Headlights not working

[foulpole18]

I have a 06 Honda rancher and now the headlights don't work. Can you just pull out the lamps, or do you have to pull the whole thing. They both appear to be not burned out when looking through the lenses. Any ideas?

Thanks

Brian

[Macgyver55]

I'm not positive on the 06, but bulbs are removable prior to that. Are you saying that both high and low beams are out on both sides?

[foulpole18]

Yep. Nothing on either side

[Dave S]

I don't know if I'd be concerned about the lights being bad as it might be something in the wiring (fuse?) or a switch.

[foulpole18]

Pulled fuses and they looked good. How can I check the switch? Also do the lamps twist out somehow?

[Macgyver55]

Do the tail lights work?

[foulpole18]

Break lights work. Running lights don't.

[Bandit]

Sounds to me like the switch is bad or a plug in the harness may have pulled apart.

[Macgyver55]

Did you check the fuse with a test light or just a visual?

Try with a test light if you didnt already. The fuse should be hot with the key on regardless of the switch position.

[foulpole18]

Did a visual on the fuses. Where is the plug located that may have pulled apart.

[Macgyver55]

I believe the only one that would affect both front and rear lights would be the one coming off of the switch assembly. Follow the harness down to the connector.... most likely in the headlight pod.

I'd still check the fuse with a test light before digging to deep.

[foulpole18]

I'll check tommorrow and post the results. Thanks for the help so far.

[jeffreyd]

do the high beams work? could be bad bulbs

[foulpole18]

No high beams either. The speedometer works but has no backlight.

[foulpole18]

Haven't had a chance to try some other thing but I was wondering if someone know which fuse the lights are? If I knew I was going to switch a new fuse in when the kid goes to bed.

Thanks

[jeffreyd]

could be the light module too. not only is there a fuse there should be a relay for the lights, i would check both.

[Macgyver55]

The fuse locations are stamped in the fuse box cover.

[foulpole18]

Changed the fuses and still nothing. The connection in front appears tight and in good shape. Where is the relay and how do I check it? Also how do you check the switch itself.

[foulpole18]

Ok got a chance to tinker a little bit. I think the fuses are good and I think I chased the right wires to the connection in front. they also look good. To test the switch do I need to pull and bulb and check for continuity? This no light thing is starting to be really annoying.

Thanks

Brian

[Macgyver55]

The switch should have a harness connector on it at some point. Follow the wires from the switch along the handlebar to the connection. I'd guess its in the headlight pod. When you find it, unplug it and check with a test light to see if there is current on the harness side. Since it is a multi function switch you will have to figure out which are the headlight ones. You may have to use the process of elimination depending on how many wires there are.

[spentshell]

I have a 2010 Rincon with the same problem............it is the hi/lo switch on mine. If I push in the middle of the switch the lights come on and shut off when pressure is released.