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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Dr.McNinja on March 15, 2015, 07:45:59 PM

Title: Debugging tail light not on while running
Post by: Dr.McNinja on March 15, 2015, 07:45:59 PM
Hey everyone,

So I've come to realize my tail light doesn't stay on while riding. The brakes both activate the tail light, but the running light does not work.

Where should I start looking for electrical faults?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Debugging tail light not on while running
Post by: FirstGS500E on March 15, 2015, 08:09:51 PM
Check the bulb first. Dual elements, one could be shot.
Title: Re: Debugging tail light not on while running
Post by: Old Mechanic on March 16, 2015, 06:03:27 AM
Take the bulb out and clean the connection points. Pluck the bulb with your finger, while looking at the filaments. Sometimes the filament will be broken but still sitting in place. I've seen them work sitting still and not work when the bike was moving.

regards
mech
Title: Re: Debugging tail light not on while running
Post by: Dr.McNinja on March 19, 2015, 08:07:19 AM
Does anyone know which bulb I need to replace both of them?
Title: Re: Debugging tail light not on while running
Post by: Iarn on March 19, 2015, 08:31:29 AM
1157 (BAY15D) fits. Don't get BA as they won't fit. Make sure it's BAY
Title: Re: Debugging tail light not on while running
Post by: Iarn on March 19, 2015, 08:35:00 AM
I just replaced my rear tail bulbs with that style LED from superbrightleds.com. The improvement is amazing. Way brighter. They're $19.95 a piece, though. You may not want to pay that. It was worth the cost to me to be seen more easily.

Here is link if you're interested: https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/tail-brake-turn/1157-led-bulb--dual-intensity-36-high-power-leds/1689/ (https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/tail-brake-turn/1157-led-bulb--dual-intensity-36-high-power-leds/1689/)
Title: Re: Debugging tail light not on while running
Post by: Dr.McNinja on March 19, 2015, 10:59:48 AM
Quote from: Iarn on March 19, 2015, 08:35:00 AM
I just replaced my rear tail bulbs with that style LED from superbrightleds.com. The improvement is amazing. Way brighter. They're $19.95 a piece, though. You may not want to pay that. It was worth the cost to me to be seen more easily.

Here is link if you're interested: https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/tail-brake-turn/1157-led-bulb--dual-intensity-36-high-power-leds/1689/ (https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/tail-brake-turn/1157-led-bulb--dual-intensity-36-high-power-leds/1689/)

If I don't, what type will fit?
Title: Re: Debugging tail light not on while running
Post by: Iarn on March 19, 2015, 11:13:21 AM
1157 (BAY15D) fits.
Title: Re: Debugging tail light not on while running
Post by: Dr.McNinja on March 19, 2015, 06:29:57 PM
For people wondering the same question the size of normal bulb is 12V32/3CP-B. I was able to replace these with a $6.00 pack of Sylvania 1176LL from a local Auto Zone.
Title: Re: Debugging tail light not on while running
Post by: Devikah on March 24, 2015, 08:23:37 PM
My dad is a former R1100GS rider (he now rides the Kawa Versys) and suggested that I try replacing the tail light bulbs with 2357 ones in place of 1157 ones.

He gave me this link to this website to explain why:  http://www.ibmwr.org/ktech/taillite.shtml

I have to admit, the brake light does appear significantly brighter.

Granted, the rated hours of service is noticeably less for the 2357 ones.  But he would rather have me be seen and pay the extra freight for more frequent bulb replacements.

Just wanted to pass this on.

Title: Re: Debugging tail light not on while running
Post by: The Buddha on March 27, 2015, 04:12:32 PM
You're debugging it ??? Its got some glitchy code ??? I think it runs Java. Make sure you brush up on your coding, and carry aroudna good Java book.

Cool.
Buddha.