Flying Blind
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
Flying Blind
I have no service manual for my 99 fxsts, so sometimes I am flying blind when tinkering on it. I installed new fender struts, cut the turn signal lamp wiring at the lamp to remove them. After patching wire I turned on ignition, no turn signals....everything else is fine....wtf did I do wrong? My multimeter shows 0 volts at the lamp....could it be a blown fuse/circuit breaker? I checked all four with multimeter, they seem ok...is there a main breaker somewhere?
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: CNY
Looks like the power for the turn signals comes off the org/wht wire which is off the acc. crkt brkr if your brake lights are working your brkr is ok and not tripped . Not sure what you installed for new struts but make sure your ground is good for your rear signals . I have also seen shorted bulbs cause this but both not working kinda rules that out .
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,026
Likes: 12,548
From: South Carolina
If you continue to work without a manual, you will eventually make a costly mistake.
Yes, your bike has a main circuit breaker. But if it were the main breaker, nothing electrical would have power.
You need to trace the wiring to find the problem, the wiring diagram is in the factory service manual.
Have you checked all the connectors back near the tail light?
Do the front turn signals work?
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Mar 29, 2014 at 09:01 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,324
Likes: 3,571
From: Picayune, Ms.
If you cut the orange w/white tracer wire you have activated the security system, in other words your bike is now dead.
Only a HD dealer can install the codes to make it work again.
The engine may start, but you will only get 5mi. down the road before the bike stops.
You should have cut a brown, purple, and black wire. Make sure that the wires are connected correctly.
Determine if you have a blinker like in your auto (usually round or rectangle in shape) on the bike or if the wires go into a module that has multiple wires coming out of it. That module is what controls the security system and emergency blinkers as well as the regular left/right turn signal.
If your bike does not have the security system, then I think you just crossed the ground wire with the hot wire going to the directionals. You can test by turning on the key, hold down one of the directional switches, and test with the volt meter for voltage in the wiring.
Only a HD dealer can install the codes to make it work again.
The engine may start, but you will only get 5mi. down the road before the bike stops.
You should have cut a brown, purple, and black wire. Make sure that the wires are connected correctly.
Determine if you have a blinker like in your auto (usually round or rectangle in shape) on the bike or if the wires go into a module that has multiple wires coming out of it. That module is what controls the security system and emergency blinkers as well as the regular left/right turn signal.
If your bike does not have the security system, then I think you just crossed the ground wire with the hot wire going to the directionals. You can test by turning on the key, hold down one of the directional switches, and test with the volt meter for voltage in the wiring.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Sad to say that there is something not right with the connections you made. One of them may be crossed, or some other silly problem. Go back over what you did very thoroughly, to identify where the problem lies.
We get a steady supply of members who have made mods to their wiring coming for help, when the problem is lying right in front of you. If you have a friend who has a biking background, call him round for a 'beer'!
We get a steady supply of members who have made mods to their wiring coming for help, when the problem is lying right in front of you. If you have a friend who has a biking background, call him round for a 'beer'!
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
checking now
Now you know you need to buy a factory service manual.
If you continue to work without a manual, you will eventually make a costly mistake.
Yes, your bike has a main circuit breaker. But if it were the main breaker, nothing electrical would have power.
You need to trace the wiring to find the problem, the wiring diagram is in the factory service manual.
Have you checked all the connectors back near the tail light?
Do the front turn signals work?
If you continue to work without a manual, you will eventually make a costly mistake.
Yes, your bike has a main circuit breaker. But if it were the main breaker, nothing electrical would have power.
You need to trace the wiring to find the problem, the wiring diagram is in the factory service manual.
Have you checked all the connectors back near the tail light?
Do the front turn signals work?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,026
Likes: 12,548
From: South Carolina
You are talking about turn signals, right?
If you are expecting the rear turn signal lamp to be on constantly, that would be a running light.
There are no running lights in the turn signals on the rear, only the front.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
omg
What do you mean lamps do not stay on constantly?
You are talking about turn signals, right?
If you are expecting the rear turn signal lamp to be on constantly, that would be a running light.
There are no running lights in the turn signals on the rear, only the front.
You are talking about turn signals, right?
If you are expecting the rear turn signal lamp to be on constantly, that would be a running light.
There are no running lights in the turn signals on the rear, only the front.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,026
Likes: 12,548
From: South Carolina
Ok. I am going to man up and admit I am a dumbass. You are correct. I was not aware of this, ie. trying to fix something that aint broke. This explains why there are two wires to the rear turn signals and three to the front ones. Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. Dan I owe you a steak dinner.
