headlights quit working

2181 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Gert, 9 mo ago

duncs

Discussion Starter · 9 mo ago

Hello all - first time poster...

I have a 2011 wee with both headlights not working. It started out as an intermittent issue where when I switched from low to high (or vice versa), the lights would cut out for a while. Then the other day (night actually) the low beams cut out entirely, then about an hour later the high beams went out. Left me stranded on the side of the road and a $150 cab ride....

Any ideas? Do the switches go on the 2011?

I've got the fairing off, have cleaned out what I presume is the connector with contact cleaner, will try a new headlight bulb.

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duncs

Discussion Starter · #2 · 9 mo ago

I've also checked the fuses.

The connector I opened and cleaned was the bigger one (behind the left fairing) for the instruments and headlights according to the wiring diagram. But the behavior doesn't indicate it would be that connector.

So I'm thinking it is either the left handlebar switch itself, or loose wiring in the left side handlebar connector.

I have to find the left handlebar switch connector. Is it in under the seat?

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Rolex

· #3 · 9 mo ago

I think the plug you are seeking is at the front under the air box.

That big plug you looked at is a very common problem, the connections get hot and will not carry a load so don't rule that out without a good inspection.

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Gert

· #4 · 9 mo ago

If you have confirmed that it is not any of the connectors above the radiator, then have a look at the starter button. Normally if you have both the high and low beam fail, then there is a good chance that it is starter button related.
Have a look at 2011 Wee, Headlights stopped working

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Rabbitoh64

· #5 · 9 mo ago

Last year I went out for a meal. It was dark when I went to ride home. Started my 2010 Wee no trouble apart from the lights not working. Checked all the fuses. All good. I found the problem was in the kill switch housing. Wires for the lights were corroded. I had to replace the switch. That solved the lights problem.

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duncs

Discussion Starter · #6 · 9 mo ago

Rabbitoh64 said:
Last year I went out for a meal. It was dark when I went to ride home. Started my 2010 Wee no trouble apart from the lights not working. Checked all the fuses. All good. I found the problem was in the kill switch housing. Wires for the lights were corroded. I had to replace the switch. That solved the lights problem.

Thanks - I will be checking that out for sure.

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duncs

Discussion Starter · #7 · 9 mo ago

The issue in my case turned out to be 2 burnt wires in the yellow connector behind the radiator. I ended up bypassing the connector with the 2 wires.

The easiest way to get at that connector is to remove the left and right cowlings and then rotate the radiator out of the way.

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Gert

· #8 · 9 mo ago

Thanx for sharing your solution to solve the headlight failure.

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