PIAA Lights Keep Cutting Out

[ChrisO83]

Hello All,

I have a set of PIAA 1100X Platinum lights on my 2007 BMW R1200RT that are wired through the turn signal cancellation switch.
When I purchased the bike it came wired this way. So I am not sure what exactly has been done to the bike to make this happen.

When I had the bike apart the other day I believe I saw an "Autoswitch" mounted on the bike but I could easily be mistaken because I was not looking for it. But I also believe I have a "Autoswitch" because I have the LED that glows red & green during operation and I have to hold the switch down for 1- 10 sec for it to go on or off. But again, perhaps there other manufacturers that have switches that do the same thing.

I am writing because ever since I purchased the bike (it only has 5600 miles on it) the PIAA lights keep shutting off. They seem to shut off more often when driving at slower speeds or when using turn signals or just idling . Most of the time once I hit the switch again they will come back on but not always. Sometime it takes a few minutes before they come back on.

I was thinking there was something going on with the PIAA lights, like they were heating up and shutting themselves off to cool down. But after looking at the "Autoswitch" website the issue might involve the switch itself.

The trouble shooting tips on the "Autoswitch" website points to possible connection problem but I am far from being sure.

Here is what the trouble shooting tips says;

"3. If your lights go off and you have to use the Autoswitch to turn them back on then power to the Autoswitch red or black wire is intermittent."

I am unclear as to what I need to look for when they say: . . power to the Autoswitch red or black wire is intermittent. :confused:

Can anyone offer some advise on the potential problem and some possible solutions?

Thanks for your efforts.

ChrisO

[jkersh1]

A couple of thoughts, 1> loose or bad connection to the battery or ground. Trace the wires from the Autoswitch and check the connections and connectors, 2> dirty contacts in the turn signal cancel switch, 3> PO used circuit breaker in lieu of fuse, and it's tripping then resetting.

[ChrisO83]

I just got an email from Autoswitch (http://www.autoswitch.com/) advising me that the switch they provided for my bike (AS6 or AS6B2) is, in essence, defective.

Here is their reply to my question about my lights cutting off;

"Advisory:
Autoswitch Model AS6 and AS6B2 only: BMW CAN-BUS Motorcycles 1200 series year 2007 and up.
Test before installation! AS6 and AS6B only. All AS5 series are not affected.
There are a number of these bikes (USA models 20% estimated) which emit some sort of EMP (ElectroMagnetic Pulse) from their electrical system. BMW has recently released a technical bulletin related to "spurious signals" from the bike. The EMP causes the Autoswitch AS-6B and AS6B2 to reset itself. The reset causes the Autoswitch circuit or microchip to perform a power-on sequence. The Autoswitch always powers up in the OFF state thus the reset leaves the driving lights OFF until rider performs a new ON sequence. In simpler terms, the lights will turn OFF and must be turned ON again. The EMP happens at unpredictable times, depending on engine RPM and time in use. Because we have been unable to duplicate the problem on test bikes we are unable to offer a solution or repair at this time. Unable to make a major R&D investment and keep price levels where buyers prefer, the AS6 and 6B2 will be phased out end of 2009. The AS5 series will continue through 2010."

At this time, Autoswitch did NOT offer a solution for this problem but it does look like they offer other switches that will do the same thing (Model AS5NB, Model AS5NB2, Model AS5P & Model AS5P2) . Problem is they may use another switch to perform the same function or they may not be compatible to your bike. Do some research to determine which switch is best for you.

I am still waiting for Autoswitch to give me a suggestion on the best replacement for my bike.

CO