97 fxd turn signal question
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 447
Likes: 7
From: new york
97 fxd turn signal question
Right side signals work fine. Left side, front stays lit, the rear signal doesn’t come on. I changed the rear bulb....nothing changed. Contacted PO and they said it works and then sometimes it doesn’t. Thought it was the relay? Does the 97 have a turn signal relay? I thought they were modules? If they do have one,
which relay do I need to get and where is it? I figure under the cover on the left side of the bike, but which is it?
And if it’s not a relay? Any ideas?
which relay do I need to get and where is it? I figure under the cover on the left side of the bike, but which is it?
And if it’s not a relay? Any ideas?
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Right side signals work fine. Left side, front stays lit, the rear signal doesn’t come on. I changed the rear bulb....nothing changed. Contacted PO and they said it works and then sometimes it doesn’t. Thought it was the relay? Does the 97 have a turn signal relay? I thought they were modules? If they do have one,
which relay do I need to get and where is it? I figure under the cover on the left side of the bike, but which is it?
And if it’s not a relay? Any ideas?
which relay do I need to get and where is it? I figure under the cover on the left side of the bike, but which is it?
And if it’s not a relay? Any ideas?
Your FSM will have a test procedure for the module.
I have to ask are there any aftermarket modules in the system?
Like say to make your rear turn signals act as brake lights?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,115
Likes: 7,638
From: Poolville
Modules can be funny at times but I don't think this is one of them.. usually when they go bad it will not light the front and not the back. Either the whole left side works or not. So because the front comes on and stays on is an indication that the module is ok but your probably thinking then why isn't it blinking? It's because the one front build is not load enough to make the module cycle on/off. I think you either have a bad ground for the rear or the 12v is not getting there. Oil the socket and check the connections there...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 610
From: USA
https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....%3D1997+wiring
Try the link above. It should take you to the
Try the link above. It should take you to the
Wiring Diagrams & Electrical Troubleshooting Guide - 1997 All Models
which has a troubleshooting section on the turn signal module.I think Hotrod has it right … probably not the module. There may also be a plug for the rear lighting at the front of the rear fender. You can check the turn signal power there before it runs under the fender.
Last edited by 14GuineaPig; Dec 12, 2018 at 05:57 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 610
From: USA
Wouldn't that require that you hold the turn signal switch down to activate the turn signal and keep it pressed the whole time you want it to flash? I guess that would eliminate the self cancelling signals also. Not my first choice.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 410
Likes: 127
From: Iowa
....So because the front comes on and stays on is an indication that the module is ok but your probably thinking then why isn't it blinking? It's because the one front bulb is not load enough to make the module cycle on/off. I think you either have a bad ground on the rear or the 12v is not getting there. Oil the socket and check the connections there...
My '96 Heritage had the same exact problem when I bought it, except mine was on the right side. Like you, when I turned on the right turn signal, the front would stay on solid and the rear wouldn't light up at all.
Once I got my FSM and could see the wiring diagram, I found it was connector #7 under the right side of the driver's seat that sent power to the rear turn signals. Looking at an online wiring diagram for your bike, it looks like yours is the same as mine. It's an 8-pin connector. Pins 3 (violet wire) and 4 (black wire) go to your left turn signal. On yours, there should be another 2-pin connector (#18) for those two wires between connector #7 and your left rear turn signal. If the problem isn't in #7 it might be with #18.
I used a volt meter to confirm that the "on and off" voltage was getting to one half of connector #7 but wasn't always getting through that connector to get to the turn signal. I ended up fixing mine by taking connector #7 apart and spraying the crap out of all the pins in both halves of the connector with electrical contact cleaner spray. It's been working fine in the two years since.
Good luck!
.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Banned
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4,576
Likes: 978
From: Viet Vet, crossroads
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,173
Likes: 12,740
From: South Carolina
Rewiring the bike to use an old type flasher is not the way to go, it would not be as simple as it sounds...
I agree with 98 hotrodfatboy, first find the problem causing the rear signal light problem.
I agree with 98 hotrodfatboy, first find the problem causing the rear signal light problem.