Brake Light Woes

[StretchPhoto]

Hi, guys. 

I made it out to Champaign-Urbana from Richmond without a hitch, but the new bike has an issue -

I discovered before leaving Richmond 7/19 that the brake light was non-functional, so I replaced it as we left town.  Yesterday, I discovered that it's out again.

I have no idea what the issue is or where to start troubleshooting, so I'm grateful for your input.  One possibility, though I don't know how likely - the previous owner had installed a "Back Off" flasher on the brake light circuit.  It flashes the brake light three times when either of the brakes are engaged.

Thanks!

[YoungPUP]

Is the taillight side of the bulb still working when you replace the bulb, or are both filaments gone?

[StretchPhoto]

Is the taillight side of the bulb still working when you replace the bulb, or are both filaments gone?

The tail light is still working.  Both now and with the previous bulb.

Thanks.

[Valkpilot]

Is the taillight side of the bulb still working when you replace the bulb, or are both filaments gone?

The tail light is still working.  Both now and with the previous bulb.

Thanks.

Make sure the connections are secure and well insulated where the Backoff module is connected.

On the inside of the rear fender, here the back part meets the front part, there's a connector where the wiring harness can be separated to remove the back part of the rear fender.  Check for frayed or damaged wires at the connector.

[vanagon40]

So if I understand correctly, you keep burning out bulbs.  There is always voltage to the brake light when the brakes are applied, it is just that the bulbs quickly burn out.

The first thing I would try would be to remove the Back Off Flasher from the circuit.  Might also try a heavier duty bulb.

[Ricky-D]

Yep, I agree!

That flasher could very well be the culprit.

There are only so many cycles built into a bulb filament and that flasher uses the lifetime at three times the rate.

Not only that but the standard 1157 is not a extreme duty bulb made to handle vibration which on the Valkyrie is not a large consideration but the rear fender is the highest rated part for vibration on the whole bike.

***

[Valkpilot]

I used a BackOff module from 2003 through 2011 to date without abnormal "filament wear".

I highly doubt that the module is the culprit unless it's shorting because of exposed conductors.

[StretchPhoto]

I'm gonna get a new bulb to use as a test and check the insulation on the wiring after the weather cools down this evening.

I'll let y'all know where we end up.

Thanks so much.

[RonW]

are you able to see a break in the high filament's wire?

I've plugged 'defective' 1157 bulbs into a known working socket to see if the high filament doesn't light up.

[vanagon40]

I used a BackOff module from 2003 through 2011 to date without abnormal "filament wear".

I highly doubt that the module is the culprit unless it's shorting because of exposed conductors.

IF the bulb is burning out as reported, I do not see how shorts due to poor wiring would cause the bulb to burn out and not blow a fuse.  The first step to trouble shooting this problem is to determine whether there is voltage/current to the socket and burned out bulb, or a good bulb with no voltage/current.

[Valkpilot]

I used a BackOff module from 2003 through 2011 to date without abnormal "filament wear".

I highly doubt that the module is the culprit unless it's shorting because of exposed conductors.

IF the bulb is burning out as reported, I do not see how shorts due to poor wiring would cause the bulb to burn out and not blow a fuse.  The first step to trouble shooting this problem is to determine whether there is voltage/current to the socket and burned out bulb, or a good bulb with no voltage/current.

You're right.  "Short" was a poor choice of words.  Frayed or broken wiring causing intermittent flickering would lead to shortened bulb life.

[YoungPUP]

Is the bulb socket clean and corrosion free? Also do the 2 terminals in the bottom of the socket still have spring tension on them?

[RonW]

Here's a few detailed photos of a 1157 socket from my photo files that you can file away. Shown, is the contact-plate separated from the turn signal shell. The wires are crimped onto the two 1157 brass contacts. The brass contacts pull out (carefully) from front side of their black plastic disc. Actually, you can see the condition they're in from the back side of the disc.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

If you get a 3496 replacement bulb the brake filament is a heavier  wire as it is a brighter burning bulb than the 1157. I've used them in all my bikes as I want to let evrybody to my south end know I'm stopping.