LED Signal question

Rixster · 04-10-2008, 05:20 PM

I swapped out my rear turn signals for some smaller LED style ones. The right one blinks at the normal rate and the left one blinks real rapidly. I also have a "bulbF" (bulb failure) warning in my little read-out. All connections are soldered and shrink-tubed. What's the fix for this?

Thanks guys

Highlander179 · 04-10-2008, 05:33 PM

you need to wire in resistors to make up for the lack of draw the LEDs have vs incandescent.

1) put stock bulb in, measure draw with ohmmeter
2) put led bulb, measure
3) calculate difference
4) buy resistor from Radio Shack to make up difference and wire inline

cloudy · 04-10-2008, 06:01 PM

I assume the front bulb is good?

signit98 · 04-10-2008, 06:08 PM

No need for Resistors on the 12, the computer takes care of that. BulbFailure indicates that a bulb is not drawing anything... broken?

AZ-Twin · 04-10-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signit98

No need for Resistors on the 12, the computer takes care of that. BulbFailure indicates that a bulb is not drawing anything... broken?

Isn't it a shame what has happened to the world we live in today. It saddens me to know that the computer on my motorcycle is responsible for blinking the turn signals.

My first thought was front bulb burnt out, but now I wonder if perhaps you need a firmware upgrade.

wood-d · 04-12-2008, 05:15 AM

You could replace your turn signal relay with a Kisan signalMinder. It uses PWM to control the turn signals, eliminating the need for resistors. You also get the benefit of running lights AND your turn signal cancellation is suspended while you have your brakes on. No financial interest, just a satisfied customer.
http://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=4

Rixster · 04-12-2008, 08:41 PM

Thanks guys for all the ideas. I don't understand why the right blinks normally though and the left is rapid. All the bulbs are fine.....or at least they flash......

AZ-Twin · 04-12-2008, 09:46 PM

I would swap the new lights left to right and see what happens. If the problem moves, you got an issue with the LED blinker, if not, it may be a wiring issue, but it sounds like you did the wiring good. You may try hooking the original blinker back up and see if the problem goes away, or if some other issued came into play during the swap.

I have a set of LED blinkers on the bench I bought for my R12S, but I have not finished my plate bracket yet. I just ohmed them out to see what the impedance is, and they show wide open on a fluke 77.

Could soldering on the circuit have hosed something?

Rixster · 04-13-2008, 05:32 AM

I did have second thoughts on soldering, in case I wanted to change them. I'll try the swap thing and see what happens. I don't think an auto-range Fluke will measure a diode but, I'll try that too.
Thanks

AZ-Twin · 04-13-2008, 07:50 AM

It has been a long time since I went through basic electronics, and I can't remember the deal on LEDs. I thought maybe the lights had an internal resistor so they would have similar characteristics to a standard lamp. After I posted last night I dug out my Simpson 260 and took a current measurement. The LED signals I have draw about 120ma. I will take another resistance reading with the Simpson later.

j_hurricane_y · 04-14-2008, 07:53 PM

I replaced turn signal bulbs with LEDs on both my dirt bike and Buell. I used some aluminum encased resistors from superbrightleds.com. Check this link and scroll down for the RL-650 --> http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=CAR

Rixster · 04-15-2008, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j_hurricane_y

I replaced turn signal bulbs with LEDs on both my dirt bike and Buell. I used some aluminum encased resistors from superbrightleds.com. Check this link and scroll down for the RL-650 --> http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=CAR

That's a great link, Thank you