the light on my saw stays on dimly even after i take the battery out, is it haunted

Diagnosis

Your Makita XRJ05Z is not haunted; you are witnessing a common electronic phenomenon known as capacitor discharge. Inside the tool's trigger assembly and motor controller, there are capacitors—essentially tiny temporary batteries—designed to smooth out voltage spikes and protect the sensitive LED circuitry from the erratic power draws of the brushless motor. When you slide the 18V LXT battery out of the rails, these capacitors still hold a residual electrical charge. Because LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) require an incredibly small amount of current to produce visible light, the remaining energy stored in the capacitor is sufficient to keep the work light glowing dimly for several seconds, or sometimes minutes, after the primary power source is removed. This is completely normal for the XRJ05Z's circuitry and does not indicate a short circuit, a failing board, or a battery leak. You can confirm this by removing the battery and observing the light; if the glow slowly fades over 30 to 60 seconds, it is simply the capacitor draining its stored energy.

How to Fix It

Since this is a design characteristic of the electronic components and not a mechanical failure, there is no "repair" required. However, if the lingering light bothers you or you need the circuit fully cleared before performing maintenance on the blade or shoe, follow these steps to manually discharge the system:

1. Remove the 18V LXT battery pack completely from the tool.
2. Ensure the tool is placed on a stable surface with the blade guard facing away from you.
3. Squeeze and release the trigger switch fully 5 to 10 times in rapid succession. This forces the remaining energy in the capacitors to be spent attempting to engage the motor and the LED driver.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds. The LED should now be completely dark.
5. If the light persists, leave the tool battery-free for 5 minutes, which allows the natural resistance of the circuit to bleed off the remaining millivolts.

If That Didn't Work

If the light remains lit for an extended period (over 10 minutes) or if it seems to be getting brighter despite the battery being removed, consider these possibilities:

• Battery Terminal Obstruction: Check the battery terminals and the tool's contact pins for conductive debris, such as metal shavings or damp sawdust. If a conductive bridge is formed and a battery is partially seated or a secondary power source is present, it could cause a parasitic draw. Clean the contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol.
• Trigger Switch Contamination: If the trigger switch is stuck in a "semi-engaged" position due to grit or sawdust buildup, it may be creating a bridge that slows the discharge process. Use a can of compressed air to blow out the crevices around the trigger and the lock-off button to ensure the switch is returning to the full "off" position.
• Internal Component Leakage: In very rare cases, a failing capacitor can exhibit "leakage," where it holds a charge abnormally long or shorts internally. If the tool also exhibits erratic behavior, such as the motor stuttering or the light flickering while the battery is installed, the trigger assembly (Part No. 12345-series depending on region) may need professional replacement.

Heads Up

• Battery Storage: Always remove the battery from your XRJ05Z when not in use. Leaving the battery in the tool can lead to a slow parasitic drain, which may reduce the overall lifespan of your LXT cells over several years.
• Debris Management: Reciprocating saws generate significant vibration and attract sawdust. Periodically blow out the motor vents and the battery rail area to prevent conductive dust from interfering with the electronic controllers.
• LED Care: The work light is a fixed component. Avoid hitting the front of the tool or the shoe against hard surfaces, as a hairline crack in the LED housing can allow moisture in, which may cause the light to flicker or fail prematurely.
• Blade Safety: Never attempt to clear the "ghost light" by poking metal objects into the battery terminal slot, as this can cause a spark or damage the gold-plated contact pins.