No headlights and engine will not shut off ?

[Sand Piper]

Well this is a new one for me. Started 2004 wing up and no headlights? Turned key to shut bike off and it just kept running? Then I unhooked the battery and it still kept on running with all the lights lit minus the head lights. Hit high beam button(why I do not know) engine shut down as did rest of the lights! Also my 4 ways not working either I did not try turn signals. Maybe this could be key or switch problem? This is my first 1800 so I am just getting to know this trike. I sprayed Radio Shack cleaner in ignition switch but did not help

[Veritas44]

I'd say Best choices are:
1. GOOD Honda Cert. Tech
or
2. Priest

[Gold Rush]

Well this is a new one for me. Started 2004 wing up and no headlights? Turned key to shut bike off and it just kept running? Then I unhooked the battery and it still kept on running with all the lights lit minus the head lights. Hit high beam button(why I do not know) engine shut down as did rest of the lights! Also my 4 ways not working either I did not try turn signals. Maybe this could be key or switch problem? This is my first 1800 so I am just getting to know this trike. I sprayed Radio Shack cleaner in ignition switch but did not help

WOW! That is a bunch of problems.... Did they all show up at once? If not break them out into a sequence then maybe we can help.

I've never. Heard of a bad GL1800 ignition switch but that don't mean yours isn't. I know the dimmer and starter switch can cause no lights and the hazard switch could kill that function.

My first guess is the dimmer switch is dirty causing intermittent no lights so with the battery disconnected you flipped the dimmer and it put a heavy load on the alternator. Voltage dropped and engine died.

What caused the no ignition switch working is a mystery. Keep us posted.

[Sand Piper]

I Will be working on this problem Monday AM. Thinking back as to what I did, I hit the 4 way button by mistake instead of running lights switch and that's when every thing went nuts all at once. But I never on 3 boards have I ever heard some one say there engine would not shut off with the key! I will check fuses, then go after 4 way switch. I will indeed keep all posted as to what happens about all this.

[Gold Rush]

I agree that it's a strange one. I wonder what would happen if the run relay hung??? HUMMMMMM.... I'll be keeping an eye on this thread for sure.

[msocko3]

I'd say Best choices are:
1. GOOD Honda Cert. Tech
or
2. Priest

I'd roll with both just to cover my a$$. I'll be watching this thread to see how the OP makes out, I hate electrical gremlins. One of the reasons my 12 doesn't have all kinds of electrical doo dads added too it.

[JaysGone]

Spraying the ignition cylinder wont do anything.
The electrical ignition switch is a separate switch at the bottom of the key cylinder.
Id start with the headlight switch and look from there.
I think with most of us electrical is always the least known part of anything with a motor.

[Sand Piper]

Well, looks like bike will be heading to the shop. Since nothing was wrong till I pushed hazard light switch I am sure that is my problem. Seems some how my file that had my Goldwing manual down loaded to is not there. After looking at the back side of that switch I feel It is not some thing I need to mess with. I need to buy a paper manual and spend some time with it. Let you know what tech will due to fix it.

[driver10]

you might try getting in touch with technidude on the gl1800riders forum before you take to shop. it may be a bad ground under the seat.

[Backdraft]

My guess would be either the head light switch or the starter switch. When you press the starter switch the lights will go out. It may be sticking.
Contact: techdude2000 on the GL1800riders forum and he will fix you right up. He is extremely knowledgeable on the GL1800's.

Hope this helps

[Sand Piper]

As to me asking Tech dude for help! For the last 3 months I can no longer get my name and pass word to work on that site. I have no clue what the problem is. And of course I am not able because of this to get in touch with man running the site. I do not think Lamonster operates that site any longer.

[Veritas44]

Lamont sold it to a Canadian Company but the Admins and Mods are the same.
Go to the Home Page without logging in and click on "Contact". Then you can send a message describing the issue with your User ID and they will fix it. You May have to re-Register.
They are understaffed and most of them have "regular" jobs as well. Takes time.

[Sand Piper]

What the heck! Went to GL1800 site and I was already signed in? I have sent Tech Dude a private E-mail. Thanks for all the info to all of you. I am going to try one more time to clean the 4-way switch.

[cavie]

What the heck! Went to GL1800 site and I was already signed in? I have sent Tech Dude a private E-mail. Thanks for all the info to all of you. I am going to try one more time to clean the 4-way switch.

Did you get my PM?

[John Luciano]

Not starter involved. If u do not hear the stater grinding then not doing anything with starer system. Fact u removed battery says tat bike is running on alternator perfectly normal. You have a bad ignition switch or a wire broken or touching together. Does kill switch kill the bike?

[Sand Piper]

Yes Cavie, I got your PM. Thank you.

[Sand Piper]

Not starter involved. If u do not hear the stater grinding then not doing anything with starer system. Fact u removed battery says tat bike is running on alternator perfectly normal. You have a bad ignition switch or a wire broken or touching together. Does kill switch kill the bike?

Kill switch will not always shut bike off? I have been told by a good tech that just mite be the common ground plate or board that is under the shelter behind the head light! Bike will be hauled to the shop next week.
Again thanks to all that replied to my post. and I will post when tech finds out what is going on.

[Sand Piper]

Just talked to the shop fixing the bike and for sure it is a ground problem. He ran a jumper ground wire to one of the headlights and every thing lit up. Seems it could be that common ground junction thingie up under the front end.

[cavie]

Just talked to the shop fixing the bike and for sure it is a ground problem. He ran a jumper ground wire to one of the headlights and every thing lit up. Seems it could be that common ground junction thingie up under the front end.

I get mine out of the shop Wed. Yours done by then? Meet at BP Wed night? KSU 7 PM. Ride TBD.

[driver10]

Be sure you check the one under the seat also.