First of all, sorry about the dubble-post, but doesn't seem to be much activity in the Tech-forum, so Im trying here too. So here it goes:

Just encountered my first problem with my 1 week old Harley.

Bought a 2008 Cross Bones last week, and drove it home in the rain ( 1000km / 620 miles ). When I got home, the tail light was filled up with water, even the bulb was filled hehe...

So I just went to a local shop and bought a new bulb. Not a Harley-shop, so no original bulb. But I brought what was left of the old one and said I needed one of those. So I assume I got the same type of bulb in return.

BUT when I installed the new bulb, the brakelights didn't work, so I took it out, turned it 180 degrees and put it back in. When I turned the ignition on the two pins not in use at the back started smoking. Turned it off and switched the bulb back again. Now there was very little light at the back, even the turnsignals didn't work.

So I took out the "electrical board" that all the rear lights are connected to, and the point where the two pins not connected to anything is burned pretty well.

So I guess the board is fu.... = no more riding this season. No Harleystores around here... Anyways. Do anybody know what happend here? Can a wrong bulb fry the board?? And where can I order a new board?

Can anything else have been damaged? Front lights seems to work fine. Haven't tried starting the bike, and don't really want to either, untill this is fixed.

Thanks

JayOhh

 

Its probably an 1157 bulb. They should be available from a truck stop or any automotive supply. Check your fuses also. They are either under the seat or one of the side panels. Fuses should also be available at either of the places I mentioned above. Last but not least, order a service manual (not the owners manual) from ChicagoHD.com. Theyll give you 20% off and it has a wealth of information in it.

 

Yeah. Already ordered the catalogue, but haven't gotten it yet. And the board is defintently fried. Just wondering why it happend, and if it will happen again when I get a new circuit-board.

I can't see no 1157 on the bulb I used. Lots of numbers on it, but the only one similar to 1157 is "3157", guess it's the wrong kind then.

But still think its strange that a wrong bulb can fry the board.

 

A fuse should burn before the board. Seems like you may have a bigger problem than I thought. As long as the bulb is a 12v and the prongs are in the right place, it should work. Perhaps different manufacturers have different numbers but its the same bulb. If youre certain that the board is toast, just order a new one and start over I guess... Sorry I couldnt help you more.

 

I think that bulb is a #3157 (not sure). Mine is. I replaced mine with one from the local auto parts store and everything has been fine. The #3157 plugs straight in where the #1157 goes in and twists. Not sure what you problem could be though.

 

Well I have no clue... But the board wasn't exactly clean. Could wet dirt cause it to fry?

And is the board really necessary ( what does it do ) or could I just connect the wires from the lights to the wires that went into the board?

 

I would also wonder why your taillight was full of water? If that has happened before you could have a preexisting issue.

 

I don't know about wet dirt but you did say it was full of water and water is certainly a conductor.

 

I dunno if it's been ridden in the rain before, but I've seen other members here with Cross Bones which also had water getting into the tail-light....

 

You can order a new board online

Part Number: 68830-99A

Cost is about $25.50, but you can get it for $20.50 + shippping from those dealers who give discount when ordering online.

My circuit board connections and the rear lamp are "doused" in dielectric grease to keep them dry. I do ride the bike in rain, but never had an issue with water in the lights.

I would check the fuse, Would not be surprised they put in a too high amp fuse for the rear lights because the bike kept popping the regular 15 amp fuse.