Low beam relay
Jess from VA:
One of my Interstates lost both low beams last fall (at the same time).
I looked at and cleaned the hi/lo switch, and that seemed fine.
Most run auto parts 55/60 bulbs with a broken off tab (and not the Honda 45/45s), but nearly 2 years ago I changed up to Hella Off Road 80/100 bulbs in both bikes. Always run dims only (80W X 2), rarely might flash brights, never had a problem, never saw any significant drop in my aftermarket digital ammeters.
I got under the seat and side cover and saw a couple of what appear to be switches, but no idea which is which.
Called my local Honda MC parts man who told me the OE parts fishe has no listing for a low beam relay, but does have 4 or more "starter" relays, and that one of them was probably the one I needed (not very helpful). The OE wiring diagram is also beyond my skill level, with some 'brown wire 4P' thing which might involve the low beam relay.
I did not pull and look at those bulbs, I hate that job kneeling in front of the fairing and reaching underneath. And I bet the bulbs are fine. My other Interstate with the same bulbs is working fine, including headlights.
If I got a new low beam relay in my hands, and got back under the seat/sidecover and found the same part, and swapped it out, it seems likely the problem would be solved.
Does anyone know the actual part number for the Interstate low beam relay? (It may be different for Interstates with 2 headlights instead of one).
Whenever these things come up, I am reminded of the movie Kelly's Heroes when Clint Eastwood gets on his tank driver Donald Sutherland to fix the tank, and 'Oddball' replies "Oh man, I only drive them, I have no idea how to fix them". ;D :crazy2: (That's me)
Jims99:
I have not had to deal with the relays on mine, but part number will be the same for several different relays. It may be the bulbs (if switch is good) low beams burnt out. Running two head lights you will usually not notice if one is out until the other one dies. That’s why some think they both go out at same time. I’ll walk around and check all bulbs on occasion.
I don’t have my book handy, if no one else chimes in on what relay (position) I’ll look it up later and let you know.
Jess from VA:
Thanks Jim.
That bike used to have a perpetual loose bulb (or something) on one side that had to be pushed on the back of the plug to get it to come on every other time I rode it. A sharp smack on the plastic headlight cover would also turn it on most of the time (lol). That's gone ever since the new bulbs went in, but I always look at the headlights before riding out of habit, and I'm 99% sure I lost them both at the same time.
With a good hi/lo switch (as far as I know), that's why I strongly suspect the relay. They can't be too expensive, and if I can get one, it'll either fix it, or rule it out (so I can look elsewhere).
Over the years, I've had auto repair shops and dealers start 'throwing new parts' at my cars with 'gremlins,' to try and discover the problem.
WintrSol:
The parts list here: https://www.cyclepartsnation.com/oemparts/a/hon/506c2fbef870023420a31c7d/wire-harness
shows four 'starter relays' (18), so probably only one is used for that function, and the others?
In any case, you can put unique labels on each, then swap them around, to see if the lights come back on. The one taken out and replaced with another is the bad one, assuming it wasn't the connector failing. At $51 US, kind of pricey for a relay, but that's Honda.
Jess from VA:
Quote from: WintrSol on February 18, 2025, 07:52:35 AM
The parts list here: https://www.cyclepartsnation.com/oemparts/a/hon/506c2fbef870023420a31c7d/wire-harness
shows four 'starter relays' (18), so probably only one is used for that function, and the others?
THAT'S MY PROBLEM, WHICH ONE?
In any case, you can put unique labels on each, then swap them around, to see if the lights come back on. The one taken out and replaced with another is the bad one, assuming it wasn't the connector failing. At $51 US, kind of pricey for a relay, but that's Honda.
That's also what the Honda Parts guy suggested I try, but given my novice skill set (especially anything electrical), I'm afraid of ending up with a bike that doesn't run at all, instead of one that runs great with only hi beams.
I have a really gifted (lone wolf) bike mechanic, but he's over an hour away, and I have a difficult to impossible time getting a ride home and back if I have to leave my bike there (which he prefers over asking it to be fixed while I wait). And if I do have to go down there, I want to have a new relay with me when I do.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page