No headlights in cold weather.

[bayoudave]

Rode this weekend up to Tenn. Late Saturday night I stopped to get fuel. When I restarted the bike I had no headlights. I tried turning off the switch a few times then they came back on. I rode another couple of hours and stopped for fuel and when I started I had no headlights. Could not get them to come on. When I put it in reverse I had headlights but when I take it out of reverse no headlights again. Spent the night and the next morning no headlights. Rode through the day and about lunch time when it had warmed up the headlights came on and didn't have any more issues. So, I am thinking it had something to do with the cold but the question is what could it be? Any ideas?

[flash2002]

Hi Dave, there is a good chance it's your starter button, try cleaning the contacts and see if this works.

[bayoudave]

Kind of thought it might be the starter button but looking at the schematic it looks like if the starter button is the problem the lights wouldn't work with the reverse button pushed in. That is was is confusing me. As long as it's in reverse I had lights but take it out of reverse and no lights.

[flash2002]

Hi Dave, not 100% sure but I think when you push the reverse button it bypasses the starter switch. I would try to clean the switch first and see if it works.

[PastoT]

Cold weather affects the switch lubrication and both start and reverse buttons have 2 switch contact sets that can bind. My 2002 did it to me last year and the Reverse switch was my culprit. Eitherway get some contact cleaner spray and a hair dryer. The hair dryer on low will help soften the frozen gunky lube and after working the switch it may return to normal (I just toggled mine back and forth that afternoon and it worked), then a healthy dose of contact cleaner in and around the swith buttons. It is best to disassemble and clean the switches but I've found the few issues I've had I could get enough cleaner in the cracks to clear the problems I had. AFter that work the switches daily a couple times before you ride and they will not stick so easily.