Hella with Autoswitch install problems

[dharney]

I have just installed a pair of Hella spots and combined it with an Autoswitch. The lights power on an off OK but when the engine is running they will only stay on when I am above 3000 rpm. (They also stay on also when the ignition is turned on but then engine is not running).

Has anyone any idea of the likely places to look to sort this out?

 

[Greg Masters]

Can you describe how you've wired it all?

Greg

 

[dharney]

The best way to describe it is that I pretty much followed the 'wiring instructions for autoswitch' to be found at http://users.pandora.be/mitec/migsel/techstuff.htm.

The relay points that are not mentioned above..... I have + from battery going to 87 and + to lights going to 30.

The bike is an 1150 GS Adventure.

 

[MiGSel]

Dave,

My guess is that:

1. your "power" wires are too thin
+ from battery to relay to lamp
ground to lamp

or

2. there's a bad contact somewhere

 

[dharney]

Thanks for the suggestion. I have checked and soldered all of the relevant connections and am using the wire supplied with the bulbs (I should not be drawing much more than 5A with these 55W bulbs).

I understand from Autoswitch that the switch will cut out if the voltage drops below 10volts so my guess is that this is what is happening until I have sufficient RPM, why, I don't know.

The pain is that I need to remove and replace the fuel tank every time I want to check something which is becoming rather tiresome.

 

[MiGSel]

Hm, how old is your bike / what mileage? Could the alternator be failing? It's possible if the brushes are worn...

If you're not sure about the Autoswitch, I would try wiring the lights directly, without the Autoswitch. That way you can eliminate...

And maybe install quick connectors on your fuel hoses while you're at it. Makes taking the tank off much less of a pain...

Good luck,
Michel

 

[Greg Masters]

I still think that you may have wired this incorrectly. To what have you connected the Autoswitch power supply (red wire)? Either the Autoswitch is tripping out or the relay is (and that gets its trigger from the same source - via the Autoswitch).

When you take the tank off (buy and fit some quick disconnects for the fuel pipes!), get a voltmeter on your chosen power feed for the Autoswitch. It should switch on/off with the ignition, but not be affected by any other switches. Do this without running the engine - not that you could without the tank! Also check the battery voltage when static.

Greg

 

[dharney]

Fixed now. it looks like my wiring & connections were fine but I was dealing with a faulty autoswitch.