Trunk light bulb

Went to replace light bulb for trunk light and low and behold it wasn't there missing, explains why it didn't work. Owners manual says 12 volt 3.4 watt. Thats fine, but what's the part number. Thanks

Before you go to replace that bulb its important to understand why it often isn't there. The previous owner took it out on purpose.

That light goes on whenever the seat is opened. If you don't close the seat properly, it will remain on and drain the battery. Its a much more common problem than you might think. Many people avoid this potential problem by either removing the bulb altogether, or replacing the entire light assembly with an equivalent one that has a built in switch. Also, this festoon bulb is available with an LED equivalent if you are so inclined.

Now that you have this information, what do you want to do?
1. Replace the fixture with one with a switch ($20-$30) Easy R&R.
2. Get an OEM bulb.
3. Get the LED equivalent.
4. Leave the bulb out.

I removed the bulb, and put a small LED flashlight on my keychain.

It actually works much better.

I changed my fixture for the Honda car type with a switch. Works fine and I don't have to worry about it. Plus I carry a LED flashlight up where the registration/ owners manual fits so I am in good shape.

Others use battery operated LED stick on lights under the seat. So get creative and tell us about it

If you choose to do nothing...make sure your seat is shut tight!

You won't find the lightbulbs in my bikes either. Wife taught me about the semi open seat.

I was just thinking...

Another solution to this which I've never seen done, is for an led to be placed somewhere on the outside of the bike that is convenient to see when its on, but draws no attention when its off.

That led would operate on the same circuit as the interior light.
LED off=light inside is off and trunk closed properly.
LED on=light inside is on and trunk not closed properly.
Could be mounted to glow beneath a fender, or even run to the dashboard.

Dan

Best advice i ever got on here , Remove seat light bulb. Came out one morning fully kitted for a ride, dead battery,caused by seat not being fully closed. Carry a small torch(flashlight) if you really need to.

The trunk light has no real function in that location anyway except to drain your battery.

I changed the stock bulb to an led bulb last year due to the banter here on the subject, however i have never forgotten to close the seat completely. Seems like it comes natural to close the seat after opening it. Ive never walked away with the car door left open or the refridgerator door open etc.

Congrats on your excellent memory.

But, do you really know if your refrigerator goes out when you close it?

hotwings wrote:

I have never forgotten to close the seat completely. Seems like it comes natural to close the seat after opening it. Ive never walked away with the car door left open or the refridgerator door open etc.

It think when you don't use enough force to close the car door, and it makes a different sound then that satisfying clunk then when its closed properly and our ear is tuned to that.

There are two latches for the seat of the wing, one in the back and one in the front. You can close one without the other, so it looks and holds the seat closed but without the second latch the light will stay on.

Dan

I have never HAMMERED closed the seat and it has just become a habit, until recently for some reason.
About 2 years ago after reading other people removing the bulb because of the possibility of draining the battery I did the same thing and have never needed to recharge the battery or find out at the last min, **** the bike won't start! Now what?

I agree with hotwings, have been riding my Swing for 3 yr. and have never forgotten to properly close the seat, just comes naturally. You just need to make it a habit. Ride Safe.

Shortly after getting my Swing I found that I too hadn't latched the seat properly so the light didn't go off - fortunately the battery wasn't discharged fully so I was just able to get the bike started. After reading about other people's mishaps on here, I took my bulb out. Now when I park the scoot in my garage at home I leave the seat up with my helmet & gloves in the storage bin & walk away!

The light is so far back & output so puny that it doesn't illuminate much anyway!

Question: where is the switch located?

I do the same thing. I leave the trunk open so I can just drop my bag in the next morning and close the latch and drive off. Of course I'm lucky enough to be able to keep my swing indoors.

That light is dim and kind of pointless, I agree.

I think the switch is part of the replacement fixture, so it's right on the spot where the bulb currently resides?

Yep, took mine out too. Problem solved!

DuggleBogey wrote:

I think the switch is part of the replacement fixture, so it's right on the spot where the bulb currently resides?

Correct.

Dan

Maybe a crossed wire (?) here, I mean the seat-operated switch.

If you go with the Honda Car replacment light/switch, then suggest you go with a high capacity LED bulb (see posts on this forum) - this turns your 'useless' incandescent buld into a 'marginal' LED light. I did this - not sure it was worth the money - but very easy mod.

Atrick wrote:

Maybe a crossed wire (?) here, I mean the seat-operated switch.

Its part of the rear latch mechanism.

Thanks RArch, I guessed as much but wasn't sure.

After reading all of this I took my bulb out last night as well. Better safe than sorry.

To be honest it is not a huge deal. If you are worried you will leave the seat unlatched...take the bulb out or change out the fixture. As to the brightness of it; I seldom drive much after dark so who cares? I replaced mine with the car fixture with switch and I think have only used it twice in 6 months plus. But at least my battery doesn't run down... I carry a small LED torch under the seat as well.

I agree with GHM-PM, I changed mine for the car fitting (it wasn't a cheap part in the UK) but I can't recall using it in anger. It's far simpler and cheaper to remove the bulb and pack a small LED torch in the glove pocket.

Do you have to carry a fire ignition source to light the torch??

Yes, I love the british term "torch" for the american term "flashlight." It's just more elegant, but does bring to mind tiki torches or villagers with pitchforks.

I; do leave my seat open because that's where the battery charge lead goes in, I don't ride my bike every day, so I have to leave it on charge. Hence take out the bulb;-)

bribagz wrote:

I; do leave my seat open because that's where the battery charge lead goes in, I don't ride my bike every day, so I have to leave it on charge. Hence take out the bulb;-)

I ran a permanent wire lead from the battery thru the back of the battery box where the main positive and negative wires go. The weather proof quick connect plug hangs just slightly below the left side cover. No need to leave the seat open!

Guess I'll leave my bulb in (for the time being) until I become more forgetful. Although I agree w/other posts about not really needing it because my riding is done in daylight 99.99% of the time.

Homer

I always latch the seat , but I still removed the bulb , cause the seat can just not get latched good " wife " or the switch can go bad ,I removed it after me and the wife had been for a ride she got her stuff out and shut the seat , i came back out after dark and saw the light around the seat , so i just removed it the next day , I would rather ride than walk when relying on murphy's law , i mean it wasn't like it put out enough light to do anything useful like load your pistol or anything , just useful for draining battery ....

I'd LIKE to take the lightbulb out, but haven't looked under there well enough to figure it out I've inadvertently left my seat unlatched once (lesson learned) but if I could take the bulb out, I'd be much better. I just use my cell phone LED brightlight app when I need a good bright light, as in to walk to the house in the dark (I live in the country with NO streetlights) when I am occasionally out after dark. I really need to take that bulb out ... my car won't always be where I am to jump the bike (as in, if I am OUT and leave the seat unlatched )

I find it interesting that the original poster never replied back on this thread....