Lighting Problem
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 5
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From: cali
Lighting Problem
Hello all,
So, I have this weird lighting problem... The right side tail light doesn't stay on, but it will light up when I hit the break or the blinker. I have checked the fuses and they are all good and the wires look to be in good shape as well. Any advice or ideas?
So, I have this weird lighting problem... The right side tail light doesn't stay on, but it will light up when I hit the break or the blinker. I have checked the fuses and they are all good and the wires look to be in good shape as well. Any advice or ideas?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,620
Likes: 27,704
From: SoCal
Hello all,
So, I have this weird lighting problem... The right side tail light doesn't stay on, but it will light up when I hit the break or the blinker. I have checked the fuses and they are all good and the wires look to be in good shape as well. Any advice or ideas?
So, I have this weird lighting problem... The right side tail light doesn't stay on, but it will light up when I hit the break or the blinker. I have checked the fuses and they are all good and the wires look to be in good shape as well. Any advice or ideas?
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,428
Likes: 7,122
From: Beyond Fucital
The running light like said is a separate filament.
If the new bulb doesn't fix it, check the contact in the socket.
If that doesn't work start tracing the wire back looking for a break in the wire.
All the running lights come from a common point and use their own wire, not the brake/turn wire.
If the new bulb doesn't fix it, check the contact in the socket.
If that doesn't work start tracing the wire back looking for a break in the wire.
All the running lights come from a common point and use their own wire, not the brake/turn wire.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 399
From: Bournemouth United Kingdom
Christmas Tree Lighting I call it is indicative of a bad earth/ground path that finds an easier route to earth/ground if another lighting circuit is active and another path with less resistive value is brought into the mix. Check your earth/ground paths first would be my advice.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 425
From: Illinois
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 10,186
Likes: 17,837
From: In a van down by the river
Mechanic friend of mine is always trying to drill it into my head, the three S's. Start Simple Stupid. I have a tendency to have something minor happen, hear a new noise that I'm not used to in just about anything, and work it up into my head until I'm under the assumption that I'll need to buy a new truck/bike. When all it is could be a loose nut or bolt.
So, as said above, dual filament bulbs, one has constant current while riding, other get's current when you activate the brakes/blinker. If one works and not the other? Chances are filament crapped out, change out the bulb and then test it. You did the most simple by checking the fuses, now move on to the next simple step of bulb replacement, if it doesn't work, then you can start working your way towards the more complicated and more labor intensive diagnostics and fixes.
So, as said above, dual filament bulbs, one has constant current while riding, other get's current when you activate the brakes/blinker. If one works and not the other? Chances are filament crapped out, change out the bulb and then test it. You did the most simple by checking the fuses, now move on to the next simple step of bulb replacement, if it doesn't work, then you can start working your way towards the more complicated and more labor intensive diagnostics and fixes.
Last edited by MilsurpShooter; Apr 25, 2019 at 09:23 AM.
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