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Intermittant headlights and display backlighting...

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Ribo, Jul 3, 2014.

  1. Ribo

    Ribo Prefectionist

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    Seems like this XJ650 is nothing but electrical woes of late...

    I have an issue now whereby the headlight and the backlighting for the speedo and Tach randomly go out on me... I'll be riding along all happy then boom - darkness - it's a good job the force is strong in me.

    Anyway, I can't figure out why this is happening -- I thought it was short and I found two things that looks suspicous and corrected them but still no joy. When it goes out the back light, turn-signals, display LED's all still work and sometimes if I hit the hi-beam it all comes back but then, cuts out again randomly.

    Anyone give me any pointers here? Are there any relay's that could be f***ing up like the neutral gear shift one?

    Appreciate any help.
     
    Ribo, Jul 3, 2014
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  2. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    you need a new battery
     
    Polock, Jul 3, 2014
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  3. wink1018

    wink1018 Active Member

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    Sound like the headlamp relay or a wire/connector going to it
     
    wink1018, Jul 3, 2014
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  4. Ribo

    Ribo Prefectionist

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    I have a brandnew AGM battery today...

    Thanks - can I bypass the headlamp relay without any issues? What's the best option?
     
    Ribo, Jul 3, 2014
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  5. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    You shouldn't bypass the headlight relay, but you can inspect and replace it if needed.
     
    k-moe, Jul 4, 2014
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  6. Ribo

    Ribo Prefectionist

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    What's it's purpose? Just to time out the lights at the front if the engine isn't running?

    The more I think about it - it sounds like this is the problem.
     
    Ribo, Jul 4, 2014
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  7. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    The relay keeps the headlight off when the starter is turning. That allows the starter to draw enough current from the battery to spin fast, and have enough left over for the ignition system so that the engine can start. If you were to bypass the headlight relay (and you shouldn't for some leagly reasons), you would absolutely have to install a headlight on/off switch.
     
    k-moe, Jul 4, 2014
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  8. Ribo

    Ribo Prefectionist

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    Any idea where this is located and what it looks like.. I'm thinking it's under the gas tank just infront of the seat but there are a few things here. Is it plug and play to replace like the other relays?
     
    Ribo, Jul 4, 2014
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  9. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    It's under the left side cover, below the TCI. You should look for poor electrical connections along that part of the wiring harness as well.
     
    k-moe, Jul 4, 2014
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  10. wink1018

    wink1018 Active Member

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    Mine is located under the tank. Yours should be similar, since we have similar year/model.
     
    wink1018, Jul 4, 2014
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  11. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    That is odd. Are you sure that's your headlight relay (has a yellow dot of paint on it)? The wiring diagram I have shows the headlight relay next to the TCI on both the Maxim 650/750 and the Seca 650/750.

    From Chacal's Catalog:

    "SWITCHES, SENSORS, AND RELAYS ID and LOCATION GUIDE:

    Headlight Relay:

    Location:
    - on all XJ550 models: under the gas tank, in-between the frame tubes, on a welded bracket just behind the flasher self-canceller relay.
    - on all XJ650 Maxim/Midnight Maxim/RJ Seca models: behind left side cover, below the TCI and Regulator-Rectifier unit.
    - on all 1981-83 XJ750 Seca models: behind the left side cover, below the TCI and Regulator-Rectifier unit."
     
    k-moe, Jul 4, 2014
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  12. wink1018

    wink1018 Active Member

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    My apologies. I had my wires crossed. It is INDEED behind the left cover.
     
    wink1018, Jul 4, 2014
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