Interstate headlight removal

[Lt.Gene]

I just returned from a two thousand mile trip  on my 99 Interstate and my two driving lights and one headlight burned out.  I am having trouble replacing the headlight because I cannot disconnect the plug.  I have read several posts for help and it seems the solution is to continue pulling on the plug.  My question, is the connector  a pinch plug or is there something holding the plug to the lamp.  I have squeezed all sides of the plug as best I could until my fingers hurt--still no luck.   Thanks

[Thunderbolt]

once you get the rubber cover off.  Probably best to put a glove on, it may release and cause a big uh-oh on the back of your hand if you are like me.  The wire clip is a little finicky too.  Press in and move to the side to release so the bulb will come out.

[Lt.Gene]

Well, perseverance paid off.  I pulled and pulled and the connector finally released.  Then while placing the replacement bulb in place, it slipped and fell into the headlight housing.  Could not get it out so I ended up removing the fairing completely, using some needle nose plyers and getting it out.  Replacing the bulbs was a piece of cake after that.  Thanks for the reviews!

[PhredValk]

If you ever have to do this again, try the Shoptalk article on changing IS headlight bulbs;

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/interstateheadlight.htm

Fred.

[Lt.Gene]

Yeah Fred, I followed that article until I dropped the darn bulb into the housing and could not retrieve it with the limited access having the fairing on the bike.  No problem when I took it off which I really did not want to do.  Turned a relatively short job into a much longer, more involved one.  Thanks for the tip though.

[Grey wolf oz]

If you ever have to do this again, try the Shoptalk article on changing IS headlight bulbs;

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/interstateheadlight.htm

Fred.

Well "that was fun" is not really the first thing that comes to mind,,

However

I deliberately did both bulbs

The second took about 10% of the time effort and cursing,

Chanel locks get to the plug nicely !!

I used automotive bulbs

Where do i get the adaptor rings ?

Luke

[0leman]

Luke, you don't need an adaptor if you remove the two lower wings from the bulb.  I have used auto bulbs since 2008 with no adaptors.

I do remove the speaker panels as have fairly big hands.  Those with smaller hands have and do change the bulbls without remove anything.   The springs removal/replacement do cause problems and sometimes some interesting phrases sort of like putting the driveshaft into the U-Joint. 

[Oss]

It is definitely a practice thing

Challenger changed my bulbs out in Lacrosse maybe 10 or more years ago while drinking a beer

I mean he never even put it down

Now that is talent

[Grey wolf oz]

Luke, you don't need an adaptor if you remove the two lower wings from the bulb.  I have used auto bulbs since 2008 with no adaptors.

I do remove the speaker panels as have fairly big hands.  Those with smaller hands have and do change the bulbls without remove anything.   The springs removal/replacement do cause problems and sometimes some interesting phrases sort of like putting the driveshaft into the U-Joint. 

yes,,, donated some blood and educated the Neighbours with colorful expletives,

thanks   

[Grey wolf oz]

It is definitely a practice thing

Challenger changed my bulbs out in Lacrosse maybe 10 or more years ago while drinking a beer

I mean he never even put it down

Now that is talent

never spilled a drop,,,  dedication !