Rear running light out.

[samkjr]

Hey everybody, First please allow me to apologize for not being around in about 8 months. I have not been riding much and it has not been on my mind. Working 60 hours a week and being stressed with work, most of the time I chose to sit on the couch or take a nap rather thatn ride the bike.

I took it out today for the first time since february and a cop puleed me over this morning because my rear running light was out. I checked everything out when I got to work and cannot diagnose and problems. Everything is still under warranty but shop cannot get to me for nearly a whole freakin month.

Here are the facts of what I have observed and done:

1. Rear running light does not work, but brake and turn signals do

2. #1 is odd because running light bulb is same as brake bulb

3. Pulled off red lense and everything seems tight and fine.

4. Checked fuses and all seem fine. BTW anyone know what the 1 G fuse is?

5. I dont remember if it is normal or not, but the whole time I was driving, the white light that shines upward was on.

Any tips to save me a months wait of driving time?


Thanks to all in advance. As the weather has gotten warmer and I have scaled back my responsibilities and hours at work, I will definitely be riding more and start getting on the forum more.

[strobe]

The taillight should be an 1157 bulb, with two elements. If the tail light does not work but the brake light does, I would check the bulb very carefully to make sure that one of the elements is not broken. Regardless I would replace that bulb. Any auto parts store should have an 1157 bulb.

[ells]

Welcome back. Yeah, have been some stressful times.

There are two filaments in that bulb. The one that is for the running/tail light is most likely burnt out. Just replace the bulb and all will be fine.

[mercianbike]

You might want to replace your burned out bulb with a 2357LL which is also available at auto parts stores. They put out a 25% brighter light when you put your brakes on. Read about this at:

http://www.gadgetjq.com/brakelight_replacement.htm

These bulbs generally come two in a package so you can keep one for a spare.

[samkjr]

Awesome to hear! I'm glad it should be an easy fix. I can instal new electronics and bolt ons, but I never knew that bulb was a dual element. Sometimes the simple things get by ya.

THanks for the advice. I will probably fix tonight and tell you all again how well it worked and thanks for the advice.

Sam

[ringadingh]

I don't use the 1157 bulbs very often anymore, they don't seem to last with the newer vehicles. Try the 2357 as mentioned or the 2057's they can handle small voltage spikes better than the 1157's.

[dogdoc]

2357 for my money and it is WAY brighter, i think near 100% I read someplace.

[macmac]

Originally Posted by mercianbike

You might want to replace your burned out bulb with a 2357LL which is also available at auto parts stores. They put out a 25% brighter light when you put your brakes on. Read about this at:

http://www.gadgetjq.com/brakelight_replacement.htm

These bulbs generally come two in a package so you can keep one for a spare.

If you buy this bulb wrap the 2nd one in foam and pack it, as this brighter bulb has a shorter life.

That way when the 'Nice police officer pulls you over you can smile, aqnd get your trusty screw driver and replace the bulb faster than he can write a ticket.

The much brighter is a good idea too....

[samkjr]

Just wanted to thank you all for the input, as always. I put it in tonight. Way cheaper than I expected. I'm used to buy $25 dollar sets of platinumstar or the likes and now I got two 2357LL for only 4.29. I put it in and boy is that brake light bright. Great tips guys. I never would have know and would have just put the stockers in again.

[mercianbike]

Originally Posted by samkjr

Just wanted to thank you all for the input, as always. I put it in tonight. Way cheaper than I expected. I'm used to buy $25 dollar sets of platinumstar or the likes and now I got two 2357LL for only 4.29. I put it in and boy is that brake light bright. Great tips guys. I never would have know and would have just put the stockers in again.

Glad it all worked out for you. There's a wealth of information on Gadget's page.

http://www.gadgetjq.com/gadgetsfixitpage.htm

That's how I found about the 2357LL (Long Life) bulbs.

[v0lusia]

The little 35mm film canisters work great to hold the bulbs, just a little piece of tissue needed as filler. Go to a Walmart or drug store and ask for a couple at the photo counter.

[reaper]

Originally Posted by v0lusia

The little 35mm film canisters work great to hold the bulbs, just a little piece of tissue needed as filler. Go to a Walmart or drug store and ask for a couple at the photo counter.

They still make 35mm film??????

[tazfl]

glad to hear it was nothing more then needing a new bulb, cheap fixes are always nice
Hope you don't mind me giving my 2 cents worth here...but...if you haven't been riding due to allot of work hours and allot of stress, well, thats the best time to ride. I know that i can be having a terrible day, but if i get on my bike it only takes about 15 minutes and it seems like the wind in my face just blows the stress away.