Headlight main beam intermittent

[Cwodavids]

When I am riding my 2010 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer the main beam randomly stops working. The light does not come on and the blue light in the rev counter doesnt light up. Just as randomly as it stops working, it comes back on!

I have tried the connections, wiggling the wires, turning full-lock to full-lock and riding over bumps but I cant make the fault occur.

Any ideas? I use the bike to commute for 40 miles along country roads so need main beam, especially in winter!

Thanks

Dave

[JC]

Faulty switch? Mine was loose when I bought it and was intermittent like yours

[Cwodavids]

That's what I was thinking, any ideas how I rectify the fault? Is it a new switch or fiddle with the current switch to fix the fault?

[Cwodavids]

I have spent 20 minutes playing with the switch but had absolutely no luck in finding anything inside. It would appear its not the switch...

[Grahamm]

Is the bulb loose in the holder or are the contacts dirty?

[Cwodavids]

I tried playing with the bulb connections and they seem fine, I haven't checked for dirt or corrosion but doubt it is either as bike is immaculate and garaged. Will check them anyway.

[Cwodavids]

No corrosion or dirty connections... any ideas?


How would I go about checking the wiring and/or replacing it?


Is there anywhere on line that you would recommend for a replacement switch that wont bankrupt me? If it is cheap enough I might try replacing the switch as an easy option before ripping wiring looms apart.

[BBROWN1664]

Does the "pass switch" still work when the main switch seems to fail?

If not, try replacing the bulb.

[Cwodavids]

No it doesn't, the bulb works sometimes so why would replacing it help?

[BBROWN1664]

If neither the pass switch on the left bar or the main beam switch on the right bar are working, you need to look at common elements.
The bulb may have failed but in a way where it sometimes allows the bits of the element to rejoin.
Nothing to lose by trying a new bulb but maybe several hours of pulling unbroken wires around to save if you do.
Many years as an engineer has taught me to check the simple stuff first.

[red98]

Iam with BB here...element in bulb could have a small fracture causing the intermittent fault....had this on a cage years ago..check the easy things first, could you borrow a bulb just to check ?

[Cwodavids]

Any recommendations for a brighter bulb when replaing them?

[BBROWN1664]

I got the impression from other owners that the FZ6 actually has good headlights (unlike the boxeye FZS600) so if you think they are not that great it could also be a symptom of the failing bulb.

No idea what to use but Osram night breakers seem to have good reviews.

[Grahamm]

I got the impression from other owners that the FZ6 actually has good headlights

Yes, I found the OEM lights to be good enough. The Nightbreakers do give a bit more coverage, though.