My 2001 Softail is having a little bit of a turn signal problem. For some reason, the right marker will start flashing fast (almost twice as fast as normal) after about 5 "blinks".

It is very inconsistant too, sometimes it flashes normal, other times it goes fast. Not sure what's happening here.

Can someone explain?

 

Have you done any modifications to your lights (like adding additional ones or installing LEDs)? This can sometimes affect your turn signals. If not I'm sure somebody here will have some ideas.

[sm=biker2.gif]

 

No modifications just replacing the front turn signals. Everything was soldered and covered.

One other thing ... should the front turn signals stay light? Is this a feature of the 2001 line?

 

The front turn signals also double as running lights and should stay on all the time. I believe all stock harleys are this way.

Terry

 

Then the front should have dual filament bulbs?

 

Yes dual filament bulbs.

Take a look here... https://www.hdforums.com/m_66685/tm.htm

Also... https://www.hdforums.com/m_71494/tm.htm Barring any connection ot bulb problems.

 

Thanks T.C.

I really didn't want to run out to the garage in the cold rain to get the answer for that one. I was almost positive that they were dual filiment bulbs but didn't want to post until I was sure.

Terry

 

Hey Terry....Did We agree?
Same as the setup in the tail light with the low element for running and the bright for brake light, only it's used for the blinkers instead in the front. The rear blinkers are single filament and do not light except for directionals unlike the fronts.

 

TCSTD, I read both threads and I don't think either are the cause of my issue.

To clarify, the bulb itself, as well as the indicator on the dash panel both will blink fast, sometimes. Flashing double sounds about right ...

It is hard to predict, just when I think it will do it, it won't. Very confusing. What happens if I have a loose ground or wire to the rear signal? Will it cause the same problem? I guess I can always swap left & right front bulbs and see what happens.

 

Turn signal flashers work by heating up from the current draw. So the higher the draw, the faster it heats which would case it to flash faster.
Did you maybe put in brighter bulbs? I don't know if a bad connection would cause enough draw to make it blink faster. Usually in that case (bad ground, bad connection, bad bulb) the light never blinks because there isn't enough current to cause the the flasher to heat up and break the circuit.