Topic: Good grief! (Read 6554 times)

110tHunDer · « **on:** May 06, 2004, 10:01:37 PM »

OK, what the frick is causing this? [smiley=furious.gif] [smiley=nervous.gif] I've just blown my third front running/turn signal lamp in 7 months and 1,500 miles. The left one was first about a week after I bought the bike, then the right one earlier this year, and now the left one again. Each time it is the running lamp filament (the one that stays on all the time) and not the turn signal (it still works).

Had the same dual filament amber bulbs (1157A) in my '02 EG Classic for 2 years and 15,000 miles with no problems. Sold that bike to a friend who still has not had to replace them.

This bike has only been wet once when I washed it before storing last fall. Each time I replaced a bulb I put electrical contact grease on it to seal the contacts from corrosion. We said couldn't be the 15 volts that the in-dash voltmeter is reading. Is it the rough-riding lowered suspension? Other ideas?

[smiley=nixweiss.gif] [smiley=confused5.gif]

bostonut · « **Reply #1 on:** May 06, 2004, 10:20:16 PM »

That's weird, I have replaced my right front turn signal lamp twice also...... [smiley=confused5.gif]

tony1968 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 06, 2004, 10:37:22 PM »

replace all bulbs with 2157's (i think is the number you need to go to the parts store)they have a bigger element and take more abuse.

110tHunDer · « **Reply #3 on:** May 07, 2004, 09:08:58 AM »

Tony, thanks for the tip. If they're available in amber, I'll give 'em a try! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

Doc · « **Reply #4 on:** May 10, 2004, 10:58:04 AM »

LEDs arent' bad also...and tough!

110tHunDer · « **Reply #5 on:** May 10, 2004, 07:39:50 PM »

I think my problem is the sockets and not the bulbs.

Johnny · « **Reply #6 on:** May 11, 2004, 01:58:25 AM »

I replaced one of mine (left front) once already as well!! Will check the socket per your comments.

h2oski · « **Reply #7 on:** May 13, 2004, 10:55:44 PM »

Well after raining here all week it finally stopped long enough to go out for a ride. I noticed after a few miles that my left front turn signal was blown also. I wiggled the light bulb when I got home and I didn't think it seemed too loose. Is the bulb a standard bulb or do I have to buy it from Harley? I am sure Harley charges about 10 times what it normally costs.

110tHunDer · « **Reply #8 on:** May 14, 2004, 11:24:16 AM »

h2o, it's an 1157A. "A" for amber. You can get them at NAPA or other parts stores.

h2oski · « **Reply #9 on:** May 14, 2004, 11:36:36 AM »

Thanks 103tHunDer

Does anyone know if the 2157 comes in an amber?

110tHunDer · « **Reply #10 on:** May 14, 2004, 01:41:04 PM »

Haven't checked yet on the 2157's in amber, but I don't think blowing the lamps has anything to do with the Stage 1 kit and the higher rev limit. My first one blew a week after I had the bike and the bike had never seen 6,000 rpms at that point. It has now, though! [smiley=beerchug.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=drink.gif]

Doc · « **Reply #11 on:** May 14, 2004, 03:17:37 PM »

Has anyone changed their rear turn signals to red and made them running/brake/turn lights?

WFP · « **Reply #12 on:** May 14, 2004, 05:45:55 PM »

How about ditch'n the turnsignals and convert the saddlebag spoilers to running/Brak/TURNING?

/Bill

zwild · « **Reply #13 on:** May 15, 2004, 09:52:59 PM »

I dont think it's the higher rev limit, mine has been ok so far. I frequently rev mine over 5G's but I've only had mine for two months and I already have 2500 miles on it so far and no problems yet.

WFP · « **Reply #14 on:** June 20, 2004, 01:35:43 PM »

Noticed yesterday that my left fron running lamp was out...turn signal still worked.

Any news on a cause...my 97 road king had the stock lamps still working the day I delivered it to my Borther in Law. WTF?

/Bill

hummer · « **Reply #15 on:** June 24, 2004, 03:46:58 PM »

Just replaced the right running light with a 2357A. It works but it's raining and I won't ride it for awhile now. I'll report back whenever it blows. Are bulbs under warranty?[smiley=nixweiss.gif] They are with the car makers.

110tHunDer · « **Reply #16 on:** June 24, 2004, 07:27:09 PM »

So, it's 2357A and not 2157A?

As far as warranty, I got my first one free 'cause it happened so soon after I got the bike, but have had to buy the others. Didn't push it, though. Maybe I should've? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

re-tread · « **Reply #17 on:** June 25, 2004, 01:52:19 PM »

Having the same problem with my right rear turn and running light. have 4000 miles and replaced the bulb twice. I think water is getting into the socket, but it doesn't happen right after a rain. Anybody else have a rea turn signal problem?

