Hid lighting problem

[chrisdb1971]

Hi
Got an intermittent problem with the upgraded hid lighting on my 2003 r 1150gs
Just lately when you start the bike the headlight hasn't been lighting up at all
If you turn it off then restate it usually comes on
Any one any ideas what the problem is??
Is it the ballast on it's way out or maybe the bulb.

And another minor problem the main beam switch won't stay on when you press it it clicks and briefly works then goes off.
This switch works with the standard bulb not the hid.
Wondered if anyone has ever taken a switch apart to have a look.
Cheers

 

[Grim Rider]

Can't help but can sympathise in that my dipped beam HID, after 2 years of working perfectly, has started doing exactly the same thing in the morning but sometimes takes several tries to get it working, then always fine for the rest of the day.

 

[weavo]

Had the same problem when i changed bikes. Now and again it would not come on. Turn the ignition off and start again and it was ok.
Now its seems to have cleared itself and has worked fine over the winter.

 

[ian6760]

Same thing happened to me, after loads of testing and scatching my head, it turned out to be the relay was corroded inside and although it was clicking fine it was not making a contection. So also check your 12V+ feed is getting to the ballast.

HTH

 

[Packer]

And another minor problem the main beam switch won't stay on when you press it it clicks and briefly works then goes off.
This switch works with the standard bulb not the hid.
Wondered if anyone has ever taken a switch apart to have a look.
Cheers

There are threads on here or advrider.com, can't remember which, about opening the switch and replacing the micro switch inside. Buttons for the micro-switch and megabucks for the entire BMW assembly. Alternatively you can get a used switch assembly from Motorworks, James Sherlock or Moto-Bins. See adds at top of this page.

I'd use a test meter to check the resistance across the switch first. You can also remove the relay and take off the cover to inspect the contacts.