore that they used to come on after just turning the ignition, but must be mistaken. And yes, they stay on after.

 

[gixxerjasen]

Yea, silly me used my positap for my relay to the headlights so my fusebox only comes on once the bike has started. Little did I know, low beams turn off when you flip to high beams. Doh!

 

[RadioHowie]

...and, assuming you've had the bike since new, it took you 10 years to notice this?????

 

[ionbeam]

...and, assuming you've had the bike since new, it took you 10 years to notice this?????

I was going to inquire about age and drinking habits but since it missed Friday by one day I let it go.

 

[Hornet Pilot]

Don't wash it, just ride the damn thing and you won't "discover" these outstading features of our bike!!! LOL!

 

[FJRacer]

Wish I could "CREATE" this "problem" with my Goldwing. Seem to be the only manufacturer with no common sense!

 

[RaYzerman19]

Yea, silly me used my positap for my relay to the headlights so my fusebox only comes on once the bike has started. Little did I know, low beams turn off when you flip to high beams. Doh!

You're not following the maintenance schedule. Just like you change your brake fluid in the clutch, you need to change the blinker fluid in the high beam switch.............

 

[wfooshee]

Owner's manual, p. 3-1:

The headlight comes on automatically when the engine is started and stays on until the key is turned to "OFF", even if the engine stalls.

Useful things, them damn manuals......

 

[gixxerjasen]

Yea, silly me used my positap for my relay to the headlights so my fusebox only comes on once the bike has started. Little did I know, low beams turn off when you flip to high beams. Doh!

You're not following the maintenance schedule. Just like you change your brake fluid in the clutch, you need to change the blinker fluid in the high beam switch.............

Can you help, I've used the forum search and google.com using site:fjrforum.com and I still cannot find McAtrophy's photo tutorial on how to do this? It's also not on the fjrtech site.

 

[Bustanut joker]

Forget Tires, Oil, Windshields, Seats, Sidestands. Heat....

This thread wins all..

 

[mcatrophy]

... you need to change the blinker fluid in the high beam switch.............

Can you help, I've used the forum search and google.com using site:fjrforum.com and I still cannot find McAtrophy's photo tutorial on how to do this? It's also not on the fjrtech site.

I did this earlier this year, back in February. I seem to remember it was the 29th. Can't find the pictures at the moment, but I'll be sure to post up when I do.

 

[yamafitter]

Ray is coming over on Sunday to help with some maintenance. After an appropriate number of wobbly pops we will tackle the blinker fluid in the high beam switch job and post up any findings.

 

[BikerGeek99]

Ray is coming over on Sunday to help with some maintenance. After an appropriate number of wobbly pops we will tackle the blinker fluid in the high beam switch job and post up any findings.

Don't forget to polish yer bookcase.

Fookin' Polish bookcases...

 

[yamafitter]

Don't forget to polish yer bookcase.

Fookin' Polish bookcases...

I don't normally try wrestling with bookcases.....