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Headlights coming on when bike is off

woodz428

New member
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.
 
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. :dontknow: would love to know what it turns out to be...:thumbup:
 
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.
 
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.:dontknow:
 
That's the one

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. :dontknow: would love to know what it turns out to be...:thumbup:
Stuck headlight relay would do that, right?
 
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. ..
 
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.
 
True....

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..:roflblack: 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. :roflblack: but agree it is puzzeling and hope we do find out what caused this..:dontknow:
 
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!
 
Let us know what you find out. That is also a new one on me. :dontknow:

I would also go with water, lightning strike results, or aliens--in that order. :yikes:
 
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:dontknow: Where's our O.P.? :dontknow:
Has he been testing any of the suggestions?
(Besides the one with the Aliens...)
 
Wow! I think you need to call an exorcist! :yikes:

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? :popcorn:

- Michael
 
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.
 
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