Ignition switch problems anybody???
 

I was recently informed that my tail-light was out while leaving downtown from a big bike meet. I thought nothing of it as the headlight and signals were fine. So I swung by my shop to get a replacement bulb on the way home ..... 12:30 a.m., mind you.
Well, of course, it wasn't that simple. The bulb didn't fix the problem.
To make matters worse, I was pulled over by local law inforcement to make sure I was aware of the problem. Luckily, no citation!!!
I spent the better part of 3 hours the next morning tracing down the culprit .....
If only I had purchased the wiring diagram along with my service manual.
It seems the ignition switch double times as the lighting systems power switch as well.
I 'back-powered' the lighting circuit of the switch and magically power was restored to my tail and license lights.
That worked for a few days, but it's out again. Bulb's are fine.
Has anyone else experienced a similar problem?
I had to special order the switch to the tune of $65. Eck.
Oh well .......

I too have a 99 R11S. My rear plate light was out...changed the bulb. And of course...no light. I guess my situation was not as bad. Seems the 2 push on connectors have developed some bad corrosion and I had to clean the contacts and pack with dielectric grease. Not to impressed for a "Hella' Part!@#$ would have expected this type of failure with a "Stanley" light.
I also seem to have a problem keeping bulbs in tack back there. Change one bulb every 4 months..... :-( Now carry spares under the seat.

Cheers
Tomas

Hmmm, you theory wouldn't surpise me. Just replaced my ignition wire the other day. engine and complete electronics would intermittenly go on and off.
.
Due to worn Red wire hanging by a strand or two. Part cost me $55 and I replaced it in 25 minutes just by taking off the left fairing and plugging it back in. No Biggie.
.
Let us know if replacement cures the problem.
.
God that Avatar rules Tom.
.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/howdie1.JPG http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/howdie2.JPG

I had the same problem. Had to change the ignition switch.
The problem is, that every time you move the handlebar, the wires leading to the switch gets pulled.
Fix the wires with a strip to the telescope leg, then they wont get pulled.

Hey,
.
This problem look familiar buddy?
.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r1100s-r1200s-tech-forum/72032-ignition-part-2-a.html

What ? you guys ain't got a soldering iron ?

Well, I got one but couldn't find it in the garage. Another factor in choosing the new one (which I had in hand when I took the old one off and inspected it) was that 2 of the wires had splits in the vinyl jacketing. No doubt fatigue being stretched for 3 years. But they were spliced enough to expose the copper wiring beneath. Together with this I just replaced it.
.
Now if the part had cost $100+ instead of $55 I would have been more tempted to find the solding iron and some electrical tape.
.
Pat

I'd use heat-shrihk instead of plastic tape.If your wires are stretched, then maybe you should think about re-routing them.

Ah, good advice about the wires. However the factory used tie strips 3 years ago and didn't give enough slack to the ingnition area. Although there was over 3 inches of slack in fuse box area.
.
There is no need to re-route these wires. They are long enough. Had the factory given up a little more slack and not place the tie strips so close to the bar's there would be no problem.
.
Problem has been cured with a replacement and similiar routing path. Just give a little bit more slack.