electrical? headlights keep blowing out....

[Lando]

So, in the past 2 or 3 weeks i have gone through 2 low beam and 2 high beam bulbs???[confused] I have no idea how to go about diagnosing this! it's not poping fuses, and the bulbs seem to die while riding normally just out of the blue...

I will check for wires that might have gotten frayed, but wouldn't that pop the fuse?

any input is apresciated.
Thanks

Lando

 

[konarider94]

maybe your voltage regulator is on its way out and the voltage is too high.

 

[BitchinXb]

Cheap bulbs may not withstand all that v-twin vibration.

 

[Lando]

Well, the first two bulbs were the factory ones that lasted roughly 15K miles and after the low beam went out, I started riding with the high beam and it blew out within 2 days. I never use the high beam otherwise, so in essence it lasted about 5 hours of actual running time. The next two bulbs were top quality Sylvanias (gold series) and they lasted about 10 hours on the low and about 5 or so on the high beam.
The voltage regulator sounds like a possibility and I will check that!

Btw, I have a 08 xb12.

Thanks guys!

 

[AV8guy]

Lando, Im having the same exact problem. I lost my high beam around 2 months ago, replaced it two weeks ago and then Monday morning on my way to work, they both went out at the same time. The fuse for the lights has been good but I have been popping ACC fuse about 3 times in the last month or so. I have an 07 xb12s with just over 12,000

 

[uly luigi]

I tried some of those Silverstar hyper whites a couple of times, lasted about a week or so, went back to the cheapest thing in the store, haven't had a problem with bulbs since, check the back of the package on the bulbs, should have a durability chart, the brightest are usually the least durable.

 

[Ozzie]

Get PIAA bulbs. I have had very good luck with them. Plus you can very bright ones also.

 

[Lando]

Well, I went through the service manual and ther is no procedure for checking the voltage regulator. It only states that it is not a serviceable part and if it fails, to replace it!

So how do I know if it has failed?

I'm no poping any fuses, the bike runns great, I don't have a check engine light....

Anyway, I went and bought the cheap model bulbs (longer life rating) and we will se how long these last!

Anyone know the part number for a voltage regulator? Price?

Lando

 

[Lando]

so, after i posted the previous tread, i went out for a ride and half way through, the CEL came on!
Pulled over, didn't see anything, bike was running fine.... started it back up and light was gone....
Got home, checked the code and i have a code 16 (Battery Voltage) and the code can be caused by a faulty voltage regulator....

Anyone know know part number???

Thanks guys,
Lando

 

[anrkizm95]

voltage to high,bad grounds or wiring problem in the harness.dont touch the tips of the bulbs

 

[Lando]

for anyone that cares...voltage regulator part numbers are:
03-07 Y1302.02A8 (Updated part with new connector)
08-10 Y0302.5A8

this is what i have found from my research anyway, cost is about $80

I'm going to buy and replace even though i'm not 100% sure it's the problem.... just as a precaution not to damage anything else or end up stranded somwhere.

We will see if this solves my issues.

 

[AV8guy]

Thanks for the P/N. I just blew out my second set of lights this week. Im gonna just change mine also

 

[Lando]

AV8, i got the part today and am about to install it now... i'll keep you posted!
I should be doing lots of riding this weekend so we will see if i pop any more headlights or get another CEL after it is installed.

 

[Lando]

Went out for a short 30 minut ride around town and all seems good! Will update after the long weekend.

 

[Lando]

Ok, final update. Seems my problem was indeed the voltage sensor. Have not had any issues since I instaled the new one!
Hope this helps anyone having the same issue.

Lando

 

[AV8guy]

Awesome. I am still waiting on mine to come in. Harley said it would take a week to get. Im sick of driving my car but have been through 6 bulbs total in the past few weeks at $10 per. Had to put her up till I get the part in. I appreciate the help and the update Lando

 

[bongolraymond]

I'm having the same problem on my 08 xb9sx and only the headlights are burning out. So it was the voltage regulator that fixed the problem on your bike?

 

[saandahn]

I've had the exact same problem on my 2008 XB12 Ss and gone through six bulbs in three months. The shop say they can't find anything wrong with the grounds or wiring and they've even checked the voltage on the regulator, but only on idle and it was fine apparently. However my bulbs goes in the exact way as you described it so perhaps I should go ahead and replace the voltage regulator anyway and see if that fixes the problem. All this has already cost my something like 800 USD - and for nothing! Is it easy to replace the regulator or do I have to take it back to the shop?

 

[wolfo68]

Unless it's acting up while they're checking they won't catch it. It's a sign that it's going out not that it already has.

Hope that helps

 

[saandahn]

Yeah, I'm just gonna go ahead and replace it and see if it helps. I'm out of other options really. Thanks!