*Problem* Rear Brake Light Short
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: NC
*Problem* Rear Brake Light Short
I admit, I am a dunce when it comes to wiring. I can machine anything up, but wiring I know nothing about.
Anyway, yesterday I removed my rear turn signals and installed the docking kit for a quick detach sissy bar. The night crept up on me and I didn't have time to relocate the rear sigs to the swing arm, as I was going to do. So I duct taped the wires that originally went to the two rear sigs. I taped the ends to prevent anything getting in, then I taped them under the fender.
Today, I took the bike out for a quick jam and notice my taillight is blinking. It will blink on startup, then be normal, then blink again.
Question: Is this because the signals are not completing the circuit? Do I need to crimp the extra wires somehow? Why would the taillight seem to be shorting?
Any info from you smarter electrical guys is appreciated.
BTW, I ride a 2010 Street Bob.
Anyway, yesterday I removed my rear turn signals and installed the docking kit for a quick detach sissy bar. The night crept up on me and I didn't have time to relocate the rear sigs to the swing arm, as I was going to do. So I duct taped the wires that originally went to the two rear sigs. I taped the ends to prevent anything getting in, then I taped them under the fender.
Today, I took the bike out for a quick jam and notice my taillight is blinking. It will blink on startup, then be normal, then blink again.
Question: Is this because the signals are not completing the circuit? Do I need to crimp the extra wires somehow? Why would the taillight seem to be shorting?
Any info from you smarter electrical guys is appreciated.
BTW, I ride a 2010 Street Bob.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 3
From: Chesterfield, VA
My reply is probably more valuable as a bump than it is for help.
I would be checking the connections under the seat, then move back checking wiring to the circuit board and connections under the taillight. Sounds like a short or bad connection to me.
I would be checking the connections under the seat, then move back checking wiring to the circuit board and connections under the taillight. Sounds like a short or bad connection to me.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
Depending on the circuit, sometimes you will get the blinking when the circuit is missing pieces, such as the turn signals. When my left rear lamp went out I would get fast blinking on start up then it would quit, it is an indicator that you have a problem. It is not sensing the load it expects. It could be a short causing it, or it could just be the missing lights.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 5
From: Batesville Ga
I envy your machining ability. Wiring's not tough but it can be a beast to track things down. Here's some basic info to get you started. Once you understand how those dang lil electrons run around inside your bike its easier to track problems down.
http://www.btinternet.com/~jhpart/bkwirec.htm
http://www.btinternet.com/~jhpart/bkwirec.htm
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 583
Likes: 4
From: Pittsburgh PA
Make sure your tire didnt rub through the shrink tube at some point under your fender causing a short, this can happen if you are running an oversize tire,or if your routing is not secure to the inner fender tabs keeping everything snug.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: NC
thanks for the tips guys. I did notice a clip that popped out of the hole where the sparto brake light is. either that is causing the housing to be loose, or when I wrapped the wires, perhaps one of them is touching?
I will get back into it tomorrow and let you all know if I fixed the problem.
I will get back into it tomorrow and let you all know if I fixed the problem.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
hdzenride
Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection
22
Aug 23, 2008 10:51 PM
