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Rear light stays on after locking bars and removing key...

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Bluegray57, May 25, 2018.

  1. Bluegray57

    Bluegray57 Active Member

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    The problem is intermittent. The first time it happened, I didn't catch it and it drained my battery overnight. My Haynes manual hasn't arrived yet, but I'm guessing it's either the key switch or some kind of intermittent grounding issue. The headlight does not remain on when this happens.
     
    Bluegray57, May 25, 2018
    #1
  2. Rooster53

    Rooster53 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    There is a park position in the ignition switch, and it is one click CCW past the fork lock. In the park position the tail light illuminates. Perhaps you are just turning the key too far CCW.
     
    Rooster53, May 25, 2018
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  3. Bluegray57

    Bluegray57 Active Member

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    I didn't know that. Thanks for the info. It certainly sounds that way. Will check it out... I guess I should have read the owners manual. :)
     
    Bluegray57, May 25, 2018
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  4. jayrodoh

    jayrodoh YimYam

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    The key will come out in park too, I made same mistake on my Kaw one day. Came out of work and was wondering why the taillight was on.
     
    jayrodoh, May 25, 2018
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  5. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

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    It is a vestigial remnant of some obscure Euroland laws that required a front (small 3W bulb inside the headlight bucket) and a rear light (tail light) to be illuminated when a bike was parked along a street........and it was simpler to just keep those features in the harness and main switch for the North American bikes rather than make new components that did away with those features. Actually, there's an un-used hot and ground wire inside the headlight bucket for the front 3W bulb on most bikes, but luckily that feature was not present on north American models.
     
    chacal, May 25, 2018
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  6. kerriskandiesinc

    kerriskandiesinc Active Member

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    Yup, certainly ALL the bikes I have ever owned in the UK had a 'parking light' feature, and some cars too

    In 58 years, i can think of maybe 2 occasions, where I've seen a car, or bike, with the parking lamp lit......BUT remember, we used to get some really BAD 'pea soupers' in the UK.....not that a feeble 3W lamp would help !!!
     
    kerriskandiesinc, May 25, 2018
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