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Howdy,
My '01 Kat 600 recently developed an intermittent issue with lowbeams not functioning. Highbeams function perfectly. The problem went from "intermittent" to "permanent" a couple nights ago.
Cracked open both handlebar clusters and examined solder joints, then liberally applied a half-can of electrical cleaner. No change.
Fairly certain it's not the dimmer switch itself, as tapping it and switching it on and off didn't make the lights blink on (multimeter test will be step after next). Cleaned the starter switch contacts (it was mentioned in a similar thread), no change.
So, my logic follows: The bulbs themselves are fine, and go out together; so not a single loose bulb. Highbeams work; no ground issue, as high and lows use the same ground [source]. Ignition switch should be fine, as both high and low beams are tied to it. Lowbeam fuse is good; checked it, swapped it with a known good (didn't trust my initial inspection, heh).
So, unless I've missed something crucial, this narrows the problem to a pretty small area. My first suspect is one of the two connectors between the dimmer and the headlights. I'm thinking poor connection or dirty contacts. Second on my suspect list would be a worn wire jacket.
I did get some light flicker on my last trip down to Knotts Island over some rough patches of road. Whatever the issue turns out to be, it's susceptible to movement. I'll be wiggling wires *grin*
Next step is electric cleaner on contacts, followed by some dielectric grease. Just need a good time to strip fairings... Everytime it's not raining, it's riding weather, and I couldn't possibly be bothered with tracing wires, haha.
I'll post updates as I proceed!
--B
My '01 Kat 600 recently developed an intermittent issue with lowbeams not functioning. Highbeams function perfectly. The problem went from "intermittent" to "permanent" a couple nights ago.
Cracked open both handlebar clusters and examined solder joints, then liberally applied a half-can of electrical cleaner. No change.
Fairly certain it's not the dimmer switch itself, as tapping it and switching it on and off didn't make the lights blink on (multimeter test will be step after next). Cleaned the starter switch contacts (it was mentioned in a similar thread), no change.
So, my logic follows: The bulbs themselves are fine, and go out together; so not a single loose bulb. Highbeams work; no ground issue, as high and lows use the same ground [source]. Ignition switch should be fine, as both high and low beams are tied to it. Lowbeam fuse is good; checked it, swapped it with a known good (didn't trust my initial inspection, heh).
So, unless I've missed something crucial, this narrows the problem to a pretty small area. My first suspect is one of the two connectors between the dimmer and the headlights. I'm thinking poor connection or dirty contacts. Second on my suspect list would be a worn wire jacket.
I did get some light flicker on my last trip down to Knotts Island over some rough patches of road. Whatever the issue turns out to be, it's susceptible to movement. I'll be wiggling wires *grin*
Next step is electric cleaner on contacts, followed by some dielectric grease. Just need a good time to strip fairings... Everytime it's not raining, it's riding weather, and I couldn't possibly be bothered with tracing wires, haha.
I'll post updates as I proceed!
--B
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