I bought my first motorcycle last night, a 2001 Heritage Softail Classic. It has an issue with the turn signals and running lights that I thought was a simple bulb replacement, but turns out i was wrong. This bike has the turn signal module on it to make the rear turn signals into running lights. The right light works fine. But the left won't operate as a running light, only as a turn signal. Also, the front left turn signal is always on (both filaments) and will not blink when I use that turn signal. Any ideas where I need to start looking to fix this?

 

does it do it still if you remove module?
i had an issue almost like that, one of wires going into the turn signal housing was loose, try and move some wires around and see if they go on or off.

 

X2 on removing the module first. Once it's back to stock you can easily troubleshoot using the factory HD service manual.

 

X3 on removing the module and see what it does. It only takes a minute. The lights will do some funky stuff if the module has a problem. I'm on my third one at the moment..

 

I unplugged the module, and rear turn signals operate as they should. I still had issues with the front light though. I took the (brand new) bulb out and cleaned inside the socket as best I could, and reinserted it. Still have both filaments burning all the time, no blinking when I use the turn signal. So I removed it again and repeated, same result. Took it out a third time, turned the bulb 180* and reinserted. All is working well now. That shouldn't have worked, should it?

Also, how often to the modules go out, and is there a better alternative? I really like having the rear turn signals as running lights. Since they are not currently running lights, do I need to find some amber lenses?

 

If there is anything at all between the two contacts clean it out. Even if you don't see anything, clean between the contacts. Use alcohol if you have it.

I've had to clean mine a couple of times, but in my case it was burning up the bulbs.

The module life seems to vary. My first one lasted about three years and then just fell apart, literally. The second one only lasted a year. The one on the bike now has five years and still going. A guy I ride with, who's had his bike longer than me has never replaced his.

 

Have you tried plugging the module back in to see if it works now?

 

Buy a new module.

 

IF it's bad and it's a Custom Dynamics module, try to find out how old it is. Custom Dynamics offers a 5 yr warranty on their product.

 

It appears to be a Harley part. On closer inspection, it also appears that one corner of the housing is melted. I'd say that's a pretty good indicator that it's a bad part.