BCM module and turn signals
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
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BCM module and turn signals
Upon getting my Streetbob ready for a new riding season and giving her a good going over I noticed a potential problem for the future. My front turn signals are bar-mounted below the mirrors (stock configuration) with about 3in of wire which enter the lower switch housings thru rubber grommets. These grommets are weathered and torn over time which may allow a short to ground perhaps sometime in the future. I have checked with the HD dealer and these grommets are not available separately but sold as a complete assembled unit with bullet turn signal and switch control unit which they are wired into.
If a time should ever come that any of these wires rub thru and short out will the BCM just disable the output to the affected turn signal and throw up a diagnostic code? Or could the BCM actually disable the entire operation of the bike and leave you stranded requiring a tow home?
I ask this as I am not familiar with these modern canbus systems where as the older fuse protected wiring systems would just blow a fuse until the problem was identified and remedied. I would like to think Harley was smart enough with it's design of the canbus circuits that a short circuit between wires or a ground source would only disable that 12v output (example - turn signals) and not leave you stranded with a bike that won't continue to run. Hopefully a condition like this would only turn on a check engine light with a diagnostic troubleshooting code and allow you to continue operation (without signals) to return home for repair without requiring a tow. Can anyone verify this one way or the other?
If a time should ever come that any of these wires rub thru and short out will the BCM just disable the output to the affected turn signal and throw up a diagnostic code? Or could the BCM actually disable the entire operation of the bike and leave you stranded requiring a tow home?
I ask this as I am not familiar with these modern canbus systems where as the older fuse protected wiring systems would just blow a fuse until the problem was identified and remedied. I would like to think Harley was smart enough with it's design of the canbus circuits that a short circuit between wires or a ground source would only disable that 12v output (example - turn signals) and not leave you stranded with a bike that won't continue to run. Hopefully a condition like this would only turn on a check engine light with a diagnostic troubleshooting code and allow you to continue operation (without signals) to return home for repair without requiring a tow. Can anyone verify this one way or the other?
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From: Beyond Fucital
or just use the sealer
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
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I appreciate the replies fellas but to simplify the question....the canbus system does not use traditional fuses to protect lighting circuits. If a problem or short circuit should develop does the BCM module shut down power output to the affected circuit only? Or does it disable the bike all together....meaning you're screwed. In my situation the wiring grommets are still protecting the wires where they enter the slot in the lower control housing. It is slotted to permit you to slide the wiring in and out of the housing as the wires are consolidated as a unit with the control pushbuttons and cannot be removed. Even the HD signal relocation kit requires you to snip the wires inside the switch assembly and isolate (insulate) the ends as there is no way to remove them. There are additional connectors in the Dyna frame behind the neck opening which are used to power up the turn signals along with new signal wiring and lamp sockets should you choose to relocate the front signals to the fork tubes. Hope this makes sense....but I just want clarification from someone who actually knows about this module as to what limits it would impose should you ever encounter a short circuit in any of the lighting circuits that it controls and protects. Thanks
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From: Arkansas
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
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Thank you Z. Much appreciation!
I have noticed that you answer many of the electrical/electronic questions asked here.
Thanks again
I have noticed that you answer many of the electrical/electronic questions asked here.
Thanks again
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From: Arkansas
No worries, I happen to understand much of the electrical stuff as I was an avionics technician on F-16 aircraft and at my first duty station I was working on 20 year old aircraft that regularly pull 7+Gs of force so wiring was always a big consideration.
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