How do you get the headlight ot shut off?

Another stupid question from the newbie. I just got my xj fired up and runs like a champ. I actually rode it through the snow flurries this afternoon here in Ohio (no snow on road). When I got it back in the garage, I shut it off with the engine kill switch, and put the keys in my pocket, but the headlight and the nuetral indicator were still on. They stayed on, and the only thing I could think to do was disconnect the battery. What the heck is going on? Anybody have any ideas.

 

Turn the key to off position..........

 

Thought I did. The marker lights all shut off.

 

The Ignition Switch in the OFF Position should cause the lights to be off.

You did the right thing disconnecting the Battery.

Now, ... you have to Troubleshoot the Ignition Switch.

 

Don't know what you have Big D. Check to see if you have an ignition On relay. Maybe it is stuck on (that is: mechanically stuck) try taping on the relay can to see if it drops out. If you find it is a relay causing it replace it because it will happen again at the worst time.

 

Thanks guys. I will take your advice. It's not like I don't have the time. Weather here in Ohio is gonna suck for the next 6 weeks. I should be able to get the tank off and painted and check all the relays, brakes and do a general clean up of the bike. any other tips you can think of to do while the bike is apart? Someone mentioned checking the valve clearance?

1982 xj 650 maxim, 39008 miles

 

Shutting off the engine with the kill switch merely kills power to the ignition system. If your main switch lock tumblers are worn out, then it is possible to remove the key from the switch while the switch is still in the ON (or any other) position..........thus the headlight still remains on.

Why would the "marker lights" (turn signals?) be on? Did you leave one side of the turn signals blinking?


The only lights on the bike which should remain on when you merely kill the engine (without turning the main key switch to the OFF position) are the headlight and the tail light (and the turn signals, if they happened to be on at the time the engine was killed).

 

Valve clearances, compression test, carb float level check, BRAKES (rear especially because of the delamination issue) but flush out all the brake fluid at a very minimum, fork oil. Check the date codes on the tires.

 

Just for clarification. When I turn the key to the on position, the tail light, and the front turn signals come on (Not Flashing). When it starts the headlight comes on. When I shut it off, everything shuts off except the headlight and the neutral indicator light. You guys still think it is the ignition swith? The key is kind of sloppy in the ignition also.



Bigdaddy
1982 xj650 Maxim 39000 miles

 

I have pulled the key out with the ignition still in the on position several times in the last week. If the key is sloppy it may not be getting to the off position correctly. I will be replacing mine as soon as I can. You may want to do the same.

 

Thanks TC. Let me know what you are replacing and how it goes. Do you think there is any way to clean and lube the ignition so it turns easier. Mine is kind of hard to turn.