Low-Beam HID Won't Turn On

[hschisler]

My '05 LT (27k miles) has the CQ HID installed on the low beam. The light was installed last June. The bike hasn't been ridden for 2 weeks, has been on the Battery Tender for 3 days. I noticed yesterday, when starting the bike for the first time in 2 weeks, that the low beam won't come on. Same thing today.

Could it be a burned-out bulb? I've read here that they last for years. If it is the bulb, where do I get a replacement and can I install it myself (I did NOT install the unit) without removing plastic panels?

[sheldan2]

If it is the cq, and it was installed as per the instructions that came with the light kit, or better yet off here, it should be no different than changing out a regular bulb. I would however check the fuse by the igniter before I went and spent the money on a new bulb. I presume you can get replacement bulbs from cq.

[JPSpen]

Check that fuse Howard...

If that's not it.. Then it's Meter time.....

Check the voltage at the fuse holder, That's a convenient place to probe...

If you have voltage then you could have a bad ballast, igniter or lamp..

Too bad you don't have both high and low beams.. You could just swap the leads to check the lamp...

I'll bet Joe has a "spare" he can lay his hands on to help you troubleshoot..


Good Luck,

John

[zippy_gg]

Howard, check the in-line fuse. If it is burnt and keeps burning up every time you replace it you have a short somewhere. My ballast shorted out after just 12K miles. It was replaced under warranty by CQ. I also now have a spare ballast that I can lend you for testing if your fuse keeps blowing up.
I seriously doubt your bulb is shot...

[hschisler]

Thanks, everybody. I'll check the fuse tomorrow evening after work.

Uh... I'm assuming it would be up under the nose cone, in the general area of the lamp, ballast, etc.? :o

[SeaMarshal]

They tend to get water up in them and will rust. Ask Patterson, as his hi-beam was not lighting up....

[zippy_gg]

Thanks, everybody. I'll check the fuse tomorrow evening after work.

Uh... I'm assuming it would be up under the nose cone, in the general area of the lamp, ballast, etc.? :oYes Howard... I am afraid so.:rolleyes:
It still should be accessible from under without removing any tupperware, especially if your installer used the "let's secure that sucker up with plastic ties" method by reaching under the cowl. The fuse is the same type as what is used in the LT. Also check your connections to make sure they are secure.

[mtrevelino]

My HID failure turned out to be a loose wire connector. Since I corrected it, the HID has worked every time. With the ignition on, try to wiggle each wire that is feeding the HID.

[PATTERSON]

Actually it was my Low Beam that was acting up and NOT turning on. Turned out to be the in-line RELAY that was causing the mischief. I disconnected the relay and replaced it with a new one, and everything was as it was supposed to be. Opened the replaced relay and it was almost a solid hunk of rust. This has happened twice now.....so it must be in how I'm laying it in up there. Will be putting the new one in an "on top" position so that water can't run down inside it. I'm sure they make waterproof ones too, so I'll have to look into that as well, huh?

[Dick]

Actually it was my Low Beam that was acting up and NOT turning on. Turned out to be the in-line RELAY that was causing the mischief. I disconnected the relay and replaced it with a new one, and everything was as it was supposed to be. Opened the replaced relay and it was almost a solid hunk of rust. This has happened twice now.....so it must be in how I'm laying it in up there. Will be putting the new one in an "on top" position so that water can't run down inside it. I'm sure they make waterproof ones too, so I'll have to look into that as well, huh?
Hi, Patterson - yup, they do make waterproof relays. Friend of mine picked up a couple of 'em at our local NAPA store and helped me replace some old ones that were in need of a burial ceremony! I don't remember the cost, which means they weren't costly!!!

[Hotspice]

Actually it was my Low Beam that was acting up and NOT turning on. Turned out to be the in-line RELAY that was causing the mischief. I disconnected the relay and replaced it with a new one, and everything was as it was supposed to be. Opened the replaced relay and it was almost a solid hunk of rust. This has happened twice now.....so it must be in how I'm laying it in up there. Will be putting the new one in an "on top" position so that water can't run down inside it. I'm sure they make waterproof ones too, so I'll have to look into that as well, huh?

Isn't it great when the fix is simple.

I always used to carry a spare relay on the bike. Once my lights went out and I thought it was the relay so I swapped them and it still didn't work.

After about an hour of troubleshooting when I got home I put in a THIRD relay and walla, let there be light!

