Illuminated switch for Vaquero/Voyager Aux lights

[Red Rider]

Had dealer install Aux driving lights before taking delivery of the Vaquero 1 Feb 13. Aux lights/switch is enabled with ignition switch in the Aux position. Guess that makes sense but is it standard practice to be switched that way and not in run/on position as is headlight? With ign switch in Aux position and while managing presets for the radio I turned the fairing mounted Aux light switch off to conserve battery. The switch is a plunger type.. Press in for on and press again to release button to out position for lights off. Little difference in plunger position between on and off. After adjusting radio, started the bike and went for a daytime ride and realized I could not tell if Aux lights were on or not by glancing at the switch. Even cycling the switch while riding I wasn't sure of switch position. Of course this would not be an issue at night but I want to run Aux lights during daytime for visibility. You waited patiently for it now here is the punch line. Is there an illuminated switch that will replace the OEM switch for Aux lights on Vaquero/Voyager that will indicate switch position? Only observed switch on voyager in showroom and appeared to be same as mine.

[Old Carp]

Why not add a 12v led indicator light?

[Red Rider]

Certainly a good option to consider. As a matter of preference just thinking replacing the switch with illuminated version, if available, would be a clean swap and meet my need with out splicing another device in the circuit. May opt for a separate 12v indicator light if the switch swap doesnt work out. Thanks for the suggestion!!

[Crab]

in my expericene the indicator light would be the way to go..switches the have to have a power and ground dont last as long normally and a lighted switch would have to have both..
Crab

[Yellow Jacket]

If you're fortunate enough to find an illuminated switch that will fit, you will still have to rig up a ground to the switch for the internal bulb.

[Fooch]

Don't know why you're having such a hard time telling if the lights are on or not. If the switch button is flush, they're on. If it's sticking out a bit, they're off. An illuminated switch wouldn't do much for day time because you wouldn't be able to see it. And at nighttime, it's pretty obvious to tell if they're on.

[Red Rider]

Aha! Fooch your post is right on target. Just read your description and can confirm after my earlier ride today that I can now easily distinguish switch positions. As my daughter used to say "duh, what was I thinking"! Guess I'll have to apologize to the school that awarded my engineering degree. In my defense, the still new to me vaquero had been under it's cover for the last few weeks since the switch question was hatched. Cabin fever? No excuse, I'll do more homework next time before posting. Illuminated switch or indicator light visible in daylight would still be a plus. Thanks all!

[AZ Voyager]

Another option is to place a relay on the driving lights so that they come on with the headlight, did this on my Voyager, I was constatnly forgetting to turn the driving lights back on after sitting with the radio on, and agree the switch is sometimes hard to tell the position. all of the wiring is in the fairing, and only took about an hour to figure it all out. I can't remember the color wire I used to trip the relay, but if you want to do this let me know and I will take the headlight out and look.

[Red Rider]

Kevin / AZ Voyager,
Interesting option. Had not thought of that. That's why I like this forum...Still working on making the independent aux light switch work for me but I'll let you know if I decide to follow your lead. Never had someone offer to take their bike apart to answer a question...what a guy!!

[AZ Voyager]

RR...it's simple to do and the switch still works if you want to turn them off, and if you are in the dark and need light, just bump the starter and all 3 come on. plus there is less stress on the battery when starting without having to turn them off..