Driving lights don't "latch on" ?

[NeilF]

Have just installed FF50s, with Rob's Motoswitch.
Before I tied and bolted everything back on securely (including the fuel tank), I decided to see if the arrangement worked.
The lights all work OK, but the relay doesn't "latch" - the Hellas come on for about a second, but then turn off again.

Anyone else experienced this, or suggest why?

Is it because the total load is too great for just the battery, without the alternator to boost the battery amps?


Cheers,

Neil.

 

[Jimb]

No the load is only 110w, most likely its a duff relay, the relay has a start coil and a hold coil, the current required to start it is much more than that required to hold it .

Try another relay.

I have fog and driving and can switch the whloe lot on inc headlights heated grips and vest without the engine running the batt voltage drops to 12.2 but all stays on OK.

 

[Greg Masters]

Have you wired the relay correctly?

Terminals 85 and 86 need to be wired:

• One to earth (doesn't matter which)
• The other to your switch (Autoswitch, toggle switch, main beam feed etc)

The switch feed to the relay must be continuous.

Greg

 

[NeilF]

Have you wired the relay correctly?

Terminals 85 and 86 need to be wired:

• One to earth (doesn't matter which)
• The other to your switch (Autoswitch, toggle switch, main beam feed etc)

The switch feed to the relay must be continuous.

Greg

Greg

86 (according to Rob's Installation sheet) is the relay coil negative - brown - which goes to the Motoswitch. I have earthed out from the Motoswitch using one of the two browns from that.

85 is the relay coil positive (Yellow / Black from Motoswitch).

I think Jim may have the best suspicion, about the relay being dodgy. I'll talk with Rob later.

Cheers,

Neil.

 

[Rob Farmer]

Neil,

I've just read your email. To be honest I would be suprised if the relay is faulty, I test all of the Motoswitch units three times before I post them and they are tested with the relay that is shipped out with them. However something is clearly not right and I will get a replacement Motoswitch and relay out to you today.

The easiest way of testing the Motoswitch is to connect the Red/white wire to a battery positive the brown wire to the negative and then touch the brown/white wire to the negative for one second, if the power relay is connected you should hear it operate.

Speak to you soon

 

[NeilF]

Sorted!

Sorted!

Father-in-Law visited with his Ampmeter, etc. Turns out I had used a bolt on the seat mount for the earth, but with the anodisation on the bolt, and its general location, it didn't give a good earth. "Too well painted, these BMW bikes" said the F-i-L.

Have relocated to a better earth point, and Uncle Robert - it all works.


Rob - when the new relay and Motoswitch arrive I'll send 'em back, together with your postage costs. Cheers mate!


Neil.

 

[Rob Farmer]

Neil,

I'm glad you got it sorted out...had me going for a bit there. It's probably easier to connect the brown wire to another brown in the harness instead of connecting it to the frame.