led turn signal problem

joeyt · 01-23-2009, 12:04 PM

Replaced turn signals on 1995 Honda Nighthawk 750. Old signals and bike have three wires. New LED signals have two wires. Left front works as old one did. Left rear stays lit and signals. Right rear stays unlit but signals. Right front stays lit but shuts off and won't signal when prompted. I blew a fuse mixing and matching wires. This is my first bike and I'm not a mechanic. Any ideas?

denzee · 01-23-2009, 1:38 PM

Ok I think you may have two problems going on. First, the front signal lights on Hondas and some other makes contains a running light that is on with the headlight as well. That means the original bulbs are double filament, one for running light (dim) and one for the signal itself (bright) and that's why there are 3 wires. One is ground, one is the running light and one is the signal power. You must identify the running light wire and tape it off because it can't be used with most LED lights. Identify the ground and signal wire and attach them accordingly to you new LED lights.

The rear lights should be two wire and hooked up accordingly with the ground on the correct LED wire.

The second problem may be with your turn signal flasher. The OEM one isn't designed to flash LEDs and you'll have to get an electronic one that doesn't flash based on load. Some others can help you find one if you can't but I think an electronic automotive one may work in your case.

joeyt · 01-23-2009, 4:01 PM

Thank you for your response. The three wire explanation cleared it up for me. The second issue was my own fault. I pulled a wire from the harness while cutting the other end. After removing the headlight I found the problem.

Twincam · 01-23-2009, 6:04 PM

I'm glad you sorted out the problems... Its a shame the UK hasn't followed with the indicator running lights - in 2003 they introduced the law where bikes must have a permanent dipped beam.

Btw: If installing LEDs, you may experience a fast rate of flashing.

To over come this you will either need to buy a flasher relay designed to handle LEDs OR add a few inline resistors.

segiano · 01-23-2009, 8:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twincam

Btw: If installing LEDs, you may experience a fast rate of flashing.

To over come this you will either need to buy a flasher relay designed to handle LEDs OR add a few inline resistors.

This is the flasher relay I used to solve the fast flash rate problem with LEDs

eBay Motors: Electronic Flasher Relay PNP connector for LED signals (item 250359326153 end time Jan-25-09 06:15:16 PST)

thelastosirus · 01-24-2009, 8:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twincam

Btw: If installing LEDs, you may experience a fast rate of flashing.

To over come this you will either need to buy a flasher relay designed to handle LEDs OR add a few inline resistors.

Or just let them flash faster. To me flashing faster just signals your intentions in a shorter amount of time. I found it a little helpful.