Installed ATC fuse box, have a question

At this point, I just finished the new valve shims, valve cover gasket and fuse box. The question I have is about the headlight. On an 82 XJ650J, does the headlight come on before you start the motor? My tank is out being clearcoated and I have no way to fuel the bike. I replaced the fuse box, soldered all the connections. Checked with a multimeter with the key on that there is power on both sides of the fuse box. Removed the tape on the soldered splice and verified connection. Ran a jumper to the wire past the splice from the hot wire. (red/yellow wire). Also flipping the hi/lo beam the hi beam indicator lamp does not come on. Everything else works, brake lights, tail lights, directionals and horn. Neutral light also comes on and the directional indicators work. The headlight worked before I did this, just never checked to see if it came on before the engine was started.

 

IIRC certain American models have a latching relay that only switches the headlamp on after the engine's cranked. Easy way to tell, have you got a headlamp switch on the right bar? I'm guessing not :wink:

EDIT-: looking at the diagram, you should be able to just turn the engine on the starter and have the headlamp come on, don't think it actually needs to run but sure somebody will correct me if wrong.

 

cool..thanks....will check....found this while looking around..

 

Aha so it may need to run then. Makes sense really, as the idea is not to place a drain on the battery until it's started... will recheck the diagram more closely

EDIT-: yes looks to be correct, plugs aren't too clear (no excuses though, I was wrong) but it seems one of the white alternator wires tees off from the reg/rec and leads to the diode block & through that to the H/L relay so no lighty till you get chargey ...

 

Most of the XJs work that way, there are only a few models that don't.

 

I guess a lot of USDM bikes and cars have this feature? The only thing with daytime running lights here (until very recently) was Volvo's... Always wondered why bike manufacturers bother giving the option to switch the lights off though really, with today's traffic conditions & distracted drivers running a bike with with no lights, even in the daytime is just stupid IMO

 

I also have an 82 650J and can confirm the headlight does NOT come on until the bike is actually started.

 

Thanks guys...that pit in my stomach has gone away....ya know, the one that says "gonna cost you more and will take another week" feeling. Once the tank is done, then to synch the carbs. Should be able to enjoy riding her for awhile after that!..