IS Headlights will not work

[vmb]

Both headlights on my 2000 IS went out, hi and lo beam. I recently replaced them with the Sylvania extra bright bulbs and since then I noticed the lights would fail to come on but after a few seconds would power up. This happened 3 or 4 times and now they won't work at all. Fuses are ok. Anybody got any ideas ?

[cookiedough]

It's possible you have the same problem as I did one night but doubt it.  My  headlights were on and when I went to start bike, the headlights are suppose to go off for 1 split second to have full battery juice to crank over bike and then come back on.   My headlights never came back on.  It hasn't happened again yet, but others commented that I need to clean the contacts in the right handlebar behind the push button starter by taking the 2 screws off under the 2-piece plate.  Another issue I have is when colder than 45 degrees while riding, my right handlebar turn signals won't work either like they are too cold to work, wonder what that is also?  Contacts need cleaning also????

[X Ring]

Another issue I have is when colder than 45 degrees while riding, my right handlebar turn signals won't work either like they are too cold to work, wonder what that is also?  Contacts need cleaning also????

Yes.  I had that happen to mine.  Sprayed electrical contact cleaner in through the slot and haven't had a problem since.  I also agree with cleaning the starter button contacts.

Marty

[Red Diamond]

All are right about the starter switch contacts, but be ready to do more than remove the two screws on the switch housing. You may have to create some slack in the throttle cables to get the switch out and remove the white plastic housing to clean the contacts, be aware there is a spring that can pop out. This problem occurred on my Tourer, far from home. With the help from this forum and the down home Texas crew I got it done and made it home. Ride Safely.

[cookiedough]

Another issue I have is when colder than 45 degrees while riding, my right handlebar turn signals won't work either like they are too cold to work, wonder what that is also?  Contacts need cleaning also????

Yes.  I had that happen to mine.  Sprayed electrical contact cleaner in through the slot and haven't had a problem since.  I also agree with cleaning the starter button contacts.

Marty

Sorry to be off topic , but thanks on the tip of spraying electrical contact cleaner inside the turn signal switch buttons real good since has done it for 4 years now not working coming home at nights in the 40's.  Lucky not too much traffic at midnight on my rural roads but would hate to get pulled over by the local cop for not signaling off the main rural road into my one horse town.  Also will have to take apart the starter switch and use 0000 steel wool on the 4 contact tabs with spray electrical cleaner as well.  12 year old bike needs some internal cleaning I guess for once?  Now, the headlights not working is another scary issue at night but lucky my fog lights worked that night just had to drive slower going home about 45 mph top speed is all. 

[Thunderbolt]

Interstate has a relay for high and one for low which is acutuated by the high low switch on the left handlebar.  I would check that switch when cleaning up contacts.  Search for RPWD Chooser and click on Interstate, I think it is S3 page shows these ckts.  Also there are some connectors that could be loose causing this.  Check the schematics and trace the wiring with a test light.

[Thunderbolt]

Also, check the connector for burning or charring with the higher wattage bulb.

[vmb]

Thanks guys! Got the electric contact cleaner and did as u advised. Cleaned the dimmer switch and hi/lo beam switch and all is good. Sure do appreciate the wealth of knowledge out there. Thanks, Virgil