Author |
Message |
Doncasto
| Posted on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 02:20 pm: |
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Are any fellow BWB Ulyists with PIAA auxiliary lights going through premature switch failure syndrome? I installed my PIAA 1100X kit two weeks ago and then made a 2400 mile round trip to California and back. The lights worked wonnerfully until the return leg. They went intermittent around Barstow and then failed completely just outside of Las Vegas. My diagnosis today is that the switch (mounted on the left handlebar switch gear) has failed . . .the little LED works as before but it does not provide current to the relay. Bypassing the switch provides both a functioning relay and working lights. I am a more than just a little concerned with what I read on the PIAA website . . .it seems they may want me to completely uninstall the whole light assembly, ship it back on my dime . . .and then they will determine whether or not I get a replacement. I have contacted both PIAA and the merchant in hopes that I can just send the defective switch back for a new part. Anyone else had any experience with this? I am rigging a temporary switch in the interim . . .should I make it a permanent installation rather than go through the Draconian uninstall/ship/reinstall hassle? UPDATE: The merchant just called me back. They are going to send me a complete new set of lights. I have the option of just taking the new switch from the package and shipping the rest back with the old switch . . .or reinstalling everything new. They are also providing a return prepaid UPS label. Although I still have some concerns about the reliability of the PIAA switches . . .the merchant is a real stand-up operation. YMMV . . .always consider the source Don Casto Boulder, Colorado |
Jmhinkle
| Posted on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 02:28 pm: |
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I'm using the Autoswitch with mine and haven't had any problems with it and it's nice not having an extra switch installed. |
Maximum
| Posted on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 02:34 pm: |
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I have the Autoswitch too (Model AS-5P2), work's great! http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?I tem=AS |
Doncasto
| Posted on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 02:51 pm: |
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Hmmmmmm . . .Autoswitch . . .more farkle and it appeals to my gadgety techno-weenie side. Thanks for the heads-up! Didn't even know there was such a thing. The website has bunches of other very interesting items as well. |
Lorazepam
| Posted on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 02:56 pm: |
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There is a waterproof switch available from PIAA designed for motorcycles. The standard switch is meant for mounting in a car, and moisture can kill it. The part number is 74034. |
Doncasto
| Posted on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 04:44 pm: |
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I will see about the more motorcycle friendly switch . . .although mine found very little water (read as none) in the deserts of Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California. I suspect that vibration may have been more the culprit. Thanks! Don |
Florida_lime
| Posted on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 07:24 pm: |
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74034 doesn't show up on Piaa's website under a part # search -- any leads ? |
Lorazepam
| Posted on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 08:06 pm: |
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http://www.nippynormans.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PI A-74034&variation=&aitem=4&mitem=4 |
Paochow
| Posted on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 08:33 pm: |
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I've been using a flush mount rocker switch with my 1100X's w/o issue for about 6 months now. I mounted it right above the ignition, drilling a hole with a Unibit. |
Michael1
| Posted on Friday, July 20, 2007 - 09:28 am: |
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My 510's switch has been working just fine. I've ridden in the rain with it and washed the bike. I was abit scared about it but I hid it behind the handguards so it doesn't get a ton of water. I do like the autoswitch though.... So, either I am experiencing a great switch, or just waiting til it fails. |