No headlights

[Lee H. Mann]

2003 GL1800 has no headlights (high or low beam). When put in reverse, the low beam lights come on and also the side stand light.

The problem was the starter switch. The headlamp bypass that is actuated by he starter button wasn't working. I hit the switch several times Vigorously with my thumb and the lights started working and the side stand light went out.

Dreaded sticky buttons in the dirty switch. Just thought I would pass it along .....

[R Livingston]

Thank you Jim. I've had trouble with my kill switch before. It was almost like you could look at it and would kill my bike. Someone in the know said give it a workout and see what happens. I guess it cleaned the contacts because it started working properly.

[Burnerboy]

Good information to know.................thank you

Ronnie

[GoldWingrGreg]

Unfortunately, the best fix is to replace the switch assembly. For anyone wanting to repair their kill switch, I have these kits in stock from the link below. I have no idea what all years the kit fits.

http://www.justwings.com/uploads/SB-...top_Switch.pdf

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Dreaded sticky buttons in the dirty switch. Just thought I would pass it along .....

First thing I did when I bought Tweety was to take all the switches apart and clean them with contact cleaner.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Once a switch is clean, this product has worked well for me.

https://www.radioshack.com/products/...-and-lubricant

[peteg59]

Once a switch is clean, this product has worked well for me.

https://www.radioshack.com/products/...-and-lubricant

Good tip Greg

Is there any other manufacturer that offers this product?

I ask as R/S stores have all but disappeared near me, & it shows the product is currently unavailable on line to order...

[Rosy]

My cruise control switch was sticking, so I sprayed it with silicone and it works great. Took the little tube and sprayed it so it went to the back of the switch.

Had to clean the front of the switch because it was very slippery and my thumb kept sliding off of it! LOL

Rosy

[GoldWingrGreg]

Good tip Greg

Is there any other manufacturer that offers this product?

I ask as R/S stores have all but disappeared near me, & it shows the product is currently unavailable on line to order...

What's good about that stuff is that it foams, and it's not a silicone lube. Unfortunately, it's only ever been sold from their ground stores. You might try a good auto parts store for something similar, or google and look for electronic supply stores in your area ... they might have something similar. Since the beginning of my time working on GL1800s, it's the only thing I've ever used, possibly someone else might share what they use.