Author Topic: Pilot light goes out? (Read 5791 times)

Jamesriot · **on:** July 14, 2012, 04:28:59 pm

Good day everyone,

Last week I have sent my C5 Black Chrome for a first time service, now the problem starts to arise.

A few weeks ago I found a little pilot lights between above the headlight was out. This afternoon I send my bike to the service center for repair. But Just now after I put some milage on it a few kilometers, the problem arises again, the pilot lights goes out and came back again frequently.

If there is anyone who has experience and same problem, hopes to share it here or possible solutions.

Thanks!

Hobbydad · **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2012, 04:59:42 pm

One of the small bulbs above the headlight, correct? You can easily remove the screw holding the clear cover in place and inspect the bulb. It may be loose in it's socket, or the bulb filament may be bad and the bulb needs replacing. If it's in there tight, and the filament looks good, then you may need to check the wiring connections behind the headlight. Again, the headlight is also easily removed with a screwdriver. Just follow the wiring from the bulb socket to it's plug, and look for anything loose. My bet would be on just a bad bulb.

Maturin · **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2012, 05:10:51 pm

Quote from: Hobbydad on July 14, 2012, 04:59:42 pm

My bet would be on just a bad bulb.

Mine is eating these. I put some self-made LEDs in, they last a little longer. But only a little

Hobbydad · **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2012, 06:09:31 pm

Yeah, I replaced mine with LED's from superbrightleds.com, very happy with them.

Arizoni · **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2012, 07:18:25 pm

Those little bulbs are one of the few things that failed during my first year of ownership of my G5.

A couple of good Silvania bulbs seems to have solved the problem for the last 8 months.

singhg5 · **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2012, 07:28:55 pm

Quote from: Old Holborn on July 14, 2012, 04:28:59 pm

A few weeks ago I found a little pilot lights between above the headlight was out. This afternoon I send my bike to the service center for repair. But Just now after I put some milage on it a few kilometers, the problem arises again, the pilot lights goes out and came back again frequently.

LED bulbs for pilot lights work very well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMCSEraYCxM

busmec · **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2012, 08:57:17 pm

I had same type problem on my bike . What I did was a I took the bulb out of socket & bent the grounding tab in just a little bit to make better contact on the bulb , that took care of problem. Are they some tpye of running lights for when your headlight isn't on?

Arizoni · **Reply #7 on:** July 14, 2012, 09:38:48 pm

Yes.
If you are riding a U.S. import you can modify your wiring harness to remove the headlight jumper inside your headlight casquette.
That will restore your lighting switch on the right handle bar to something that actually operates the lights.
It has three positions. Off, Parking/running lights and tail light and the headlight/running lights/tail light position.

BrashRooster · **Reply #8 on:** July 14, 2012, 09:41:10 pm

Quote from: Hobbydad on July 14, 2012, 06:09:31 pm

Yeah, I replaced mine with LED's from superbrightleds.com, very happy with them.

Put mine in yesterday, I love them! I was tired of the dealership replacing them only for the bulb to fail half way home. Not the dealerships fault. I wish they would put them in stock and save a lot of hassle. Plus they actually are worth having vs stock light bulb you can see in the dark a foot a way. It is all good though I am sure they have their reason over in India for not putting in led lights stock.

Arizoni · **Reply #9 on:** July 14, 2012, 09:46:03 pm

I'm sure the reason for RE not installing LED's is spelled "rupees".

When they are worth less than 2 cents each it takes quite a pile of them to buy a LED.

GlennF · **Reply #10 on:** July 15, 2012, 04:34:39 am

LEDS also draw less power meaning a better charge into the battery.

Kevin Mahoney · **Reply #11 on:** July 16, 2012, 08:42:06 am

The problem is almost always a bad ground. LED's stock? That's heresy

Lwt Big Cheese · **Reply #12 on:** July 16, 2012, 10:09:43 am

I repaced the sidelights with LED's. They lasted one journey!

And yet LED's are more robust and durable! Put original bulbs back in and they still work!

That makes no sence to me.

gremlin · **Reply #13 on:** July 16, 2012, 01:37:32 pm

Quote from: Kevin Mahoney on July 16, 2012, 08:42:06 am

The problem is almost always a bad ground. LED's stock? That's heresy

+1

ROVERMAN · **Reply #14 on:** July 16, 2012, 03:03:01 pm

+1 to Gremlin's +1. The pilot lamps are "case grounded" to the housing, remove the lamp and scuff up the contact etc.
Robert & REnfield.

