1. Some members were not receiving emails sent from XJbikes.com. For example: "Forgot your password?" function to reset your password would not send email to some members. I believe this has been resolved now. Please use "Contact Us" form (see page footer link) if you still have email issues. SnoSheriff

    Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

headlight fuse keeps blowing

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by burtmonro, Jul 9, 2007.

  1. burtmonro

    burtmonro New Member

    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Location:
    Connecticut
    On an average of once a week, I'm replacing a blown headlight fuse. I did away with the original buss type fuses and replaced them with blade fuses, hoping that might solve the problem, but nope. I'm wondering what is the purpose of the "reserve lighting unit". I thought that was supposed to keep the lights on if the main circuit failed. Also, the "headlamp" warning light on the dash doesn't come on. Any thoughts on this?
     
    burtmonro, Jul 9, 2007
    #1
  2. Fraps

    Fraps Member

    Messages:
    712
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
    What size fuse do you have in there? 10Amp?
     
    Fraps, Jul 9, 2007
    #2
  3. burtmonro

    burtmonro New Member

    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Location:
    Connecticut
    Yes, a 10amp. That's what the old buss fuse was, so that's what I went with. Would it be dangerous to substitute a higher rated fuse, like 20 or 30 amp?
     
    burtmonro, Jul 9, 2007
    #3
  4. Fraps

    Fraps Member

    Messages:
    712
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
    And how is it blowing - look at the fuse, does it have a small break in the element or does it look like it exploded with char marks inside and the element severely damaged?

    I'll try to regurgitate a post I read just the other day but can't find. Post said that a small break in a blown fuse is a result of overcurrent. The explosive break is a short.

    Do you have the stock headlight? Some aftermarket will draw more current than others.
     
    Fraps, Jul 9, 2007
    #4
  5. burtmonro

    burtmonro New Member

    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Location:
    Connecticut
    The fuse has only a small break in the element. I don't know if it's the stock original headlight as I've only owned the bike a couple of months, but it probably is.
     
    burtmonro, Jul 9, 2007
    #5
  6. Fraps

    Fraps Member

    Messages:
    712
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
    Well, IMHO, you need to pull all the connectors off the wires that are related to the chargind system and solder them on. Then you need to sand or clean up the mating connector so that you can get good contact.

    What is likely happpening is that you have corroded connections that are increasing resistance. The voltage drop caused by the increased resistance essentially causes the charging system to overcharge. Symptoms are cooked batteries every few weeks and blowing fuses.

    An easy check is to measure the voltage at the battery at idel and at a highter rpm. You should see around 12v (give or take) at idle and around 14v (give or take a volt) at revs. It should not exceed 15 volts, otherwise you have an overcharging issue.

    Hopefully, someone else here has a different opinion with an easier fix to try first. I would check the battery though.

    Good luck.
     
    Fraps, Jul 10, 2007
    #6

Share This Page