Tail light problems
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2nd Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Tail light problems
I am at a complete loss. I have a 91 FXSTC and a couple weeks ago the tail light started blowing bulbs like crazy. The brake light works but the running light filament kept breaking. I noticed that as I increased the revs the running light got brighter and dimmer as I backed off. I bought a new tail light and now it doesn't work at all. I am not very good with electrical but **** there's only two wires. Can anybody shine some light on this problem?
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 851
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
I've got a 95 FXSTC and a couple years back installed aftermarket exhaust on the bike.The vibration to the rear fender was so bad that bulb replacement was frequent.I finally went to a double wound dual filament bulb and no more probs.Recheck the wiring on your new tail light assy. and make sure you've got a good ground.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
Could be a wiring short. That would be the first thing I look for first cause it is the cheapest to fix. Might be a voltage regulator problem unless you are buying cheap bad bulbs...Bright lights when reving---dimmer lights at idle points to battery or charging system sometimes. The manual tells you how to check alternator ac voltage at the right rpm and what it should be. It also tells you what dc voltage should be at certain rpm. If you are not good with this stuff---I would get good or find a friend that is or take it to the shop. Some others might have a better idea.
Last edited by oldairboater; Oct 20, 2010 at 01:52 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 31
From: Charlotte Area
Look for ground problems and/or power wires touching. AS suggested, check your charging system output, You may be getting more voltage than the bike is suppossed to which would cause the bulb to crap out on you.
Good luck
Good luck
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 6
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Thanks guys. Is it better to have the tail light installed for a better ground or does that even make a difference? I was thinking voltage regulator because the headlight brightens and dims with the RPMs at idle sometimes too. It has a new battery and I traced the wires and didn't find any wear or breaks. I'll check the manual and see if I can come up with anything.
Stage II
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Florida Panhandle
07 FLHT hand break lights works foot dont
I have an 07 FLHT and the runing tight and foot break light stop working BUT the hand brake lights up. Whats up with that anybody
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2nd Gear
Joined: May 2010
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I had the same problem with a FLT I had. Turned out it was the brake light switch for the rear brake. It was located just behind the transmission on the right side of the bike. A wire had been knocked off by some road debris and after I soldered it back together it worked fine. Just follow your brake line from the master by the foot pedal and you'll find it.
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Stage II
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Florida Panhandle
Do you know if the relay can let that happen? When I pull the hand break I hear it click but not with the foot break. and is the runing light on the same wire as the break light? Neather runing light or foot break light work but hand break will light up. Could that be two wires?
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