Vroom4
XS400 Addict
Okay, so I did a little bit of searching around and it looks like others have had similar issues and the headlight relay may be the culprit.
My understanding is the headlight relay prevents power from going to the headlights until the bike is running and creating current via the alternator. Makes sense considering these bikes need all the juice to crank over on the starter. Also, the same power source for the headlight and the gauge lights come from the relay.
I pulled it and checked out the wires.
Looked at the wiring diagram and I believe the colors represent the following:
Black - Ground
Red - Main power from Battery
Yellow(supposed to be white) - is power from the alternator
Blue - To the headlight
All the connections look good. I tested it with the ignition on. Black to Red draws 12.4 volts... so power is getting to it, but not the headlights. I want to try bypassing the relay by just connecting the red and blue wires, but I also don't want to fry something. I didn't get a chance to test the yellow wire with the bike on(but im thinking that would be a good way to check for power from the charging system).
I'm wondering where I can find a replacement for this or if something else will work...
Another important note, when I first came across this problem, my neutral and oil indicator lights were functioning. I tried switching the oem regulator back into the system, but then heard a pop and they went out Now my entire dash along with the headlights are out.
I'm a bit confused b/c i looks like they were all powered by the same source. How could the indicator lights have gone out? Also, does anyone know if the gauge lights come on when the ignition is turned on? Or only when the motor is running? I don't remember at this point...
My understanding is the headlight relay prevents power from going to the headlights until the bike is running and creating current via the alternator. Makes sense considering these bikes need all the juice to crank over on the starter. Also, the same power source for the headlight and the gauge lights come from the relay.
I pulled it and checked out the wires.
Looked at the wiring diagram and I believe the colors represent the following:
Black - Ground
Red - Main power from Battery
Yellow(supposed to be white) - is power from the alternator
Blue - To the headlight
All the connections look good. I tested it with the ignition on. Black to Red draws 12.4 volts... so power is getting to it, but not the headlights. I want to try bypassing the relay by just connecting the red and blue wires, but I also don't want to fry something. I didn't get a chance to test the yellow wire with the bike on(but im thinking that would be a good way to check for power from the charging system).
I'm wondering where I can find a replacement for this or if something else will work...
Another important note, when I first came across this problem, my neutral and oil indicator lights were functioning. I tried switching the oem regulator back into the system, but then heard a pop and they went out Now my entire dash along with the headlights are out.
I'm a bit confused b/c i looks like they were all powered by the same source. How could the indicator lights have gone out? Also, does anyone know if the gauge lights come on when the ignition is turned on? Or only when the motor is running? I don't remember at this point...