LED lights causing radio interference !
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 130
From: Now Western TN
Some cause the interference some don't . Doesn't matter how much they cost either, had my dealer install the best ones in the market, they tried to resolve the issue working with the manufacturer and could not resolve the problem after a full day and numerous communication. I left it with manufacturer I may run the bike to them this spring for them to try to resolve.. Really like to have full LED, but not with the radio issues..
Here is a article that discusses the basics. https://www.saazs.com/how-to-fix-rad...om-led-lights/
Bottom line I don't think he is going to get any LED light manufacturer to "guarantee" no interference.
You have to remember changing to LED lights changes the loads on the circuit as designed. That's why custom dynamics sells their load balancing module so the turn signals don't act screwy. I am sure all the other to end LED lighting manufacturers also sell these. Even with those the bikes are susceptible for the other reasons stated.
Last edited by Bowhunter61; Feb 9, 2020 at 04:24 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,171
Likes: 4,244
From: U.S.A. Upstate N. Y.
LED radio Interference
Load equilizer and ferrite cores were tried in my case, did not resolve the issue. Could be older models without can bus design might be a problem since they were never intended to be LED in the first place. We will see.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 130
From: Now Western TN
I have an 09 with no problems but then again I have an aftermarket radio installed so that adds another variable. I would guess in your case, shielding the lighting wires up in the fairing may improve your situation.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,171
Likes: 4,244
From: U.S.A. Upstate N. Y.
LED radio Interference
Thanks bow hunter, maybe that will help.My Harley dealer said they have five bikes with the same issue. I'd do it myself but I m afraid once I take the lights out if their shop, I own them weather we can get them to not interfer or not. Really want them though. Really want thouse lights.I will see..
im considering adding the ferrites , but also had people tell me that they added , and did not help
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 130
From: Now Western TN
It depends on where you put the Ferrites. In this case putting them as close to the LED lights as possible says you believe the RF being generated is coming from the lights themselves and travelling through the power lines into the radio power. I actually don't think this is the case. The radios have plenty of power line filtering to remove anything the LED lights would reflect back on the power line. Most likely case is the RF is radiating and coupling onto the speaker lines. So if someone just opens the fairing and throws some ferrites on the headlight and turn signal lines right inside the fairing, it probably isn't doing much to fix the problem since all the other wiring is right there. If the ferrites don't help when locating them as close as possible to the LED lights, then I would shield the speaker wires which would be pretty easy to do, just make sure you ground both ends. This would have a much bigger affect on protecting the audio then adding the ferrites IMHO.
Ok, so I have an 08 ultra as well. I bought replacement LED bulbs for the head and spots from DK Custom Products. Direct plug in replacement. The headlamp has a cooling fan. You can hear it when you turn on the bike if everything else is off. I have had no interference issues. If yours is a direct plug replacement then it is just a matter of the construction and design being cheap.
PM Sent.
PM Sent.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
LED lights need a power supply that is usually built into the base. RF noise interference from cheap switching power supplies is a **** to identify and eliminate, especially if you are using a hidden antenna setup. Most of the time you don't know what is causing the problem until it goes away. Do not to try more than one thing at a time because that can get confusing quickly and cause more problems.
From what I have seen so far, HD radio coax is cheap and not shielded very well. That is going to make it even more challenging to get it cleared up. If changing over to a rear mounted antenna does not help, then the RF is probably being introduced into the power or ground circuits. You can try rerouting the antenna coax and light wiring so they are not routed together. You can also try running a dedicated ground wire direct from the light housing to the frame or just changing the grounding point for the lights. It may be in a gang ground or the ground is dirty or loose. Make sure both systems connectors are clean and tight. A loose or dirty contact in a connector on one light will radiate enough noise to shut down your radio. I have never tried one on a motorcycle, but an automotive RF filter might work. They're effective and cheap and worth a try. Good luck.
From what I have seen so far, HD radio coax is cheap and not shielded very well. That is going to make it even more challenging to get it cleared up. If changing over to a rear mounted antenna does not help, then the RF is probably being introduced into the power or ground circuits. You can try rerouting the antenna coax and light wiring so they are not routed together. You can also try running a dedicated ground wire direct from the light housing to the frame or just changing the grounding point for the lights. It may be in a gang ground or the ground is dirty or loose. Make sure both systems connectors are clean and tight. A loose or dirty contact in a connector on one light will radiate enough noise to shut down your radio. I have never tried one on a motorcycle, but an automotive RF filter might work. They're effective and cheap and worth a try. Good luck.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
I bought this an it took care of the interference on my '14
