Accessories Socket problem

[rivercatch]

Just bought myself an Airman pump from NN prior to a trip.

Plugged it into the accessory socket but nothing happened... well except that it ran for about 3 cycles when first switched on and then nothing, no matter how many times switched on/off.

Pump works fine - tested from the car.

This happens on the bike whether it's switched off, ignition position or engine running. I did expect it to work with the engine on but not otherwise. But doesn't work at all.

Any suggestions?

I suppose the main solution is a socket wired direct to the battery. Anyone done this? What accessory (& supplier) did you use? But I have to get this done by Thursday.

 

[autogs]

the pump will draw to much current for the acc socket,connect it to the battery and all will be good.

 

[SMB]

The socket is limited to 5A.

If your pump takes more than 5A, the socket is switched off.

Wire direct to the battery via a fuse.

 

[stever1]

As above replies. Also, DONT FORGET TO RUN THE ENGINE WHULE USING IT, to ensure you don't flatten the battery.

 

[Giles]

I take a 'slime' pump with me on most trips (with a stop 'n go tyre plugger kit)

Croc clip it to the battery.

 

[rivercatch]

Thanks all. Direct connection it is.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

You might find it useful to run an additional accessory socket direct to the battery (via a fuse). Handy for this kind of thing, also means you can use it with a bog standard charger to charge the battery without taking the seat off.

 

[paul08]

I was surprised how easy it was to make a direct connection to the battery for my Optimate. The remote +ve terminal certainly helps.
- One Torx screw to release the battery cover and then just the 2 battery connections. 5 minutes tops

 

[Timolgra]

Also, DONT FORGET TO RUN THE ENGINE WHULE USING IT, to ensure you don't flatten the battery.

I've never flattened a bike's battery using a pump without the engine running, have you?

 

[Tonopah]

The CanBus 5 amp limit on the factory accessory plug baffles me. It makes the oem plug essentially useless for me as I need to plug in a battery tender or garmin heated vest or compressor and all are no go with the oem plug.

I had the dealer (I am no mechanic) reroute the accessory plug direct to the battery and now it is useful.

When using an air compressor, I always have the bike running, by the way. Not sure that is necssary but I don't want to repair a tire in the middle of nowhere only to find I can't then start the bike owing to a flat battery...

 

[Beemerman59]

I've never flattened a bike's battery using a pump without the engine running, have you?

Nope, me neither.

 

[Wapping]

Also, DONT FORGET TO RUN THE ENGINE WHULE USING IT, to ensure you don't flatten the battery.

What are you inflating, a Zeppelin?

 

[DaveTez]

Socket/optimate lead fitment

I was surprised how easy it was to make a direct connection to the battery for my Optimate. The remote +ve terminal certainly helps.
- One Torx screw to release the battery cover and then just the 2 battery connections. 5 minutes tops

Easy for some!
Any chance of a step by step guide for us non electrical types, is it necessary to disconnect the battery first or did you do it live with insulated tools?
Frame looks extremely close to +ve terminal.

 

[Wapping]

Easy for some!
Any chance of a step by step guide for us non electrical types......

Just unscrew the battery terminals and attach the Optimate lead, matching the fused lead to the positive (+) terminal and the other to the negative (-) terminal.

Don't forget to tighten them up again.

You won't die. Nothing will blow up. It will work.

Read your owner's manual in case it suggest any other actions to perform after reconnecting the battery. Earlier models needed the throttle twisted a couple of times with the ignition on (engine unstarted ) to re-set the throttle position sensor. If it's in the book it WILL be easy to do... Everything remotely 'difficult' says 'Refer to authorised BMW dealer'. You won't need to, trust me.

It's a doddle to do.

 

[RobertG]

You might find it useful to run an additional accessory socket direct to the battery (via a fuse). Handy for this kind of thing, also means you can use it with a bog standard charger to charge the battery without taking the seat off.

+1
The most useful accessory you will ever fit.