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Turn Signal Diagnostics

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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 05:01 PM
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punisher660
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Default Turn Signal Diagnostics

Front signals don't blink even though the rear do.

Before I get slammed for a stupid comment, I bought the bike used, and I don't know if I have ever seen them blink.

I swapped out the bulbs for the amber ones with the smoked covers (these are the lollipop style on a Heritage)

Anyhow, when the bike is running, the front are both lit up, they just don't flash when the switch is pressed.

Any ideas where to start?
 
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 05:03 PM
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Are they dual filiment?
 
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 05:33 PM
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Man...are you popping any fuses? Is there an LEDs anywhere on the bike that are aftermarket? If your popping some fuses that is actually a good thing (well it would make it easier). Any other weird things going on with the electrical? such as the horn not working?
 
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 05:33 PM
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Are the new amber bulbs LEDs by chance? If so, that's probably the issue.
 
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 05:38 PM
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Alright well ...check fuses if you see any that are blown, get a handful of 15a fuses. Im not some high speed mechanic but I believe there are somewhere to the tune of about 5 connections to the main harness so unplug them all - put a new fuse in - then start plugging in all what you have unplugged one at a time until you hear/see the fuse pop, this will isolate where the grounding problem is (if there is a grounding prob), next - just trace all those wires and inspect them for any damage. i recently had a prob with the brake switch in my switch housing apparently the wire was routed wrong and was grounding on my bars.
I would look for any error codes on the speedo...hopefully its not the Turn Signal Module and if it is you will more than likely have probs with the security system (if you have one). Again, Im definitely no expert but just trying to help out.
 
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 05:39 PM
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I agree with Panhead.....if they are LEDs that have been added just get the Badlands illuminator for your year and model...plug that sucker in and your problem should be resolved if thats the case.
 
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 07:21 PM
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The signals are NOT led - but now that you guys have brought up the dual fulfillment bulb thing...

I remember the kit came with 2 sets of bulbs, one set was dual, the other set was not - which ones should go up front? Maybe I just swapped them.

I will bust out the manual and start looking for the fuses also.

I have no security system to speak of other than my Springfield 1911, so no worries there

I'll post back after trying the previous suggestions.
 
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 08:54 PM
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Use the dual filiment for running/flashers.
 
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 10:43 PM
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Originally Posted by punisher660
The signals are NOT led - but now that you guys have brought up the dual fulfillment bulb thing...

I remember the kit came with 2 sets of bulbs, one set was dual, the other set was not - which ones should go up front? Maybe I just swapped them.
I don't know if our signals are the same, but my front signals are #1157 dual filament, rears are #1156 single filament. Just remove a bulb from the receptacle and look into the sockect to determine if you have one silver colored solder contact, or two. Then look at the very bottom of the bulb to be sure it corresponds with the socket.

1156 single filament contact & bulb



1157 dual filament contact

 
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 11:06 PM
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Thanks for all the replies. Now I feel like a tard

Apparently the front bulbs are directional - I pulled the bulb to verify that it was a dual filament. When I put it back in, it worked - one did anyway. Apparently the bulb is directional - when I put it back in, I inadvertently rotated it 180 degrees and that is when it began working - I pulled the other one, rotated it 180 and now they both work.

Thanks for all the help.
 
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