Replaced headlamp bulb on GS1100E but still not working???

[wirelessguy]

My headlamp indicators on the dash both light up/stay on (Lo & Hi) but the main headlight itself doesn't turn on..
I opened the headlamp and tested the voltage at the three terminals. I did get something (though I didn't record the actual voltages) I though it was somewhere in the right realm 11v etc..)

I replaced the bulb with a new H4 one but still no luck.

Any suggestions for me?
What voltages should I see at each of the three terminals when set to hi or low? (I think the right one is ground but was unsure).

Here's my bike...

what else could be causing my issue? Is something grounded that shouldn't be or vise-versa? Could I have a blown fuse somewhere in the fuse box & if so which would that be)?

Any help would be greatly appr.

Thanks.
- WG

 

[tom203]

Follow the link to Basscliff's site and steal a readable wiring diagram- he's probably got the right one or something suitable, He will descend shortly.On bulb,one terminal is common ground, one is high and one is low. You should see about 12 volts at low terminal (on low beam), etc.
You could have switch problems, a fuse problem or corroded wiring. By the way avoid touching the H4 bulb with your greasy fingers- it shortens it's life!

 

[sschering]

OK ya got voltage.. did you check the ground wire?

White wire = low beam
Yellow wire = high beam
black w white stripe = ground

Is it strange that I have several GS wiring diagrams on my desk here at work?

 

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. wirelessguy,

Here you are with 7 posts already and I have yet to say "Hi".

Check the Electrical Odd and Ends section of my little website. You'll find tips on simplifying your wiring diagram to make it a little more understandable, what fuses control which circuits, etc. Let me share some GS lovin'.

I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[wirelessguy]

Got it.

I should have guessed this on my own.

Fuse was just fine. Decided to trace the ground wire since I was getting no continuity. Sure enough, there's a secret switch behind the headlight which disables the thing completely.

Would have been nice if he told me this when I bought it. That's what you get for buying a bike from a cop. lol.

 

[850 Combat]

Got it.

Sure enough, there's a secret switch behind the headlight which disables the thing completely.

Would have been nice if he told me this when I bought it. That's what you get for buying a bike from a cop. lol.

I've got a 1000G with the same issue. A DPO used wire thjat looks like what came with my 60's Model Motoring slot car track and put a 2 dollar toggle in the headlight circuit, and one in the ignition. I have so far only figured out and removed one of them.