Rapid Blinking Turn Signals

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Rapid Blinking Turn Signals - FIX

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Harley Davidson Forums >> Harley Davidson Motorcycles >> "Hacked, Triked and Trailering" >> Rapid Blinking Turn Signals - FIX

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Rapid Blinking Turn Signals - FIX - 5/14/2008 3:39:29 AM

jbhawley

Posts: 850
Joined: 5/27/2005
Status: offline

I got a PM from a forum member that had hooked up a 4 wire trailer to the 5 wire bike harness without the Hoppy isolator converter. Now when the trailer is disconnected or even connected his trun signals will blink normally for 3 or 4 blinks then go into hyper mode...sort of like a strobe light blinking. Since this is a common problem, i decided to put the fix on the forum for all to see.

First the rapid blinking is HDs way of telling you that you have a blown light somewhere. In all reality you do not, but since you have only 4 wires, i.e.two lights on the trailer the bike sensors think there is a blown bulb. This is a common problem with all Harleys that have the TSSM. What it is telling you is there is a fault (burned out bulb) when you reduce the load (remove the trailer) on the circuit.
Here is a reset procedure;

Grab a handful of brake
turn on ignition switch
turn on left signal and let flash 4 times
turn off left signal but leave the ignition on
turn on right signal and let flash 4 times
turn off right signal but leave the ignition on
turn on 4 ways and let flash 4 times
turn off 4 ways
turn off ignition switch
release brake
Wait 10 minutes then start bike. All should be normal.

To avoid doing this procedure every time you disconnect the trailer you can install a powered converter/isolator. What this does is removes the load from the light circuit and takes it directly from the battery. It will also protect the bikes circuit in the event the trailer lights short out.

I have a 2001 Ultra Classic and experienced the same problem. The converter I chose was the Hoppy 46255. You can find it in any auto parts store for around 30 to 40 dollars. There are other converters out there that will do the same job. Eventually I wired my trailer with independent turn signals so now I have stop-tail, and seperate turn (5 wire trailer) and no need for the converter.

_____________________________

--John

Post #: 1

RE: Rapid Blinking Turn Signals - FIX - 5/14/2008 8:00:14 AM

Sharknose

Posts: 1618
Joined: 5/29/2006
From: St Louis
Status: offline

There's your fix...

quote:

ORIGINAL: jbhawley

To avoid doing this procedure every time you disconnect the trailer you can install a powered converter/isolator.

To me, the selling point of the isolator was keeping my bike's electronics--computer, fuel injection, etc--seperate from trailer wiring malfunctions. But I recognize that arguing over how to wire a trailer to a bike is like arguing over which oil is best, so I'll refrain from saying it's the "best" way.

_____________________________

06 FLTRI

(in reply to jbhawley)

Post #: 2

RE: Rapid Blinking Turn Signals - FIX - 5/15/2008 2:30:01 AM

redpony

Posts: 11
Joined: 9/21/2007
Status: offline

now that i'm in th converter isolator market, noticed that they come in a range of amp sizes, i have my choice between 5amp, 7.5 amp, or 10 amp. of course i picked out the 10amp, theory being if 5 is good 10 has to be great. they were also labled standard, heavy, extra heavy. also the powered hoppie is no longer in my area, all the parts stores carry the hoppy isolator w/o the power conector. however i did find it on amazon.com, but was trying to avoid the wait. i think the brand i got was happy valley or something like that. at orcheslens? here's the question will having the 10amp make any difference other than being able to load more lights? does this thing draw 10 amps all the time or just when needed? thanks

(in reply to Sharknose)

Post #: 3

RE: Rapid Blinking Turn Signals - FIX - 5/15/2008 4:42:57 AM

jameshail

Posts: 4
Joined: 12/20/2007
Status: offline

I recommend you determine how many amps your lights require plus about 10-20%. The amp rating on the isolator most likely means that is how many amp it will allow to pass through the system before it 'blows'. My recommendation is not to over amp it. That would be like putting a 30amp fuse in a 5am fuse block.

_____________________________

Ride safe,

Jimbo

(in reply to redpony)

Post #: 4

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Harley Davidson >> Harley Davidson Motorcycles >> "Hacked, Triked and Trailering"

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