Turn signal anomoly
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 15
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From: Tulsa
Turn signal anomoly
Hello all; I have a 2010 HD FXSTC (Softail Custom)
Turn signals quit working, I checked the fuse box, blown fuse, replaced fuse, worked fine; yay.
24hrs later: Same issue, replaced fuse, turn signals work again.
Question: How do I find a short in the turn signal circuit?
Where would you start? at the switches?
This is a stock bike, no additional doo dads or "look at me lighting" have been installed. It runs, rides, comes complete. I welcome any info that would help me solve this conundrum.
Live to Ride, Ride to say wheeeeeeeeeeeeee!!
Turn signals quit working, I checked the fuse box, blown fuse, replaced fuse, worked fine; yay.
24hrs later: Same issue, replaced fuse, turn signals work again.
Question: How do I find a short in the turn signal circuit?
Where would you start? at the switches?
This is a stock bike, no additional doo dads or "look at me lighting" have been installed. It runs, rides, comes complete. I welcome any info that would help me solve this conundrum.
Live to Ride, Ride to say wheeeeeeeeeeeeee!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
I would start at the bulb housing and work my way back. Look for a broken/bare wire. A good place to also look is where the wires enter the tank tunnel, a possible pinch point area.
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2017
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From: Tulsa
Thank you. I just hope I dont have to remove the tank, etc just to trace a short, because it's so maddening to find out that the fix is not adhering to the idea of "simple is better" ideology.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,175
Likes: 12,747
From: South Carolina
The most common place to find damaged wires is underneath the rear fender.
Disconnect the electrical connector for that section of the wiring harness and see if it still blows the fuse.
Disconnect the electrical connector for that section of the wiring harness and see if it still blows the fuse.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,824
Likes: 153
From: Street, Md.
Is there any moisture in the lenses. Possible corrosion in there. Check all the easy stuff first especially if you haven't disturbed much on the bike. Unfortunately still could be a wire that want run correctly and has finally got to the point where it is shorting out under the right conditions. Remember start with easy and obvious first. Don't over diagnose it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
Could be quite a few things causing it. Start off removing the seat and disconnecting the rear wiring harness connector and try the brakes. Fuse blow, no? Problem not back there then. Start inspecting the obvious next, light sockets, rear brake switch, wiring harness at the neck. You can lift the tank and pull it back by removing front and rear tank bolts and fuel disconnect line but it's very doubtful problem is under there. Should the wiring harness have chaffed it would be at the neck. Let us know what you find.
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Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 15
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From: Tulsa
Thank you for all the helpful info. I have checked the turn signal wiring from the right front light assembly, where a previous repair had been done; all is good so far. If the fuse blows again, I will then check the wiring harness connector beneath the rear fender.
I Rode to work tonight, no problems. knees in the breeze.......
I Rode to work tonight, no problems. knees in the breeze.......
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 15
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From: Tulsa
Ah HA! I found the problem with the wiring; Kudo's to all who have gone before me down that long, ardurous road of electrical madness. I found that the brake light switch under the frame has a leak, ergo, brake fluid on the wire connection, causing intermittant short, and blown fuse repetition. I have to have the rear brake pads changes out anyways, so, I will have both done at a local repair shop.
I'm still leaning, and still learning about owing a Harley.
Thanks to all, Cheers for Beers! :cheers!:
I'm still leaning, and still learning about owing a Harley.
Thanks to all, Cheers for Beers! :cheers!: