Switched power problem.

[Simon]

I have been trying to wire up spot lights and another power socket via the BMW aux socket using the correct BMW splitter lead as per the post in the useful links section http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180464.
Red wires to power and brown wires to earth.
When the ignition was switched on the spotlights flashed on and then straight off again,so disconnected the lead to the fuse box and wired it directly to the battery and all works as it should with spotlights being switched on and off via a switch fitted on the handlebars so there is no problem with the wiring from fuse box to switch and lights.
What could be the problem oh wise ones?i am at a loss.

 

[RoyF]

If you are powering the lights directly from the aux socket, then my guess is the load you are trying to draw is in excess of what the aux socket can supply and the Canbus is shutting down the power to the socket. The power resets when you cycle the ignition. Bear in mind that the aux socket is rated at 5A maximum (so 5A x 12v = 60w), so if your lights are more than 60 watts in total, then that's your problem. You need to run the power straight from the battery via a relay, and have the aux socket switch the relay.

Roy

 

[Simon]

The lights are only 10w each so i thought it should be ok via the aux feed supplying a fuse box,i seem to remember having a sat nav lead running from the front take off plug and that not working either,the sat nav would light up and start loading maps then shut off like the power had been shut down.

 

[autogs]

i think that if you start the bike all will be well,with ignition on and trying to start all power diverted to starter circuits.with engine idling power back to socket

 

[Simon]

I will give it another look then and see what happens when the bike is running as when we switched the ignition on and the lights just flashed and then nothing we thought maybe there was a problem,

Which brings about another problem as when we tried to start it there was a nasty squeal/schreech noise ans smoke from under the tank so we switched it straight off.

It's been in the shed for a couple or 3 months,which i am thinking has caused some damp to get in,without starting but all was well when it went away,battery is back on charge as i think it may be on it's way out and i will see what happens when it is fully charged.

 

[sparky56]

Sounds like the alternator has seized and the smoke and squealing is the drive belt on the pulley.

 

[Simon]

That was a thought,i'm hoping by leaving it for a couple of days then giving it a stern look it will fix itself.

 

[patzx12]

The aux socket only supplies the relay switching power.

 

[Delboy777]

Defo the alternator is seized DAMHIK.

 

[Alan R]

Defo the alternator is seized DAMHIK.

How do you know?
Alan R

 

[Delboy777]

How do you know?
Alan R

I had the exact same thing happen to my 2010 TC. After a spell in the shed over winter my alternator was seized. Luckily it was repaired under the warranty. The chances are that the casing will be cracked rendering it useless.


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[Alan R]

Thank you. Glad I asked you how you knew.
Alan R

 

[Delboy777]

Thank you. Glad I asked you how you knew.
Alan R

Didnt want to be the bearer of bad news, but its not an uncommon problem. Shite manages to get into the windings which are built with very close tolerances, and if left for an extended period are liable to seize. I managed to start my bike but it burned the belt off the pulley. Have a happy new year lol.

 

[Bendy toy]

My alternator has been whining for some time. More recently rattling and squeaking. I replaced it with a 40A and a longer belt. The old one feels rough and slightly stiff to turn.
The petrol tank and all computer boxes have to come off then remove the LHS steering head strut. Alternator does come out its a bit fiddly.

 

[Simon]

New alternator fitted and all good now but when i connect the lights up via the fuse box with power supply via the aux socket the lights come on but then go off again even when the bike is running.
The lights are 10w led each so presumed the feed would be enough to power them or am i wrong?

 

[robb]

Use a relay

 

[jonny5859]

Yep just use the aux socket to switch the relay as many have said

Set yourself up a relay and connection box that will give you additional options to power more stuff like an autocom or phone charger or even heated clothing etc

 

[Simon]

I'm getting the feeling i may need to fit a relay!
Thanks for the advice,i'm not bad but certainly not brilliant with electrics,which relay do i need,just any 12v switch relay?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Simon]

Yep just use the aux socket to switch the relay as many have said

Set yourself up a relay and connection box that will give you additional options to power more stuff like an autocom or phone charger or even heated clothing etc

It's wired up to a 4 way fuse block,one feed for spots and one to feed a 12v socket so still have 2 spare for future trinkets.

 

[jonny5859]

Sounds good, yea I just used a standard 20amp relay and then had a 15 amp in line fuse on the supply from the battery


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