Doc · « **Reply #18 on:** June 29, 2004, 09:10:48 AM »

LEDs don't blow. I haven't had any problems. You may want to consider the LED bulbs. Just a thought.

laylonlor · « **Reply #19 on:** June 29, 2004, 11:32:37 PM »

hey i just joined today ..i've also have been losing rt. turn signal bulbes i thought i was just running to hard .....he he he [smiley=drink.gif]

mr_magoo · « **Reply #20 on:** July 01, 2004, 08:26:38 AM »

Welcome to the site Laylonlor, you will find lots of answer here. [smiley=biker.gif]

WFP · « **Reply #21 on:** July 13, 2004, 10:26:28 AM »

Quote

LEDs don't blow.

steve01 · « **Reply #22 on:** July 13, 2004, 11:49:57 PM »

I had the same problem, 2 bulbs in 2 weeks. You could see the moisture in the socket. I took the turn bracket apart & used some clear silicone everywhere I figured water could get in. I also used plenty of di-electric grease when I installed the new bulb. It's been 10000 km so far & no problem! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

Doc · « **Reply #23 on:** July 14, 2004, 10:41:32 AM »

Quote

Doc,

Do you know a part number or where to get an LED replacement?

/Bill

Bill...you can go to most Auto Zones or check out J&P Cycles. They sell the LED bulbs in the same number scheme as the regular bulbs...I bought two red LEDs for the rear...I think they were 1156 style, and they worked great. Of course, for the red bulbs, I had already installed the kuryakyn brake/run/turn module so that I have more light to the rear. If you can't find them and they play ignorant when you call, let me know. I can probably find my receipts and give you a part number.

Doc · « **Reply #24 on:** July 14, 2004, 10:44:02 AM »

One thing, however, to add on. I bought amber bulbs for the front end, and they did not work properly. I'm not sure yet if the wiring is screwy, or if I goofed when I ordered them, but one worked like a two-element bulb, while the other worked like a 1-element bulb. Needless to say, I couldn't leave it like that. I still have to work out a solution to this part, but the rears work great, and can be seen from WAY far away. They are about blinding once you get about 50 feet back, but don't look that bright from nearby. Kinda cool.

WFP · « **Reply #25 on:** July 14, 2004, 10:53:50 AM »

Doc...Thanks!

A couple of days ago I ordered the Panacea Laydown smoked tailight...but did not do the rear turn signals yet. I could not tell how it would work with the existing smoked lens.

/Bill

MoChrome · « **Reply #26 on:** July 14, 2004, 11:37:51 AM »

Bill... I have the complete Kuryakyn Panecea set up ( smoked lay down tail light and smoked LED turn signals) and they work great

For the turn signals I purchased the Kuryakyn LED inserts and used the SEEG smoked lenses and they work fine.

Doc · « **Reply #27 on:** July 14, 2004, 11:44:59 AM »

Quote

Bill... I have the complete Kuryakyn Panecea set up ( smoked lay down tail light and smoked LED turn signals) and they work great

WFP · « **Reply #28 on:** July 29, 2004, 04:27:32 PM »

Just added the front LED turn signals from Kuryakyn, part #4825...I already have the smoked laydown Panacea tailight and am looking for the Deuce Style Smoked Inserts, Kuryakyn Part # 4949.

/Bill

OFF:

WFP · « **Reply #29 on:** July 29, 2004, 04:28:08 PM »

Doc · « **Reply #30 on:** July 30, 2004, 09:08:59 AM »

Looks very nice...hoped not to spend that much, but may have to.

BAKRDS · « **Reply #31 on:** August 09, 2004, 10:21:01 PM »

Just replaced left front for the 2nd time. Mine takes both elements when it blows. The lens on that side has very little tension holding it on, surprised it hasn't fallen off yet. I'll probable lose it this weekend at Hell Night in Port Dover Ontario. The O.P.P. will have a good reason to hassel me then.

MoChrome · « **Reply #32 on:** August 10, 2004, 08:28:25 AM »

I was doing my pre trip inspection and although it still works I noticed the finish (the amber tint) on my front left turn signal bulb is all crinkled up [smiley=nixweiss.gif] Looks like the bulb has overheated or something? The other bulbs look fine. Something must be weird about the left front wiring that is causing the bulbs to overheat. I always carry spare bulbs on long trips. I'm taking two front turn bulbs just in case.

