Unidentified Farkle

[NOLONGERRELEVANT]

This unusual cable and what appears to be a light is on my dash, but I can't figure out why or how to turn it on.  Was hoping someone on this board might have an idea why someone would go to such effort for what seems like a useless farkle.

[dirtrider]

7 minutes ago, NOLA Kirk said:

This unusual cable and what appears to be a light is on my dash, but I can't figure out why or how to turn it on.  Was hoping someone on this board might have an idea why someone would go to such effort for what seems like a useless farkle.

 

Afternoon NOLA Kirk

 

Might be an ambient  light sensor so cover it with black tape then with key-on see if your front  riding lights come on.

[NOLONGERRELEVANT]

Genius!!  Never thought about that.  And thanks for putting two and two together from the separate posts.  I know this board likes individual posts.

[Michaelr11]

Light sensor.  Usually it is connected to a headlight modulator.  Federal reg requires modulator only work during daylight and revert to normal operation when dark.

 

When you covered it - did your running lights start working?   Uncover the sensor and roll the bike outside.  Ignition key ON, switch to high beam, does the high beam start flashing?

 

[NOLONGERRELEVANT]

On 12/29/2020 at 10:27 AM, Michaelr11 said:

Light sensor.  Usually it is connected to a headlight modulator.  Federal reg requires modulator only work during daylight and revert to normal operation when dark.

 

When you covered it - did your running lights start working?   Uncover the sensor and roll the bike outside.  Ignition key ON, switch to high beam, does the high beam start flashing?

 

I covered it and still no love.  Also tried at night and nothing.  I'm going to do a voltmeter check on the lights today.

[Lowndes]

NOLA Kirk,

 

You might try following the wire down to the controller, usually a small box with wires connecting it to the bike's wiring.  Just a guess, but if the wiring is connected and it's not working,  it may be turned off.  Get the name and model # from the controller and google the owners manual.  There may be a switch on the box, or it could be a soft switch controlled by turning it on-off or flashing the hi-lo, something like that.  My KISAN headlight module uses the soft switch method but it resets every time the ignition is turned off.  Similar but different ambient light sensor.

 

Let us know what you find!!

[dirtrider]

2 hours ago, NOLA Kirk said:

I covered it and still no love.  Also tried at night and nothing.  I'm going to do a voltmeter check on the lights today.

Morning  NOLA

 

That sensor looks a little like the   Signaldynamics headlight modulator sensor)    https://www.signaldynamics.com/01015

 

The directions for use are below so see if something in that helps you figure it put.

 

 

Features
Toggle Modulation ON and OFF The modulation of the headlight can be toggled on and off by the user during daytime hours, as per DOT regulations this feature does is not available at night. When the bike is started the default is modulation ON. To turn the modulation on or off simply switch your bikes high low beam switch to the opposite position, and then back to the original position within one second (this can be done with the switch in either the high or low beam position).

Full Function You do not have to compromise between the high beam and low beam with a Signal Dynamics Plug & Play™ Headlight Module because this module will modulate your high OR low beam headlight(s)... you get to choose whenever you want! This feature is useful along with the ON/OFF feature: i.e. You're riding in heavy traffic and you don't want to annoy the bumper to bumper traffic ahead of you, so you switch your modulating low beam(s) off and turn on your solid non-modulating high beam(s).  

Auto Night Shut-Off The Plug & Play™ Headlight Module is designed to automatically turn on and off at specific light levels in order to comply with the DOT's regulation of no night time modulation.

[Lowndes]

NOLA Kirk,

 

It just occurred to me that you might try shining a bright flashlight directly into that sensor (with the ignition ON) to see if it makes your headlight modulate.  Try it on HI and on LO beam.  That's what my KISAN does and it is not bright enough in my garage all day to make the modulator work so I have to use a flashlight to check it.  There is a short delay (1-2) seconds inactivation and deactivation, I guess for going thru tunnels and such.