Quote:
Originally Posted by mgillie
I have a 2001 Brave 30W and would like to replace the headlights. I would like something brighter than the stock lights. I have not tried to remove the existing headlights yet. Does anyone know what headlight came standard? Any tips for removing?
|
mgille,
Your statement of "...would like something brighter.....", I'm assuming, is the sole purpose for the need/desire to change, correct? Well, this subject's been discussed a few times. And one of the prime reasons for m/h headlights being a bit on the "dim" side is, they have long wire/harness runs that enter the headlights. And, with those runs, comes a lot of voltage loss. When voltage loss encounters headlights, they can't perform as they're designed and some folks think that there must be brighter ones out there.
Well, just for your own satisfaction, here's a couple of small tests you should run before spending any money on newer, SO CALLED brighter headlights or bulbs.
Another reason for dim headlights is, the power for those headlights often runs right through the headlight switch. NOT GOOD! Often, when that is the case, they wire the entire system with too small of wire. Again, the correct voltage cannot get to the bulbs.
So, the first test is this. Do what it takes to get at least one headlight out but, keep it connected to the plug. Now, without the engine running, turn the headlights on, low beam. Now, if you have a trusty VOM, (Volt ohm meter), connect the black lead to a known, good quality ground, making sure it's a clean ground. Then, BACK PIN or, stick the probe of the red lead, into the back side of the plug for that headlight. See what the meter says for incoming voltage. Note it.
Now, go and start the engine and to the same test, noting the reading. If the headlights brighten with the engine running, obviously you're getting increased voltage to them which means, either poor wiring, or, your battery is not in the best of shape, the harness is too long and the added power from the alternator is kicking up the needed umph to kick up the brightness.
Now, as a second test, if you have some, grab some heavier gauge wire, as in say, 10GA, and run it directly from the battery, up to the back side of your headlight plug. Now, again, with the engine running, and that 10GA (or even larger if possible) ready, turn the headlights on. Now, figure out a way to insert the tip of that wire, into the back side of that headlight harness plug. Or, another way might be to pull the plug off the back of that headlight, about 1/2 way, leaving it connected enough to still transmit voltage to the headlight. Now, touch the appropriate tang of the low beam with that large gauge wire, while the headlight is already on.
Take note to see if, the brightness is increased, when the larger gauge wire is touched to the tang. If it does, then you'll have answered your own question and inquiry about the thought of changing them, to brighter ones. The problem with changing them to other headlights/bulbs, BEFORE you do any of these tests is, if my assumptions are correct, you'll still be providing your new headlights/bulbs with lower voltage. Just some suggestions.
Scott
2018 Goldwing Tour DCT Airbag
Linear Mode
