Headlight and Tail light issues
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
Likes: 12,706
From: South Carolina
The chances are not slim, you just bought a 24 year old machine and there`s a good chance that the previous owner just threw some old bulbs in.
Besides, when troubleshooting electrical systems, always start at the cheapest simplest solution.
Buy the three bulbs...if the old ones are good, you have three spares.
Once you know the bulbs are good you can continue troubleshooting.
The next step will be to remove the fuel tanks so you can access the connectors and check the running light circuit.
Besides, when troubleshooting electrical systems, always start at the cheapest simplest solution.
Buy the three bulbs...if the old ones are good, you have three spares.
Once you know the bulbs are good you can continue troubleshooting.
The next step will be to remove the fuel tanks so you can access the connectors and check the running light circuit.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: NS Canada
Ok so finally I was able to get some time to go over a few things. Replaced all bulbs and still the same issue.
I am trying to concentrate on fixing one item at a time and I feel the brake light deserves the most attention. So I located the brake light switch and checked the connections... After disconnecting it I found that when I turn the ignition on, both wires are hot, when I believe only one is suppose to be. So tomorrow I am gonna remove the rear fender and tanks and see if I can see why both are hot. Could it be a short in the taillight socket that is sending the power back through the wire for the brake light. I should be up to my ears in wires tomorrow so I will keep posting any additional issues.
Thanks
I am trying to concentrate on fixing one item at a time and I feel the brake light deserves the most attention. So I located the brake light switch and checked the connections... After disconnecting it I found that when I turn the ignition on, both wires are hot, when I believe only one is suppose to be. So tomorrow I am gonna remove the rear fender and tanks and see if I can see why both are hot. Could it be a short in the taillight socket that is sending the power back through the wire for the brake light. I should be up to my ears in wires tomorrow so I will keep posting any additional issues.
Thanks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 112
From: Florida
Not sure because your bike is older than mine, but on my bike the fuse panel is under the seat. Btw, might be a good idea to get a shop manual for your bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 112
From: Florida
I'm sure someone with a similar bike will chime in sooner or later. Just curious, were you aware of these issues when you bought the bike?
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 14
From: Canadian in Germany
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 675
Likes: 110
My son's brake lights quit working about a week ago. Neither the front or rear switch worked. Checking it out for him I found the rear switch (foot brake) was stuck in the on position. If the brake light is on all the time it can't get brighter when brakes are applied. Lubed the switch so it moved freely and problem solved.
Dan
Dan
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
Likes: 12,706
From: South Carolina
The orange wire is connected to the accessory breaker, it is hot whenever the switch is turned on.
The red wire that connects to the switch will have power when either brake light switch is activated.
If you disconnect the red wire from the rear brake light switch and it still has power, it means that the front brake light switch is activated.
You have a problem with the front switch.
Your bike does not have fuses, it has four circuit breakers.
The main circuit breaker is on the front of the rear fender extension behind the oil tank area.
The three 15 amp fuses (ignition, accessory, lights) are located at the rear of the dash panel.
There is no short. A short is when a bare wire contacts ground, it will blow the fuse or trip the breaker.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; May 2, 2015 at 06:48 AM.