[jeremyrobinson17]

Hello everyone im in need of some Advice, I have a 2000 Electra glide ultra classic and the headlight is very dim and high and low switch doesn't do anything when switched, But if i supply either side with 12v the light will go to normal brightness so i have to either always run low beam or high beam with constant 12v when ignition is on, obviously im not getting the correct voltage to that harness/Switch somewhere. possibly the Switch itself or solenoid Gone bad? I havent done any testing on it yet but was gonna tackle it this weekend and try and figure it out. TIA

 

[chasarms]

I assume you don't have voltage issues anywhere else?

Isolated voltage drops are usually due to excessive resistance in the circuit. You could have a loose wire on the 12V+ side or a bad ground. Either would cause the issue.

Unfortunately, there is no solution short of tracing the wiring from bulb to battery until you find the issue. It could be almost anywhere along the way.

 

[SCHMIDTY]

Try connecting a jumper wire with clip ends to the battery negative on one end and the other end to metal on the front forks. Does the headlight work that way ?

 

[jeremyrobinson17]

Try connecting a jumper wire with clip ends to the battery negative on one end and the other end to metal on the front forks. Does the headlight work that way ?

I will that this afternoon and I will follow up. Thanks for your time

 

[jeremyrobinson17]

I assume you don't have voltage issues anywhere else?

Isolated voltage drops are usually due to excessive resistance in the circuit. You could have a loose wire on the 12V+ side or a bad ground. Either would cause the issue.

Unfortunately, there is no solution short of tracing the wiring from bulb to battery until you find the issue. It could be almost anywhere along the way.

No voltage issue anywhere else that I have noticed. Everything else has worked with no issues. I have running lights, brake lights, dash lights. All controls work on handle bars except the high/low switch

 

[chasarms]

Make sure you also inspect the plug that couples the wiring to the bulb. If it is blackened or melted, replace it.

 

[Rustyg]

There was a problem with the connector melting on some of the older models about that time.. My 2002 RK had the issue.
Might start by checking the bulb connector. Pretty obvious if this is the case on your bike.

 

[Convince Me]

High Low switch dirty?

 

[Cyclelane]

Get a multimeter and stick it in the plug that connects to the headlight bulb to see what voltage you've got, if it's low try checking the wire just behind the plug, this will tell you if it just the plug that's at fault or it's further back. You could check the switch using the meter, if you don't have a meter get yourself a cheap one it don't have to an expensive Fluke.

 

[Dan89flstc]

Connecting a voltmeter to the circuit without the bulb will not tell you what you need to know.

The circuit must be under load.

You need to read the voltage at the headlight connector with the headlight plugged into the connector.

Also check the connector that connects the switch harness to the fairing harness, look for a pin that is damaged or pushed back in the connector.

Read the voltage at that connector (with everything connected).