LED Lights
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
I was told the load equalizer only stops the dash light from flashing fast. It doesn't do anything to the lights at all. They'll still flash at a normal rate. I know this because I left it off of my bike. The fast flashing dash doesn't bother me at all.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,982
Likes: 1,587
From: Philadelphia, PA
Much cheaper solutions out there...consider TruckLight for your head & spots: http://www.discountfleetsupply.com/tlc27270c-3set.html
Also, for your signals, take a look at Custom Dynamics: http://www.customdynamics.com/harley...ts_catalog.htm
Between these two sources, you can add illumination to your scoot for increased safety and riding pleasure.
Also, for your signals, take a look at Custom Dynamics: http://www.customdynamics.com/harley...ts_catalog.htm
Between these two sources, you can add illumination to your scoot for increased safety and riding pleasure.
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
When I first installed the C.D. LED turns, I was impatient and wanted to see what they looked like, so I switched them on as soon as they were installed (I hadn't installed the "can-bus adapter" yet.).
They worked but
#1) they threw a code (for a burned out lamp) and
#2) the dash lights flashed fast.
I installed the adapter and the codes went away but the dash still flashed at twice normal speed.
C.D. told me to try cycling the four-ways on for 1-2 minutes to "re-sync" the flash rate.
Worked like a charm.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 709
From: San Diego
I'd rather have the BCM code and the quicker flashing lights on the indicators. For me that is not enough reason to add another electrical device to the already complicated system. Not to mention all it is doing is creating more resistance which means more power draw. That is one of the benefits of LED, very little power required to run them. When you add the load equalizers, you might as well be running incandescent lights.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 499
Likes: 2
From: Wisconsin
I've got the fast flashing indicator but never had the fault lamp, CD told me to run the four ways to try to re-sync the system but hadn't worked for me. How long did it take for yours to sync up?
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
I found it actually took longer, like maybe three full minutes.
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
By bringing the resistance back up to incandescent levels, you're preventing your can-bus system from thinking you have burned out lamps...
Last edited by jam436; Mar 23, 2014 at 10:20 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,127
Likes: 13,082
From: Texas, USA
... The reason you use a load stabilizer is because LED's cause way less resistance. Less resistance makes a flasher relay flash quicker. So, when you put LED's into a system that uses a flasher relay the indicators will flash quicker. The load stabilizers just add resistance.
Can Bus systems do not use a flasher relay for the turn signals, it is controlled by the Body Control Module. However, they have programmed this to still see a bulb out, and when that happens the indicator on your dash will blink fast. The turn signal bulbs still blink normal speed though.
So, in short, you can use the stabilizers on a CAN BUS bike if you want, but it is in no way required.
Can Bus systems do not use a flasher relay for the turn signals, it is controlled by the Body Control Module. However, they have programmed this to still see a bulb out, and when that happens the indicator on your dash will blink fast. The turn signal bulbs still blink normal speed though.
So, in short, you can use the stabilizers on a CAN BUS bike if you want, but it is in no way required.
The bottom line is the need for a load equalizer is on a case by case basis, but as stated earlier, for CAN bus systems, not required. There is no harm riding with a fault code and faster flashing dash signal lights.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 709
From: San Diego
So you'd rather have your bike throwing codes and not working right because you didn't want to put a 4" lead with a resistor and two Posi-Taps across two wires?
That's kind of the point isn't it?
By bringing the resistance back up to incandescent levels, you're preventing your can-bus system from thinking you have burned out lamps...
That's kind of the point isn't it?
By bringing the resistance back up to incandescent levels, you're preventing your can-bus system from thinking you have burned out lamps...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 709
From: San Diego
It seems, based upon others experiences, that the need for a load equalizer is independent of the CAN bus. Based upon the information in the quote above, all pre-CAN bus electrical systems should require load equalizers but not all CAN bus systems require one. It also seems that not all BCMs throw a code despite a faster flashing dash.
The bottom line is the need for a load equalizer is on a case by case basis, but as stated earlier, for CAN bus systems, not required. There is no harm riding with a fault code and faster flashing dash signal lights.
The bottom line is the need for a load equalizer is on a case by case basis, but as stated earlier, for CAN bus systems, not required. There is no harm riding with a fault code and faster flashing dash signal lights.