LIGHTS DIM
-
- Posts: 165
- Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 11:01 am
- Location: VENICE, FL
- Motorcycle: 2006 GL1800
LIGHTS DIM
I have noticed recently while riding at night my headlights will dim if I apply the brake while stopped at a traffic light. they will brighten when I rev the engine slightly but will dim again when I even take my hands off of the bars. Am I looking at a new alternator? I have already replaced the battery and made sure that all connections are clean.
-
- Posts: 298
- Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 11:42 am
- Location: Mechanics,pa
- Motorcycle: 2006 gl1800
2177 gl1800
Re: LIGHTS DIM
If you would like to try a less expensive solution you can get the brushes for under $20.00
The oem part # is 31140-P64-902 BRUSH SET. It looks like you will have to solder them
into the regulator.
The oem part # is 31140-P64-902 BRUSH SET. It looks like you will have to solder them
into the regulator.
- Peteswing
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Sun May 05, 2013 9:40 am
- Location: Wellington, Fl
- Motorcycle: 2010 GL1800
Double Darksider #856
Re: LIGHTS DIM
I just noticed the same thing happening to me. I did have my seat and hand heaters on at the time, just at a idol my headlights went dim just enough to see a difference. I have a 2010 going to check the battery. Hope it's not an alternator problem,will be doing some test to try an fine the problem. There dozen seem to be to many alternator issues hoping it may be time for a new battery.
-
- Posts: 298
- Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 11:42 am
- Location: Mechanics,pa
- Motorcycle: 2006 gl1800
2177 gl1800
Re: LIGHTS DIM
Peteswing is it possible that your wing is still covered under warranty ? If so the dealer should fix it because it
may be a safety issue.
may be a safety issue.
- Peteswing
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Sun May 05, 2013 9:40 am
- Location: Wellington, Fl
- Motorcycle: 2010 GL1800
Double Darksider #856
Re: LIGHTS DIM
Thanks for the reply was thinking the same thing. Will have to take it in an have it looked at.
- thrasherg
- Posts: 2123
- Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:21 am
- Location: Plano, TX
- Motorcycle: 2017 Yamaha FZ07, 2015 Yamaha Super Tenere ES, 2005 Honda Shadow 750, CRF450X, CRF230, CRF250X, XR200, CR500, Gas Gas TXT200
Re: LIGHTS DIM
Not to play this down (you should ge6t it checked), but most alternators do not put out enough volts at idle to charge a battery so lights going dim is normal as the voltage drops down to whatever voltage the battery is supplying, as the engine revs increase, the alternator starts to recharge the battery (it has to raise the voltage to almost 14 volts to do that) so the lights get brighter. it is fairly normal for the lights to dim a little when just sitting with the engine idling.. Get it checked, but if the battery is healthy and the alternator is charging, then it is nothing to worry about.
Gary
Gary
- artgrantz
- Posts: 276
- Joined: Sat Apr 10, 2010 9:25 pm
- Location: Manchester, PA
- Motorcycle: Current: 2008 GL1800
Previous: 96 GL1500 SE
85 GL1200 I
85 GL1200 I
75 GL1000 - Contact:
Re: LIGHTS DIM
That's exactly what I was going to say.thrasherg wrote:Not to play this down (you should ge6t it checked), but most alternators do not put out enough volts at idle to charge a battery so lights going dim is normal as the voltage drops down to whatever voltage the battery is supplying, as the engine revs increase, the alternator starts to recharge the battery (it has to raise the voltage to almost 14 volts to do that) so the lights get brighter. it is fairly normal for the lights to dim a little when just sitting with the engine idling.. Get it checked, but if the battery is healthy and the alternator is charging, then it is nothing to worry about.
Gary
One of the first items I install on a bike is a voltmeter. It always drops down at lights then returns to normal when riding. Nothing to be concerned about.