So i have a 2012 Sportster 1200 CP.

The rear LED taillight stopped working. The brake light works fine.
Its just the taillight that doesnt work. All fuses are good to go.

Anyone have any ideas as to what is going on? I dont have the 400+ to give to the dealership to install a new one.
Thanks!

 

I think there are 2 fuses. brakes and turns on one and running on the other. I may totally be wrong but for some reason that's what I remember. I do drink a lot though lol.

 

haha

just one fuse for lights. there are 5 15w fuses. all of them are good to go.

forgot to mention...the clear license plate light work fine too

 

It's likely the LED modual (on the LED circuit board) that's bad. But, run it to ground by checking teh connectors under the seat. You have two that are identical that go to each of the TS, then a third slightly different connector that leads to the tail light.

Unplug it and re-plug it if you haven't already done so.

Next, if you have a meter, check for voltage on the red wire with yellow stripe.

The blue wire is the brake light and it obviously works.
The gorund is common to both brakes and tail light, so it obviously works.

If you get a voltage signal on the red/yellow wire, something is wrong with the tail light. If this is trhe case, check any connections inside the lamp, and the wires leading to the lamp.

If you get no voltage, the wiring/connector has an issue or the Body Control Modual has failed.

 

Thanks! I dont have a meter, but i think i know someone who has one.
One thing though. I have no way of actually getting into the lamp like you suggested. it is all one solid sealed piece. even the wires going into the housing are sealed in .

 

That's OK. The stuff inside probably can't be fixed by us mortals anyway.

Looking at the schematic, it looks like the tag light and tail light are the same circuit. You may be screwed.

Before buying new ($$$), look at aftermarket lamps from Custom Dynamics and other companies.

 

HAha story of my life. thanks for the info ill look into other purchasing options. dont think ill be able to diy though. sounds like fender has to come off to replace. thats way beyond my skill level of 0 hahah

thanks again!

 

Sorry to hear this.

When I had similar problems, I found that one of the wires that runs along inside the rear fender had popped out of it's run, and was being gnawed by the tyre.

Snipped it, cleaned it, then re-soldered and it all works fine. Worth a look I guess!

Good luck, mate!

 

Can buy a whole lot of 1157 bulb taillights for that much

 

Take it off and test the old bulb taillight