Both High beams and low beams are not working

[AZBadger2332]

Hello,

I have a 1999 GL1500. The high and the low beams are now working. We have cleaned out the starter button. Is it likely that both of the relays shot? Or is it more likely that the bulbs are just burnt out?

[Rambozo]

If both went out at the same time, I would check for ground. Obviously check the fuses. The ground passes through connectors C24 and C55.

[AZBadger2332]

If both went out at the same time, I would check for ground. Obviously check the fuses. The ground passes through connectors C24 and C55.

Pardon my ignorance, but how would I go about checking that?

[Rambozo]

Connect a multimeter or test light to the positive battery terminal, probe the green wire where it goes to the headlight or at connector C24. If you get nothing, go check at C55, still nothing, check the ground lug.
Do you have a wiring diagram for this bike? It will help, you can find one online if you need it.

[AZBadger2332]

Connect a multimeter or test light to the positive battery terminal, probe the green wire where it goes to the headlight or at connector C24. If you get nothing, go check at C55, still nothing, check the ground lug.
Do you have a wiring diagram for this bike? It will help, you can find one online if you need it.

Does it matter that the running lights, turn signals, and literally everything else works?

[Rambozo]

If the position lights are on, then you have a good ground all the way to the headlight wiring.
You said you cleaned out the start switch, but did you check it for power going in and out?
You can check for power in and out from fuse 5, relay 4 and relay 8. Also check the hi lo beam switch @ C94
Did both high and low die at the same time? With two bulbs and two relay circuits it's not likely (but still possible) to have four things all fail at the same time. However, if the high beams were out, then the low went out later, that is the more common scenario.

[AZBadger2332]

If the position lights are on, then you have a good ground all the way to the headlight wiring.
You said you cleaned out the start switch, but did you check it for power going in and out?
You can check for power in and out from fuse 5, relay 4 and relay 8. Also check the hi lo beam switch @ C94
Did both high and low die at the same time? With two bulbs and two relay circuits it's not likely (but still possible) to have four things all fail at the same time. However, if the high beams were out, then the low went out later, that is the more common scenario.

Not sure about them dying at the same time. It has been in storage for a while.

[AZBadger2332]

If the position lights are on, then you have a good ground all the way to the headlight wiring.
You said you cleaned out the start switch, but did you check it for power going in and out?
You can check for power in and out from fuse 5, relay 4 and relay 8. Also check the hi lo beam switch @ C94
Did both high and low die at the same time? With two bulbs and two relay circuits it's not likely (but still possible) to have four things all fail at the same time. However, if the high beams were out, then the low went out later, that is the more common scenario.

Also the motorcycle starts fine, and the reverse works fine. So I don't think the wiring to the starter is messed up.

[Rambozo]

The start switch has two sections, one pair is for start and reverse, and another pair is to kill the headlights. They do not share anything electrically.
Storage is the thing that seems to hurt Goldwings the most. Any chance rodents might have been nibbling on your wires?

[AZBadger2332]

The start switch has two sections, one pair is for start and reverse, and another pair is to kill the headlights. They do not share anything electrically.
Storage is the thing that seems to hurt Goldwings the most. Any chance rodents might have been nibbling on your wires?

That's possible. I'm in a tough spot because I riding it from Wisconsin to Phoenix on Sunday morning...

[Rambozo]

I'm in a tough spot because I riding it from Wisconsin to Phoenix on Sunday morning...

Mornings won't be much of an issue, evenings on the other hand...

[AZBadger2332]

I'm in a tough spot because I riding it from Wisconsin to Phoenix on Sunday morning...

Mornings won't be much of an issue, evenings on the other hand...

Confirmed it is not a relay issue. Trying the bulbs now.

[AZBadger2332]

I'm in a tough spot because I riding it from Wisconsin to Phoenix on Sunday morning...

Mornings won't be much of an issue, evenings on the other hand...

Lol it was just the number 5 fuse. What a waste of a day haha.

[Rambozo]

If both went out at the same time, I would check for ground. Obviously check the fuses. The ground passes through connectors C24 and C55.

You can check for power in and out from fuse 5, relay 4 and relay 8.

At least you have lights. Good luck on your trip.

[minimac]

You learned one of life's lessons. Check the easy stuff first!

[BikerBuck]

I love the easy fixes, no matter how long they take!