help please chasing down an electrical gremlin in my headlights

[vstrom.zrxdude]

My 06 had no low beams one day I noticed, searched here first, found info about starter switch issues, Cleaned contacts of starter switch with old can of radio shack contact cleaner lube I have, Fixed it never had problem again!

 

[ST Gui]

But you replaced the switch, and the behaviour did not change.

So either the new switch had the same fault - unlikely, but possible - or the fault is elsewhere. So where could that be
One possibility is the starter motor button. The right hand bulb power passes through the starter button, so that lights are turned off when starting the bike. You can use that to flash lights at night time... Another possibility is the circuit or connectors that feed the handlebar switch.

The starter button bug that John mentioned has bit several members here including me and an ST buddy.

They worked fine this morning on my way in to work... {shrug}

Intermittent function of the headlights is one of the symptoms of this issue. It's probably the quickest and easiest to diagnose and fix. Spray some plastic-safe contact cleaner into the right switch pod. I use WD-40 plastic safe electrical contact cleaner. It did the trick. There are others that work well too.

Work the starter button a few times (with Kill switch Off). While spritzing if you can. If your headlights functions normally (flashing on and off) you've bought some time and temporarily fixed the problem.

You should follow up by opening the pod and thoroughly clean it and apply a thin coat of grease to the switch functioning smoothly and impeding oxidation.

I'd recommend using a contact cleaner as above anytime you investigate electrical connections.

BUT— you replaced both left and right switches [control pods]. That would seem to exclude the starter button issue.

You can use that to flash lights at night time.

I do that all the time day and night –– as you alluded we're not blessed with a dedicated FTP switch.