LEDs and HD Security System

[nevtat]

I've read about problems with the HD security system on various HD models and the use of aftermarket LED stop/tail lights. I installed all LEDs throughout the trike several years ago and they have worked great since! Today I experienced a problem not before seem in this trike (2012 Triglide). About 1 mile from the house the red "key" symbol lit on the instrument cluster and the directional signals stopped working. All other lights worked great. I shut off the engine, restarted and the red light went away and everything worked great. After a few miles it reappeared and the directionals only would not work.

I got home and replaced all the fuses (12) and found they all looked corroded. I sprayed contact cleaner in each contact area and installed a new fuse. I also disconnected all cannon plugs and sprayed them as well.

The equalizer is Biketronics brand model BT801 (rev M), made in America.

I have yet to road test these changes. Any constructive ideas would be greatly appreciated.

(Please don't respond and tell me how your Honda Trike system works, we're talking about a Harley By-God Davidson here.)

 

[nevtat]

Well everything works great now, EXCEPT the brake lights AAAARRRRHHHH!!!

 

[Bikerbozo]

How many miles on it? Take a look at wiring harness by neck. Mine caused issues for a long time before discovery.

 

[MikeyTX]

And, under the seat where the tour pak connector is.

 

[nevtat]

Found Problem

I've read about problems with the HD security system on various HD models and the use of aftermarket LED stop/tail lights. I installed all LEDs throughout the trike several years ago and they have worked great since! Today I experienced a problem not before seem in this trike (2012 Triglide). About 1 mile from the house the red "key" symbol lit on the instrument cluster and the directional signals stopped working. All other lights worked great. I shut off the engine, restarted and the red light went away and everything worked great. After a few miles it reappeared and the directionals only would not work.

I got home and replaced all the fuses (12) and found they all looked corroded. I sprayed contact cleaner in each contact area and installed a new fuse. I also disconnected all cannon plugs and sprayed them as well.

The equalizer is Biketronics brand model BT801 (rev M), made in America.

I have yet to road test these changes. Any constructive ideas would be greatly appreciated.

(Please don't respond and tell me how your Honda Trike system works, we're talking about a Harley By-God Davidson here.)

Two pins in the 6-pin tail light connector had pulled out enough that they were making contact. (System worked well for two years, why it just now decided to stop working is anyone guess.) Enough to fry LED equalizer. Pins repaired, new equalizer ordered, due for delivery tomorrow sometime. Also found broken wire going to horn assembly.

 

[Sloufoot]

Every electrical connection you can get to needs to be filled with dielectric grease. Fuses, lighting, radio, ECM, battery, EVERYTHING ! It helps prevent corrosion & keeps a good connection which keeps down the over drawing (high current) & heat caused by high resistance.
I can't remember what Harley charges for the tube of grease, but it is a top notch product, & easy to use tube. Keep the tube in the box when not in use to protect from leaks.
I say helps, but there is always some that sneaks in. After 3/4 years do it again. Just good insurance !

 

[MikeyTX]

^^^^ This ! Especially the tail light, turn signal, headlight and, passing lamp connectors.

- - - Updated - - -

Btw, Dielectric grease can be found at any auto parts store. Even wally world has it in the automotive section

 

[nevtat]

Found fix

Two pins in one of the cannon plugs were making contact. Fried equalizer. New equalizer and pins repaired all is well.

BTW: several equalizer manufacturers say NOT to use di-electric grease on their cannon plugs as this can make them malfunction, just saying.

 

[MikeyTX]

Interesting about the no dielectric grease on the plugs. I've never had an issue.

 

[nevtat]

Interesting about the no dielectric grease on the plugs. I've never had an issue.

The no grease is for the equalizer in question only, not necessarily the other cannon plugs under the seat.

 

[MikeyTX]

Ahhhhh. Now I understand. I should have been more specific as my reference was for the pnp connectors at the ends of the lighting harness. Ie, tail light, turn signals, passing lamps or, headlight. Mine always come from the factory with the stuff applied on all those connections

 

[470004]

I used Kuryakyn Alarm Compatible Load Equalizer, part #4857.