Replaced instrument bulbs with LEDs, now only one turn works

[Watevaman]

 So I used a 194 (T10?) bulb for all the base indicators (already had 194s in my speedo/tach) and everything is working fine except for using my right turn signal. When I have my right turn signal on it won't flash at all. It was working fine before but I'm not sure if I nicked a wire or if it's something to do with the LED bulb. It doesn't bother me too much but it'd be nice to know when my signal is on.

[Janx101]

only the right one? ... multimeter the bulb holder... while indicator should be flashing...

might be just a loose contact wire?....

although... i know the indicators often dont like led in them without the wiring mod... dont know if this counts for the idiot light too?.... would think only having one bulb different instead of 4 should not change too much?... but maybe it does!

[Banzai]

And if you turn the indicator LED around in the socket you will find it only works with the left hand signal.

Diodes (eg Light Emitting Diodes) are mono-directional but incandescent lights don't care which direction the electricity comes from. Adidasguy has a nice little post on here that describes, with diagrams, the relatively minor wiring changes needed to get an indicator LED working properly.

[BockinBboy]

Yeh, it's the LED... You have to mod the wiring to get the turn signal bulb to accept LED, otherwise only one flashing side works.

- Bboy

[adidasguy]

You need a non-polarized LED for the turn signal.
Otherwise, do the mod with 2 diodes that I have posed a number of times before.
Current goes both ways through the turn indicator - hence the need for a non-polarized indicator or the diode modification to the wiring harness.

[Watevaman]

 Hmm, thanks for that. I could've sworn I read it didn't matter on the older models if I used a polarized vs non-polarized.

[adidasguy]

All models: it makes a difference for the turn. Unfortunately there is no non-polarized for the newer bikes that use small T-5 lamps. Hence the 2 diode modification. That will fork for you, too.

Since you already have a non-polarized LED, go to Radio Shack and get a couple 1n4001's or equivalent and do the mod. You'll be OK then for whatever you put in there.