Now I carry two spare relays :D

Based on where you mount your relay you could just drill a small drain hole at the lowest point to help eliminate some of the moisture buildup.

[zaphod]

I'm sure they make waterproof ones too, so I'll have to look into that as well, huh?
I got mine at http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=330-070. They have good prices on relay sockets too.

[hschisler]

...(the fuse) still should be accessible from under without removing any tupperware, especially if your installer used the "let's secure that sucker up with plastic ties" method by reaching under the cowl. The fuse is the same type as what is used in the LT. Also check your connections to make sure they are secure.That is exactly how my low beam HID was installed.

I took a good look this afternoon and found one 7.5 amp fuse. Checked it -- it's fine. I disconnected and reconnected a connection I found. No good - light still doesn't come on. I'll have to find someone with a voltmeter now and check that.

Is there more than 1 fuse for the CQ HID?

Your suggestions are still welcome -- thanks.

[jackd]

One thing you might do is put your hand behind the back panel on the headlight and trace the wires back that come out of the plastic gromet. If you didn't install the HID is there a chance there is a relay installed? That was not part of the CQ purchase 'package' but it could have been installed.

If not make sure that all the connections have good retention and are secure at each connection point..

Do not do this with the bike key on !!!..

could be lots of potential for shock and body damage to you...

[zippy_gg]

Is there more than 1 fuse for the CQ HID?
Howard, there is only 1 fuse, the one you described, in the CQ Light kit. Also it can be difficult sometimes to tell if the fuse is open (hairline break) so you may want to try the spare fuse that came with your kit. It is a 10 Amp, and will work just fine. Question: Do you hear any noise in your HID system when you turn the key to ON? If you don't hear anything you may want to check your electrical connections again. If your kit is powered by the stock harness, then check the low beam fuse and the parking light fuse under the seat (depending on how your kit was installed). If need be I have a spare ballast you can borrow to troubleshoot. Let me know via PM.;)

[hschisler]

One thing you might do is put your hand behind the back panel on the headlight and trace the wires back that come out of the plastic gromet. If you didn't install the HID is there a chance there is a relay installed? That was not part of the CQ purchase 'package' but it could have been installed...I didn't install the HID and I'm pretty sure a relay was not installed. It was the standard CQ package install. I was there for the installation, doing the really technical tasks (opening the package, holding the flashlight, fetching cold beverage, etc.). :rolleyes:

[hschisler]

Howard, there is only 1 fuse, the one you described, in the CQ Light kit. Also it can be difficult sometimes to tell if the fuse is open (hairline break) so you may want to try the spare fuse that came with your kit. It is a 10 Amp, and will work just fine. Question: Do you hear any noise in your HID system when you turn the key to ON? If you don't hear anything you may want to check your electrical connections again. If your kit is powered by the stock harness, then check the low beam fuse and the parking light fuse under the seat (depending on how your kit was installed). If need be I have a spare ballast you can borrow to troubleshoot. Let me know via PM.;)I'll try a spare fuse, even though the one in place at the moment looked perfect.

Come to think of it, no -- I do NOT hear the usual HID sound when the key is on. I did find a connection; disconnected and reconnected; still not working. I'll look for more. I'll also check those other fuses you mention. Thanks.

[grifscoots]

You might check the spades into the stock headlight plug. They might have come off or become corroded.

Also, some LT's were busting a ground wire at the headlight. I think around 02? Someone?

[hschisler]

You might check the spades into the stock headlight plug. They might have come off or become corroded...Did that, too -- thanks.

I gotta get me a voltmeter and then learn how to use it.

[hschisler]

...Howard, If your kit is powered by the stock harness, then check the low beam fuse and the parking light fuse under the seat (depending on how your kit was installed)...Just back from the barn and checking out the bike. It WAS the stock low beam fuse (fuse block 1, fuse #5, 7.5 amp). Definitely DOA. Replaced it and we have light, which means tomorrow I get to ride to work for the first time in over a month! (assuming I can make it up the icy driveway...)

Hey, it's a small victory but I'll take it. :cool:

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions.

[RaffyK]

That fuse may not be enough for the HID draw. Initial startup draw can be around 10 amps.

If you don't have a relay on the HID, I suggest you do.

The older bikes did not have dedicated fuses for the headlights, so running an HID without a relay was possible and was done for a long time.