110tHunDer · « **Reply #33 on:** August 10, 2004, 09:31:46 PM »

MoChrome, noticed the ones that came in my bike new did that as well. Then I upgraded to the lenses with the chrome trim rings and the package came with new amber bulbs that were a different brand. Not sure I have this right and don't have what I need here to confirm, but I believe the stockers were GE and the ones that came with the lenses/trim rings were Sylvania (mabe vice versa [smiley=confused5.gif]). Anyway, the amber coating on the new ones isn't crinkling. May be worth checking into a different brand to see if you get the same results.

They actually also seem to be lasting longer! [smiley=1syellow1.gif]

110tHunDer · « **Reply #34 on:** August 13, 2004, 03:52:23 PM »

Update: stockers are GE and the ones that came with the lenses/trim rings I got are Stanley (not Sylvania). I have a GE on one side and a Stanley on the other in the front and the amber on the GE is all crinkled where the Stanley still looks good as new.

Cohibalator · « **Reply #35 on:** August 23, 2004, 02:27:58 PM »

Add mine to this list, front left....

110tHunDer · « **Reply #36 on:** August 23, 2004, 07:30:25 PM »

Wow, that didn't take long. Then again, my left one (bulb, that is [smiley=blush.gif]) blew out too, about a week after I took delivery.

jay · « **Reply #37 on:** August 26, 2004, 09:07:30 PM »

I blew 3 front bulbs as well. I then changed both of them with new ones and have about 2000 miles on and all is well. Not sure if it is realated but I had a "code history" show up (the engine light would come back on for a few seconds after the bike was started. It means something happened in the past, but is no longer happening.) When the history of the code was checked it showed an electrical short had occured but was now fine. The code cleared. I checked all the connections, grounds, etc. and found nothing. No new codes or blown bulbs since...go figure!??

rpierce · « **Reply #38 on:** August 26, 2004, 11:01:16 PM »

Same thing with mine, left front.Pretty strange all seem to be L/F. If anybody finds a cure let us know. [smiley=drink.gif]

WFP · « **Reply #39 on:** August 27, 2004, 06:37:49 AM »

Quote

Same thing with mine, left front.Pretty strange all seem to be L/F. If anybody finds a cure let us know. [smiley=drink.gif]

My LEDs above are still burnin' bright...but in amoment I will be posting a new issue that has me sad.

/Bill

110tHunDer · « **Reply #40 on:** August 29, 2004, 09:18:50 PM »

Gee, do you think the problem could be as simple a junk bulbs?! [smiley=nixweiss.gif] I just pulled this one out of the right front (there goes the left front theory). Check out the amber tint cracking and peeling (there's that word again!) away from the bulb. This is a GE 1157A. I've replaced it with a Stanley. I've had one of those in the left front now for a good 2,000 miles/3-4 months and it still looks and works like new.

MoChrome · « **Reply #41 on:** August 30, 2004, 08:55:03 AM »

Quote

Gee, do you think the problem could be as simple a junk bulbs?! [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Doc · « **Reply #42 on:** August 30, 2004, 11:50:11 AM »

Here's a thought for you electricians out there to ponder...

I posted earlier that I bought LED bulbs for the amber fronts, and that I found them to not work the same. When I installed the 2-element LED bulbs (1157), I found that the one on the left side did not work as a running light, like the right side one did. I thought the bulb was defective, so I sent it back and ordered another. Same deal. So I switched the bulb from the right side to the left, and the "good" bulb did the same thing. I would highly doubt that this is a coincidence. Is there maybe a wiring design problem here which is causing both problems???

Twolanerider · « **Reply #43 on:** August 30, 2004, 04:47:11 PM »

My front turn / run bulbs looked just like yours. I took the bulbs out and was able to simply wipe the remaining amber coating right off the bulbs.

Try looking at the part's store for bulbs whose part number ends in NA rather than just A. Like 1157NA. They'll be natural amber and the glass itself will be amber as opposed to a coating on the glass.

Good luck,
Don

110tHunDer · « **Reply #44 on:** August 30, 2004, 06:21:37 PM »

Hey, twolanerider, that's good info.! I wasn't aware of the "NA" nomenclature before. Thanks!

Darrellh · « **Reply #45 on:** August 31, 2004, 10:11:59 AM »

Doc, I had the same problem when I used the led bulbs in the front turns of my V-Rod. H/D had crossed the wiring to the turn signal (can't remember which ones were crossed). The mistake would not make a difference in the turn signal / running light operation with the incandescent bulbs but LED bulbs would not function. I traced the wiring back to a connector and corrected it. After that it worked fine.

Author Topic: Good grief! (Read 6554 times)

steve01