GreenMachine · **Reply #15 on:** July 16, 2012, 03:42:16 pm

I cleaned up the main chassis ground behind the battery case last year with my dremel, cleaned the bulb sockets with electrical contact cleaner and put a dab of weatherproofing gel around the outside of the actual bulb (not the contact points) ..I just have the OEM bulbs and head light..I haven't lost any of the original bulbs yet (knock on wood for a 06)..I did purchase the entire replacement bulb kit over the winter as a resource when the need arises. I like the idea of the LED bulbs for their low current draw but I'm satisfied with durability of the existing bulbs too..If you find that your losing a light bulb of any type, you have a problem that needs attention..GM

bman734 · **Reply #16 on:** July 16, 2012, 03:43:50 pm

My right pilot light went out just last week. I purchased a 1445 incandescent light from Advanced Auto Parts. $5 for a pack of two. My problem when trying to install was first getting the old bulb out of its socket. I finally got it out with some pliers. My next problem was with getting them to stay locked in upon installing the new one. It just will not remain twisted in completely and I don't want to use pliers in fear of crushing the bulb as the bulb is the only thing to hang on to. finally got it as much as I could with my fingers and hoped for the best. So far so good after a couple of rides. Any suggestions on how to seat it more firmly without breaking the bulb?

GreenMachine · **Reply #17 on:** July 16, 2012, 04:00:25 pm

Those I never tackled but someone had written that they were a bugger to get out and then getting them back in place and secured was another issue..You would think a fine needle nose plier and a twist and direct pull out would be the way to go but its a Enfield..I haven't had to replace mine so maybe someone has a better idea on the subject.GM

bman734 · **Reply #18 on:** July 16, 2012, 04:05:05 pm

Yes, getting it out was a problem but I could see it was burnt out so didn't care if I broke it. Now I do care with a new bulb so any "bright" ideas out there would be appreciated.

gremlin · **Reply #19 on:** July 16, 2012, 05:23:47 pm

Use some tight fitting vinyl hose as a tool to install the bulb.

bman734 · **Reply #20 on:** July 17, 2012, 11:53:59 am

Great idea Gremlin, I'll give it a shot.

The Garbone · **Reply #21 on:** July 17, 2012, 03:46:37 pm

I put in LEDS, after the left one burnt out a few thousand miles later one of the guys at work comes up to me.

"Hey man, looks like your left light is burnt out."

"Cool, thanks."

"What are those light for anyway?"

"Oh, them, they burn out."

"No I asked what they are for..."

"Ya, they are there to burn out.."

"Oh."

The left light is still out and the right still lit. On my 95 the left screw was so corroded in it sheared off when I tried to remove it. Now its missing an eyeball.

BrashRooster · **Reply #22 on:** July 18, 2012, 02:10:34 am

Quote from: Kevin Mahoney on July 16, 2012, 08:42:06 am

The problem is almost always a bad ground. LED's stock? That's heresy

did I show my age? We had electricity when I was growing up. So why doesn't the running lights use carbide lanterns instead?

Ok yeah I guess I get what you mean about not having stock LED and it is a good thing even if the blasted things never make if home lit from my dealership, well the left one more then the right. I do like the LED lights I installed and they are very noticeable if not correct. Hey I want to brighten up my speedo can the light be replaced with the same type as the running lights and indicator lights (brights, neutral, turn signal)? I have issues at night with amber or yellow goggles seeing the needle.

Jamesriot · **Reply #23 on:** April 09, 2013, 07:18:06 am

Quote from: The Garbone on July 17, 2012, 03:46:37 pm

I put in LEDS, after the left one burnt out a few thousand miles later one of the guys at work comes up to me.

"Hey man, looks like your left light is burnt out."

"Cool, thanks."

"What are those light for anyway?"

"Oh, them, they burn out."

"No I asked what they are for..."

"Ya, they are there to burn out.."

"Oh."

The left light is still out and the right still lit. On my 95 the left screw was so corroded in it sheared off when I tried to remove it. Now its missing an eyeball.

*sorry this is old post, but I need to dig it

Hahahaha...cool joke bro! Thanks for sharing

no bs · **Reply #24 on:** April 09, 2013, 06:11:49 pm

#53 automotive bulb is a cheap durable replacement (ask me how i know).

barenekd · **Reply #25 on:** April 09, 2013, 06:25:24 pm

I got the socket to of the hole when I replaced mine with LEDs. I think I pushed them out the front. Anyway I was looking at the sockets when I swapped the bulbs. They were a bit tight, but at least I could see what I was doing.
Bare