This is actually not related to a Stella or a Buddy, but to my Cali Classic. It uses a 12V/35/35W headlamp just liked the Stella, but it's a poor design and very dull. I want to swap out the bulb for the same kind that goes in the Stella. The both have only 3 wires going into them (I assume a positive, negative, and ground). Does anyone see a potential problem with this?
Before I can even swap it in, I need to solve a problem. Only the bright works on the Cali, no low beam, but the bulb is ok. I pulled the old bulb out this evening to find it looking like this:
I am guessing there is a problem with the ground, right? I don't know much about electronics, but I am sure some of you guys do and you'll be able to help,
Looks like a bulb manufacturing defect to me. Most dual filament bulbs use the surface of the metal base cup as a ground and the raised solder contacts as 12V+. It appears that the solder on the left side might be contacting the base, which would not create a functional circuit. Check for a part number on the bulb and order a replacement. If there is no part number on the bulb, it is probably one of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CY ... ttom_links lots of scooters, snowmobiles, ATV's etc use this bulb.
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
thatvwbusguy wrote:Looks like a bulb manufacturing defect to me. Most dual filament bulbs use the surface of the metal base cup as a ground and the raised solder contacts as 12V+. It appears that the solder on the left side might be contacting the base, which would not create a functional circuit. Check for a part number on the bulb and order a replacement. If there is no part number on the bulb, it is probably one of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CY ... ttom_links lots of scooters, snowmobiles, ATV's etc use this bulb.
I got the bulb from my dealer and replaced it last night. I still don't have a low beam despite the brand new bulb. There are 3 wires coming out of the fixture that the bulb is plugged into. Green, white, and blue. I don't think the bulb is the issue, I think there is another issue that fried the bulb.
Since your high beam works, it is not a ground problem. The ground wire is common to both the high beam and low beam.
I can't find any wiring diagrams for the Cali online, but it could be as simple as a blown fuse. Check all of the fuses and replace as necessary.
Next, check the condition of the contacts inside the headlight socket. If they are badly corroded or oxidized, that could be your problem. The broken contact on the original bulb looks like it has some green corrosion on it.
The problem could be at the headlight socket, the switch or the wiring in between. Once you have checked out the simple stuff, I can walk you thru some additional troubleshooting if necessary.
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
Looks like water damage to me. Could be why you have no low beam.
"When your mouth is yapping your arms stop flapping, get to work" - a quote from my father R.I.P..
always start with the simple, it may end up costing you little to nothing
thatvwbusguy wrote:Since your high beam works, it is not a ground problem. The ground wire is common to both the high beam and low beam.
I can't find any wiring diagrams for the Cali online, but it could be as simple as a blown fuse. Check all of the fuses and replace as necessary.
Next, check the condition of the contacts inside the headlight socket. If they are badly corroded or oxidized, that could be your problem. The broken contact on the original bulb looks like it has some green corrosion on it.
The problem could be at the headlight socket, the switch or the wiring in between. Once you have checked out the simple stuff, I can walk you thru some additional troubleshooting if necessary.
Thanks for the info. When I took the old bulb out, the contact that had been on the side of the bulb that is ruined and corroded was sort of bent away from the back of the bulb, as if it wasn't getting good contact with the bulb. So I bent it back into place, but it doesn't seem to be oxidized or corroded. It was kind of brown, like it had gotten burnt or too hot, if that makes sense. I'll try to take it apart again tonight or tomorrow and send pics (which I should have done in the first place, ) Thanks
) Thanks