Headlight Switch (European Style)

Discuss all things 1970 & later Airheads right here.
Post Reply
jhinds434
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat May 26, 2012 12:53 pm

Headlight Switch (European Style)

Post by jhinds434 »

Thanks.
Last edited by jhinds434 on Wed May 30, 2012 3:11 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
melville
Posts: 1822
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 8:32 am

Re: Headlight Switch (European Style)

Post by melville »

If it's just the high 'n' low beam that has failed, I have a fix that runs $30 for a relay + a bit for some wires. Head to my resto thread for some guidance:

http://boxerworks.com/forum2/viewtopic. ... &start=140
Call me Mel. Some years ago- never mind how long precisely- having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me at home, I thought I would ride about a little and see the other parts of the world.
jhinds434
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat May 26, 2012 12:53 pm

Re: Headlight Switch (European Style)

Post by jhinds434 »

handlebar).
Last edited by jhinds434 on Wed May 30, 2012 3:13 am, edited 2 times in total.
User avatar
melville
Posts: 1822
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 8:32 am

Re: Headlight Switch (European Style)

Post by melville »

jhinds434 wrote:Thanks Mel. The combo switch, @180 plus dollars U.S. is really hosed. I don't think a relay will fix. I need to get into the switch to diagnose/repair, or just replace it with another soon to fail part. Part 61311243248 I think.
But, I'll visit your link though I'll allow I don't see how a relay can be a work around repair for a defective combo switch that makes a dead short on high beam resulting in smoke coming off the wires in the switch (seen when unattached from handlebar).
The relay keeps full headlight current out of the switch, and only requires momentary energization of the switch. The stock setup runs full headlight power through the dip switch at all times.

You may be able to use the 'passing beam' part of the switch to get that momentary energization. In this case, it would mean using the red and white wires to get power from S to ground.

Good luck!
Call me Mel. Some years ago- never mind how long precisely- having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me at home, I thought I would ride about a little and see the other parts of the world.
dwerbil
Moderator
Posts: 2872
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 10:58 am
Location: Round Rock, Texas
Contact:

Re: Headlight Switch (European Style)

Post by dwerbil »

Welcome to Boxerworks jhinds434. What part of Tejas are you
located? I"m just north of Austin.
Image

Click for pics
04 R1150RT ~ 78 R100/7 ~ 84 RS ~ 93 K1100RS ~ 65 R60/2
Randy in Round Rock
jhinds434
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat May 26, 2012 12:53 pm

Re: Headlight Switch (European Style)

Post by jhinds434 »

Mel, If I had your level of expertise with electronics I MIGHT try your remedy. On the other hand, I like the idea of keeping the bike as stock as possible. I just hate giving up on taking the stock switch apart and trying to repair it. I'm pretty sure someone, somewhere has tried this, problem is, finding them. Having said that, your idea has some attraction, and I guess you were facing a similar problem when you decided to install the VW relay under the gas tank as a work around. Thanks.
jhinds434
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat May 26, 2012 12:53 pm

Re: Headlight Switch (European Style)

Post by jhinds434 »

the Boxer.
Last edited by jhinds434 on Wed May 30, 2012 3:13 am, edited 1 time in total.
Deleted User 287

Re: Headlight Switch (European Style)

Post by Deleted User 287 »

jhinds434 wrote:Mel, If I had your level of expertise with electronics I MIGHT try your remedy. On the other hand, I like the idea of keeping the bike as stock as possible. I just hate giving up on taking the stock switch apart and trying to repair it. I'm pretty sure someone, somewhere has tried this, problem is, finding them. Having said that, your idea has some attraction, and I guess you were facing a similar problem when you decided to install the VW relay under the gas tank as a work around. Thanks.
Do yourself a favor and get that current out of the switch.

And if you DO decide to take the switch apart, do it inside of a large plastic bag.
Post Reply