No Headlight on GL1500


Information and questions on GL1500 Goldwings (1988-2000)
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396fish
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Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500I, 1978CB750K, 2007 DL650 vstrom, 1986 XR250R, 1972 SL125

No Headlight on GL1500

Post by 396fish »



The headlight on my 93 1500 has quit working. I'm not great at electrical stuff but since I don't seem to have power at the light plug up front I'm thinking a relay may have took a dump. Looking on amazon I'm seeing relays that look right and say plug and play with the right number but described as 40A instead of 20A. Anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks. Probably can't answer back till morning.


FM-USA
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by FM-USA »

1ST, go into the relay box, to the right of fuse box.
Left saddlebag take out the Top Front, Lower Front, Lower rear and leave in but loosen the Top Right.
Then the relay cover will slide out. (Designer slept late on that one :evil: ).
Switch LOW & HIGH beams relays & test.

.
When I do one thing, I'll side-step a little & learn few more things.
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Rambozo
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by Rambozo »

Could also be a dirty start button. Pretty common on bikes that sit outside. Wiggle it around and see if the lights come on.
396fish
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by 396fish »

This bike never sits outside but the start button wiggle is it! Is there something safe to spray in there without disassembly? Have got some electrical contact cleaner but it says to keep off the plastics. Thank you both for the info.
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Rambozo
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by Rambozo »

There are plastic safe contact cleaners you can try, but the best results will be from taking it apart. No such thing as a free lunch.
396fish
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by 396fish »

I am sure you are 100% correct. Getting lazy in my old age...
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MikeB
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SOLD 2003 - GL1800 ABS w/117K - Sold
SOLD 2003 - GL1800 w/67K Miles
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by MikeB »

I use this: CRC Electronic Cleaner, Quick Dry for Sensitive Electronics, 11 oz


When I do, as a precaution, I cover the fairing and dash with a towel or furniture blanket. I don't really trust it to be 100% safe but it is a step in the right direction.
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396fish
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by 396fish »

That's the right stuff there. But since I didn't have any here I gave it a shot of mass airflow sensor cleaner followed by a little WD40. Working fine now. Thanks for the help..
FM-USA
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by FM-USA »

For me, wd40 dries a little gummy.

.
When I do one thing, I'll side-step a little & learn few more things.
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WingAdmin
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by WingAdmin »

FM-USA wrote: Thu Oct 31, 2024 11:34 am For me, wd40 dries a little gummy.

.
WD-40 is the worst thing for fixing electrical contacts. The carrier will wash out grit and dirt initially - but it leaves behind a sticky, oily coating (by design - it's a "water displacement" product - hence the WD) which will quickly attract more grit and dust. You'll find your switch will be failing again in the near future.

I would recommend buying the CRC Contact Cleaner which leaves behind no residue, and will clean and protect your switch contacts.
Find This Item on Amazon:
396fish
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by 396fish »

Probably right... I'll do that soon
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jek7galo
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by jek7galo »

Over de rigth fan, there is a red plug from the headligth. Once I disassembled the fans and this one had bad contact.
Art'swing
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by Art'swing »

I have a 2000 SE. The Canadian edition has the lights on as you turn on the switch. Not sure if it's the same in all jurisdictions. I had an issue with no headlights a few years back. After a lot of searching, I found the problem to be in the key switch. A few shots of contact cleaner and the lights worked again. Now I do it a few times a year.
Calhighlife
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by Calhighlife »

I have used a product called DeoxIT on my guitar components and amplifier controls. It works well on switches and potentiometers. Cleans and lubes electrical contacts without harmful effects on plastics.
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Rambozo
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by Rambozo »

Calhighlife wrote: Fri Nov 01, 2024 9:49 pm I have used a product called DeoxIT on my guitar components and amplifier controls. It works well on switches and potentiometers. Cleans and lubes electrical contacts without harmful effects on plastics.
DeoxIT can work miracles. Not cheap, but worth every penny.
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WingAdmin
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by WingAdmin »

Another vote for Deoxit. It's by far the best contact cleaner I've ever used. Not inexpensive, but it works, and you don't need much.
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Drew-wing
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Re: No Headlight on GL1500

Post by Drew-wing »

Just ordered some Deoxit D5. Appreciate the recommendation.


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