Anybody else eat through tail light bulbs?
Anybody else eat through tail light bulbs?
2014 street bob with the brake/turn and running lights on each side of the fender. And I find it odd that I've gone through two tail light bulbs in the last few weeks and replaced one a while back. so 3 replacements total, 8000mi on the bike. its NOT isolated to one side or a specific function like brake or running lights. Usually just one filament burns out. Anybody else have this problem? vibration causing them to go out?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 67
From: Phoenix
In my limited experience, bulbs going out too soon multiple times points to a vibration problem, such as from an old and brittle gasket or overtightened fasteners. I haven't swapped out one of these taillights yet, so I don't know how they're put together, but I assume you have two filaments - one with current always flowing through it, and another with current flowing through it only when you're braking. If that's the case, I'd be willing to bet that the first filament is the one that keeps burning out. I'm thinking vibration here, though one of our electrical experts may have a different (and more accurate) theory.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 196
From: Boise, ID
What are you replacing them with? There are some out there that are more "rough service". I replaced one of mine at about 5,000. I now have replacement LED's and haven't had any problem. My wife's WG hasn't gone through any yet.
Make sure no moisture is getting in there and put some dielectric grease on the contact. That will help repel water in there if there is any getting in. Vibration is my first theory also, but I don't see why yours would be vibrating so much more than others out there....?
Make sure no moisture is getting in there and put some dielectric grease on the contact. That will help repel water in there if there is any getting in. Vibration is my first theory also, but I don't see why yours would be vibrating so much more than others out there....?
Last edited by BigDogIdaho; May 23, 2015 at 08:57 PM.
first replacement bulb was an OEM HD one made by Stanley. I've got Sylvania long lifes in now. Housings are dry on the insides and have some grease in the sockets. Also making sure I'm careful to put them in without skin contact or any other grease/ oil contact. I'm thinking vibration as well, if these ones hold up for ~ a year I'll be happy if not I'll look for a solution I guess, trying to avoid LED turn/brake/tails if I can help it.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 196
From: Boise, ID
Maybe you are just getting some bum bulbs...
Why trying to avoid LED's out of curiosity? I just got some from my local O'Reilly's for like $20 for the pair. Didn't need any other things to make them work. They are even red for my smoked lenses.
Why trying to avoid LED's out of curiosity? I just got some from my local O'Reilly's for like $20 for the pair. Didn't need any other things to make them work. They are even red for my smoked lenses.
I'd prefer not to go with LED's just because I dont care much for the look of them in my brake/turn lights on the bike. I just really like the clean and simple look of the stock signals.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,626
Likes: 6,443
From: Honah Lee
An autopart bulb will not work in a Harley. Even the ones marked heavy duty. The Harley bulb at the Harley parts is heavy duty for vibration.
Also not too long ago, someone was having problems and there was some type of factory mix up where they had the run light on the brake light. It would also be real easy if someone has had it apart to get two pins reversed on the leads and switched them.
Also not too long ago, someone was having problems and there was some type of factory mix up where they had the run light on the brake light. It would also be real easy if someone has had it apart to get two pins reversed on the leads and switched them.
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Joe Kucinski
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 722
Likes: 9
From: Williamsport, MD
the OEM bulbs should be really good bulb's, they are built heavy duty to take the extra vibration, I don't think regular Sylvanias are as good.
check the voltage at the bulb, if there was too much amperage the fuse would pop.
the LED in the tail light Is pretty cool, it puts a whiter light on the license plate which looks more modern.
check the voltage at the bulb, if there was too much amperage the fuse would pop.
the LED in the tail light Is pretty cool, it puts a whiter light on the license plate which looks more modern.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
In my limited experience, bulbs going out too soon multiple times points to a vibration problem, such as from an old and brittle gasket or overtightened fasteners. I haven't swapped out one of these taillights yet, so I don't know how they're put together, but I assume you have two filaments - one with current always flowing through it, and another with current flowing through it only when you're braking. If that's the case, I'd be willing to bet that the first filament is the one that keeps burning out. I'm thinking vibration here, though one of our electrical experts may have a different (and more accurate) theory.
Go with some bright LEDs and problem solved.