Electrical bleed through the ignition switch

[blassoff]

I haven't run this down yet, so I thought I'd check in here first.

I have a PC-8 Fuse box from eastern beaver. It's all wired up and the trigger for the "switched" circuits is the wire to the front running light (it's a three wire light - turn signal and running light).

It's been on my bikes for 4 years and has worked flawlessly. A couple weeks ago the bikes was left outside in the pouring rain (and it rained for about 36 hours) After I dried the bike, I started it and everything was fine. It starts every time with no issues.

BUT, here's the weird thing. When I shut the bike off the items that are switched are remaining powered on. Switched items are GPS, Led running lights, and a gear indicator (yea, it's a Gen1).

If I jiggle the key in the ignition switch, the lights dim and flicker (figure that can't be good). Today I found that if I remove the key from the ignition the lights die out after about 15 seconds.

The switch has been lubricated and no, I haven't tried different keys. But I'm thinking my problem is definitely in the switch.

So before I grab my service manual and start shopping for a replacement switch, what say you oh wise ones?

Appreciate the input!

Baz

 

[RichDoyle]

Are only the things that are connected to the PC-8 staying on or are, say, your headlights and such also staying on?

 

[blassoff]

Nope, just items connected to the PC-8. Would have really freaked me out if everything stayed on. I would have disconnected the battery.

The PC-8 has switched and un-switched circuits. There's 5 live circuits and 3 switched, It's the switched circuits that are remaining live after the ignition is switched off.

 

[RossKean]

Either the relay for the switched circuits in the PC-8 is still getting power or the relay is screwed up. Easy enough to check with a voltmeter. If its a stuck relay, replace it. If the relay is still getting some power, you need to find out why.

 

[Brodie]

Is this trigger wire from the front running lights triggering a relay? Is this relay potted (sealed from the elements)? Did this relay get wet? Did your PC8 get wet? When you turn off the key switch, do your running lights off too? If you have a multitester, start probing around.

We need more information, however I tend to suspect the farkle wiring before the OEM stuff.

Brodie

 

[Bounce]

A good multimeter and how to use it is an investment that will keep paying returns for the rest of your life.

 

[blassoff]

That's why I love this site....Thanks Guys. I completely forgot about the relay, yes, It probably got soaked too. I'll grab my Fluke and start playing around.

You cats are The Best!

 

[RossKean]

My first guess is that the relay is FUBAR.

However, you mentioned that you lubricated the ignition switch. What did you use and did you lubricate the actual switch or just the lock cylinder? If you used a conductive lubricant (i.e. graphite), that could be the issue. The fact that the behavior changes when the ignition key is removed is not consistent with a bad relay but (some) power is getting to the trigger wire when it shouldn't. In any case, you have to get it fixed before you completely flatten (and ruin) your battery. I would probably leave the ground wire disconnected from the battery until the matter is resolved.

 

[blassoff]

I have to pick-up the tank and run through routing for the harness. The relay may be fubar and that's not a big deal. The voltage drain is only led lights so not so major, and I have the battery on a tender. I just need to find the time to tear into it. Thanks, Baz