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  1. #1
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    Default Headlights coming on when bike is off

    I have had my 2008 Spyder SM5 for almost 6 years. I have been more than pleased with it's service. However, last night we had a major storm pass through and it brought a lightning storm that created quite a light show. I haven't ridden in in about a week and the keys were in the house. Because of the strong winds, I went around making sure the rain wasn't blowing in. As I checked the window that offers a view of the Syder I noticed the area was lit up. Initially I though someone had arrived but realized that the headlights of the Spyder had come on. Although the rain was major I decided to go out and turn it on and off hoping to reset whatever had been triggered, by most likely a magnetic impulse from one of the closer lightning strikes. That didn't do anything, I then started it and ran it for a minute and shut it off, while that didn't shut off the headlights the dash lights that had also been on went off. I decided to let it be and see if it would reset on its' own because of the deluge. But after a couple minutes put on some better weather protection I went out and popped the trunk and pulled the headlight relay hoping that would prevent the battery from draining. The headlights, of course, went out but this morning the battery was completely drained. I called the local dealer and they had never heard of such an event and suggested it may have been moisture blown in from the rain. Nothing under the body work was wet though and while I am charging the battery to do some testing I was curious if there had been anyone else with this weirdness. Anyone with a similar experience that may have some insight, I'd like the input. Pretty strange.

  2. #2
    Very Active Member coz's Avatar
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    Default That's a new one

    Never heard of that happening before.
    it was fun while it lasted.

  3. #3
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    Could your bike have taken a lightning strike?
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  4. #4
    Very Active Member Chupaca's Avatar
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    Default Interesting..!!

    possibly the flash switch has gone bad. That would be the one on the backside of the throttle side control. Its used to iluminate the frunk. The relay would be the next suspect. would love to know what it turns out to be...
    Gene and Ilana De Laney
    Mt. Helix, California

    ​2012 RS sm5
    2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black

  5. #5
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    Default

    I'm going with an alien attack on this one. That is weird and creepy. Please let us know what the culprit was.

    2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
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  6. #6
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    Default

    Very, very strange!

    -Fratz

  7. #7
    Very Active Member billybovine's Avatar
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    Sorry I got nothing for you as a cause. I think it will take hands on testing of the systems with a voltmeter or even need to be plugged into BUDS.

    Please let us know what you find.

    2018 F3 LIMITED

  8. #8
    Very Active Member coz's Avatar
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    Default Headlight/light the trunk light switch

    Whatever it's called. I never use it . The switch on the front of the right hand control, that will turn the headlights on when the bike is off. It can light up the trunk interior when the lid is open. Possible malfunction in that switch? Maybe got wet ? Bike cover pressing on switch? Something to check.
    it was fun while it lasted.

  9. #9
    Very Active Member coz's Avatar
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    Default That's the one

    Quote Originally Posted by Chupaca View Post
    possibly the flash switch has gone bad. That would be the one on the backside of the throttle side control. Its used to iluminate the frunk. The relay would be the next suspect. would love to know what it turns out to be...
    Stuck headlight relay would do that, right?
    it was fun while it lasted.

  10. #10
    Very Active Member cuznjohn's Avatar
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    last year my radio would stay on sometimes, but they replaced the key switch and it was good to go
    NO BIKE AT THIS TIME

  11. #11
    Very Active Member Chupaca's Avatar
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    Default

    Yeah, headlights don't come on with the ignition switch only once the engine starts. They do stay on a bit after you shut her down. The flash switch is hot all the time. The only sources I can see that could cause this....maybe the high humidity or maybe rodents working the wiring. ..
    Gene and Ilana De Laney
    Mt. Helix, California

    ​2012 RS sm5
    2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black

  12. #12
    Very Active Member billybovine's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chupaca View Post
    Yeah, headlights don't come on with the ignition switch only once the engine starts. They do stay on a bit after you shut her down. The flash switch is hot all the time. The only sources I can see that could cause this....maybe the high humidity or maybe rodents working the wiring. ..
    If it was the Flash to Pass button shorted out or stuck on. That does not explain the dash lights being on or that the battery is dead in the morning even though the headlight relay was pulled.

    2018 F3 LIMITED

  13. #13
    Very Active Member Chupaca's Avatar
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    Default True....

    Quote Originally Posted by billybovine View Post
    If it was the Flash to Pass button shorted out or stuck on. That does not explain the dash lights being on or that the battery is dead in the morning even though the headlight relay was pulled.
    Thats why I added rodents.. warm machine, cold damp rainy day....have worked on many a gnawed on harness and cleaned out many a nest...they do like the air box. but agree it is puzzeling and hope we do find out what caused this..
    Gene and Ilana De Laney
    Mt. Helix, California

    ​2012 RS sm5
    2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black

  14. #14
    Very Active Member Pirate looks at --'s Avatar
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    Default Sorry

    It's been so long since I have seen rain, or thunder and lighting, I can't remember what it looks like, so no help here. But send water if you can!
    White 2013 Spyder RT Limited. BajaRon Swaybar, Custom Dynamic Third Brake Light. Ultimate Custom Black and White seat with driver and passenger back rest. Gloryder Led Wheel lights.Custom Dynamics Led Bright sides, Amber and Red Fender lights, and Saddle Bag Bright sides.

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  15. #15
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
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    Let us know what you find out. That is also a new one on me.

    I would also go with water, lightning strike results, or aliens--in that order.
    Last edited by ARtraveler; 09-06-2015 at 02:56 PM.

    Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.

    Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)

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  16. #16
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    Where's our O.P.?
    Has he been testing any of the suggestions?
    (Besides the one with the Aliens...)
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  17. #17
    Active Member Michael211_2000's Avatar
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    Question

    Wow! I think you need to call an exorcist!

    What was that car's name that was possessed in the movies? Oh yeah, Christine! (Had to Google it to refresh my memory.... lol!). You didn't by chance give your Spyder a name did you?

    - Michael

  18. #18
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    Default

    Just wondering what the final result was with the headlights staying on.
    I now have a similar situation on a 2011 RSS SE5, but no moisture, rain or lightning involved.
    I am thinking either a short in either the RH passing switch, or in the ignition switch.

  19. #19
    Very Active Member troop's Avatar
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    Hmmm ... This post is 5 years old, and was the OP's last post.


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  20. #20
    Very Active Member EdMat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by troop View Post
    Hmmm ... This post is 5 years old, and was the OP's last post.
    That settles it, Must have been aliens.
    2019 RT Limited , Phoenix Orange

  21. #21
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
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    Account title says invalid e-mails. So there may have been technical glitches with the OP. The thread was interesting reading. I even posted here and forgot about it.

    Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.

    Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)

    MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles

    IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
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