Electrical specialists question.

I have a good one here. I came up with a 85 maxim X, however I am having a problem that has just cropped today. With the ignition switch off and unplugged the bike still has power. By power I mean the headlight is still on and everything is still powered up. You can even start the bike. This just started happening today,as I said. I havent messed with the wiring at all, it just started doing this. It is very strange. Am I missing something here? Has anyone had this issue before? Is there a master power relay?
Any help would be appreciated.

 

Sounds like your ignition switch is not closing off properly (IE the lock may be turning but the contacts aren't disconnecting).

You should be able to get at the contacts without having to remove the barrel from the top clamp (they are security bolted on most bikes) if you take the top clamp off. Depending on how mechanically minded you are it can be a fairly big job.

 

I agree with hillsy-unless, like RickCoMatic, someone has tried to steal it & hotwired.

 

Putting a New Switch in it probably going to be the most sensible and cost-effective thing to do.
Immediately protects your bike from theft.
Works like it's supposed too.
Comes with two New Keys.

 

I picked up an ignition and gas cap with matching key off fleabay for like $20 shipped. I'd have to go have a copy of the key made, but I have zero use for the ignition if you want it. As far as I can tell, it's in perfect working order, haven't hooked it up to test it though.

 

Read the guys post again. He says he still has power after the switch is UNPLUGGED! So he has other problems, not the switch

 

weird. i missed that. I'd definately be looking at the fuse panel and as much wiring as was fairly easily accessable... if you've got a multimeter you should be able to tell if one is shorted fairly easily.

 

Yup, switch is unplugged. That is why it is VERY strange. I will dive into the fuse panel when I get home. I hope that is where the problem is. Other than that I will be tearing into the harness. I don't think someone tried to hot wire it because it has been sitting in my garage. This is the first time I have looked at in about a month. I guess the XJ gods are angry at me for neglecting the old girl. I will let you know what I find.