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  1. #1
    Senior Member
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    Default Ignition failure

    The left Lightspeed ignition module in my aircraft has failed.
    Is this a common ocurance or just my normal bad luck?
    I did learn that there is a $250 upgrade that should be done by the factory. Don't know what it involves.
    My shop is sending both units in for reair/upgrade.
    Ah well --- grounded again!
    Bill

  2. #2
    Senior Member kiwibob's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ignition failure

    Quote Originally Posted by seastar View Post
    I did learn that there is a $250 upgrade that should be done by the factory. Don't know what it involves.
    My shop is sending both units in for reair/upgrade.
    Sorry to hear about your continuing woes, sadly the winter here in NZ is keeping me grounded.

    I'd be interested to know what the upgrade on the Lightspeeds is about when you find out.
    Bob Gray, FX-3 #38, ZK-FXC

  3. #3
    Senior Member Rick Bosshardt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ignition failure

    Ive seen it on all my Carbon Cubs.
    Its a 'dead spot' on the ignition switch between positions.

    Turn the key briskly between the positions, and there is no issue.

    Rick


    Rick Bosshardt
    SunCountry Cubs
    CubCrafters Dealer for AZ/NM/UT/CO/southern WY
    www.suncountrycubs.com

  4. #4
    Senior Member stede52's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ignition failure

    Me too, I had my left ignition lite come for about 20 minutes and it hasn't came on since.
    Steve Dentz
    N419LD
    Carnation, WA

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Ignition failure

    I just spoke with Lightspeed customer service.
    My unit that failed was because the pressure transducer that senses manifold pressure was damaged or had failed.
    i also found out that my six year old units do not require an upgrade.
    if the unit is a "dash 9" or a "dash c" or a "dash c1" there is no upgrade available.
    The person at Lightspeed said that there should be an orifice in the manifold pressure line to keep the pressure transducer from damage.
    I have no idea if the CarbonCub has an orifice.
    What say you CubCrafters?
    Bill
    PS - the guy at Lightspeed also said that a backfire could damage the pressure transducer in the ignition units if there is no orifice in the manifold pressure line.
    I have had backfires.
    I can't quite figure out how a backfire in the exhaust system can put a pressure spike in the intake manifold.
    Maybe there is valve overlap in the engine that allows if.
    Last edited by seastar; 08-18-2016 at 02:34 PM.

  6. #6
    Senior Member stede52's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ignition failure

    Quote Originally Posted by stede52 View Post
    Me too, I had my left ignition lite come for about 20 minutes and it hasn't came on since.

    I think CubCrafters fixed my problem by replacing the ignition switch itself. I had verified all the connections to and from the ignition components were good. CubCrafter felt that the problem had to be caused by the only moving part in the ignition system which was the switch. I haven't had any more intermittent failures on it in 15 hours. Mine is a newer airplane so the ingnition upgrade was not applicable.
    Steve Dentz
    N419LD
    Carnation, WA

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Ignition failure

    Quote Originally Posted by stede52 View Post
    I think CubCrafters fixed my problem by replacing the ignition switch itself. I had verified all the connections to and from the ignition components were good. CubCrafter felt that the problem had to be caused by the only moving part in the ignition system which was the switch. I haven't had any more intermittent failures on it in 15 hours. Mine is a newer airplane so the ingnition upgrade was not applicable.
    On my EX2 with Lightspeed ignition,occasionally when switching between the left and right ignition, the systems shut down momentarily. When on left, right, both or off there are no abnormalities, only between the left and right ignition setting .Has anyone else had this happen. I’m thinking the switch is probably the issue.
    Thanks in advance, Tom R

  8. #8
    Senior Member Mark Keneston's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ignition failure

    Quote Originally Posted by Tom R View Post
    On my EX2 with Lightspeed ignition,occasionally when switching between the left and right ignition, the systems shut down momentarily. When on left, right, both or off there are no abnormalities, only between the left and right ignition setting .Has anyone else had this happen. I’m thinking the switch is probably the issue.
    Thanks in advance, Tom R
    Hi Tom
    I have seen this occasionally but only when the key is rotated slowly rather than a crisp position change. Try it. Let us know

    Thanks
    MK
    Cub Crafters
    Factory Direct New & Used Aircraft Sales
    NorthEast & Great Lakes Region
    518.410.9404

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Ignition failure

    Quote Originally Posted by Mark Keneston View Post
    Hi Tom
    I have seen this occasionally but only when the key is rotated slowly rather than a crisp position change. Try it. Let us know

    Thanks
    MK
    What mark described is what I experience with my ignition
    Rudy

  10. #10
    Administrator Pete D's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ignition failure

    Quote Originally Posted by Tom R View Post
    On my EX2 with Lightspeed ignition,occasionally when switching between the left and right ignition, the systems shut down momentarily. When on left, right, both or off there are no abnormalities, only between the left and right ignition setting .Has anyone else had this happen. I’m thinking the switch is probably the issue.
    Thanks in advance, Tom R

    It is somewhat common to see this slight dead spot between key positions. As long as the engine runs smoothly in L, R, and Both positions it is ok. Typically the hiccup will show up if the key is moved slowly between positions.
    Pete Dougherty
    Customer Support Manager
    Cub Crafters Inc

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