Head Light Death at Night

[DonnyC]

I was riding home last nite and it was completely dark when the headlight on my Chop just flicked on and off a few times and then went out. I don't know if any of you have ridden in the dark with just flashers but, I don't reccommend it. However, I refuse to leave it because I paid for it. The bulb works from an alternant power source and it appears to be a short or wire problem of some sort. Anyone have any ideas? The nearest BD dealer is around 2 hours away and I generally like to fix my own shit anyway.

What do you think?

 

[slowrower]

Remove your headlight and check the connector, some of the older models had problems with melting. Check and verify all connections and be sure to use lots of dielectric grease. If your scoot gets wet on a regular basis you need to waterproof it. The EHC is usually not the problem so start with the headlight out, and follow the wiring back. Be sure to check the switches on your handle bars, they get wet they can short out (high-low beam) causing a fault in the EHC. There is a how-to on waterproofing Good Luck ..

 

[Moespeeds]

Does your high beam work? Check the bulb for obvius reasons. Check your handlebar switches first, open them up and make sure the little plugs are connected properly. When you hit your high or low button, you should get some sort of indication that a signal has been sent on the EHC, something should light up or flash. If you have that, open your headlight bucket and look in there for anything melted or disconnected, etc. Use a voltage tester to see if you're getting 12v to the light "socket". If you're not, but the EHC is getting a signal from the bars, take off your tank and check the connections under there. If they are all good, but you're still not getting 12v to the bucket, or if your high works but no low, it could be the EHC.

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/technical/4649-lost-my-headlight-low-first-now-high-well.html

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/t...y-headlight-how-many-amps-what-size-wire.html

 

[DonnyC]

Well, I had to dirve to work today. I rode my scooter because that just what I do. The days haven't been that favorable and I don't need lights in the daylight. Well, the light came back on less that a mile from my house and is still working. I don't know what to make of it.

 

[thexaulted]

Donny my friend I see you have an 03 Chopper! That is what I have! Since the purchase I have been in electrical HELL! I am not exaggerating! It has been a big ugly loop of electrical problems. As soon as one is fixed the next one comes on immediately and unmitigatedly. I am sure that a lot of people are tired of hearing me gripe about it but I still cannot believe that there is any man made creation that could be this f'ed up electrically.

I am 45 years old and have owned many motorcycles and an assortment of older cars and hot rods. This, I have never seen anything like!

Sorry for the rant but as soon as I saw 03 Chopper I had to give my 2 cents. I know you are looking for solutions to your problem and not to hear someone crying but I just had to!

Good Luck and I hope you have much better luck than I have had!

 

[Daddycool]

My 05' did the same thing and I had to tuck in with a couple of buddies and rode home in the dark using their headlights. The plug inside the light housing melted and I put a new one on. I believe there is a service bulletin to change the plugs. I have also been told to leave the thin black wire the way it is i.e. don't cut it or shorten it. Others can chime in if I'm off.

 

[Moespeeds]

Mine did exactly the same thing and it turned out to be my EHC. Follow the troubleshooting steps outlined above, and just fix it. It's not that complicated, and if your EHC is the trouble, it will take you an hour and $10 worth of parts to bypass it.

 

[DonnyC]

Mr thexaulted,

I feel your pain on the 2003 Chopper. I'm trying to make the best of it and I appreciate you letting me know that I'm not the only one. Good luck and keep in touch.

 

[LDO]

Dang,
I must be a lucky MF!

Not good looking, not rich, guess just lucky as hell because I haven't had a spot of trouble with my 03 Mastiff; electrical or otherwise.

Sorry that my comments don't help you much Donny so here goes.

I would check for a melted plug or intermittent connection at the plug.

I don't think the 03 EHCs were as troublesome as the newer years but that doesn't mean it's not the culprit.

Good luck!

 

[DonnyC]

I love that avatar. It's cool. It looks like the plug is partially melted. I ordered one and will replace it this week when it comes in. Thanks to everyone who provided input!

I would be lost without the help I receive here........

 

[stlmikie]

See it was or is that easy. Don't let some of these guys scare you man. I have an 03 just as LDO not a real problem one.

 

[Can-Dog1]

EHC Been there twice now

 

[Beastman1652]

I have an 03 just as LDO not a real problem one.

I will have to agree as well!