What bulb

[07919Dave]

Rode into work this morning and found out from three people that my tails light is burned out. Does any one know what type bulbs I need to buy? I just want to have a co-worker drive me to an auto store and buy some at lunch.

[Relic11]

I'm pretty sure they are 1157's (there are 2) I'll run out to the garage and check... be right back.

[Relic11]

It is not an 1157, this is what is written on the bulb: H R 2AP
12VW21/5W
E11

The manual says 12V - 21/5W

It seems both burning out at the same time might indicate something besides the bulbs.

[07919Dave]

Pervious owner put in a Fender eliminator kit. Not sure how long he had it. Thanks alot I will run and get a few now. Thanks alot!

[beefsalad]

Originally Posted by Relic11

It is not an 1157, this is what is written on the bulb: H R 2AP
12VW21/5W
E11

The manual says 12V - 21/5W

It seems both burning out at the same time might indicate something besides the bulbs.

every time I take the tail off, I replace bulbs...my parts guy laughs when I buy 2 packages of bulbs...something about "you riding a motorcycle or a christmas tree." Even though I've told him more than once why I do it (spares)

[07919Dave]

Went to auto zone and could not find the bulbs. I guess I might have to hit the Motorcycle store. They never even seen a type E11

[garyb900]

I think it is this type;


Typical photo of a factory 7443 12V 21W/5W incandescent bulb

[07919Dave]

I read on a, no kidding, lightbulb forum that the 7443, 1157, and the P21 5w are all one in the same. I think in this case maybe the 1157 would work. But I will write down both and see what I have.

[nd4spdbh]

Originally Posted by 07919Dave

I read on a, no kidding, lightbulb forum that the 7443, 1157, and the P21 5w are all one in the same. I think in this case maybe the 1157 would work. But I will write down both and see what I have.

1157 will diffidently NOT work... it has a round socket base

you need the 7443 for the stock tail light bulb... common at most auto parts stores (i know my local o'reilly has em... bought some not long ago)

List: Search for '7443' | O'Reilly Auto Parts

I also turned the tail / rear running lights into blinkers as well as running lights a while back (wanted some more visible blinking action in the rear as the LED blinkers wernt quite enough IMO)... came out pretty slick and i only needed two diodes from radio shack.

[07919Dave]

Okay major problem. Replaced bulbs with 7443 and they still did not come on. Checked fuse and it was fine. What's the next guess. I was going to find the relay but I need to find my book first.

[marylandmike]

Is it your tail light or brake light that's not working?

[07919Dave]

Tail light brake light and because of the fender eliminator kit the blinkers don't work either. I am in the process of teat down right now.

[07919Dave]

Found the relay (no book needed) but at $30to replace it, I need to find a cheaper way to see if the problem is something else. I dont have a DMM.

[rmb]

Pick up a cheap 12V test light, DMM would be better, but the light will work.

[07919Dave]

So I just bought a DMM and checked at the plugs for the tail light I was getting 10.8 on both sides then changed the ground and got 11.8 on both sides. I tried checking the wire that goes into the relay but I could not get a sold number. Then I check for continuity on the relay and the alarm did not sound. I can't find my book sonny question is do I have to replace the Relay?

[07919Dave]

Okay guys at the shop said that it is not the relay. But they also can't explain why I have voltage at the plugs but no lights even after I replaced the bulbs.

[rmb]

Find another shop and don't pay them anything.

[07919Dave]

Well I didn't pay these guys anything but I did waste my time. Anything else I should test.

[zaq123]

Originally Posted by rmb

Find another shop and don't pay them anything.

haha but true. what kind of shop is that if they can't figure this out?

anyway, plug in the bulb and check for voltage again with the bulb in.
If the voltage is still there - bad connection in the socket somewhere.
If there is no voltage, take rear cowl off and see if PO put any splices in there. Also if he removed rear turn signals, check what he did with turn signal harness.
Is this OEM tail light?

[zaq123]

BTW are they completely out or you still have brake light working?

There are 3 wires to both bulbs, G/Y-brake, G- neg, W/G (or B by the socket)-marker lights.

Check the voltage at the fuse (W/G-10A ), If it's there, there is nothing in between fuse at tail light but wire.

Check 3 pin connector.

Should be simple, there isn't much to go bad in that system

[07919Dave]

Yeah so I took one more crack at it when I got home from work. And, well, I fixed it. But don't ask me what I did. Before anything I went through and checked the fuses. Both good. Reattached the flasher relay. Made sure the bulbs where in nice and tight. They were. I fired up the bike and with it running I got 13+ volts at all connections. Plugged the leads into their sockets and no lights. Took the bulbs out and measures at the base where the bulbs would go. I briefly got 13 volts before I blew the fuse I head it pop and saw the 13 go away on the DMM screen. Replaced the fuse and then put the bulbs back in. Turned on the bike and one bulb was lit. Hmm okay, so I took the one that wasn't lit and flip it around and put it back in. It lit up, so checked the brakes and the flashers and I am back up and full op. I know it wasn't the fuse because it was good before I blew it. Maybe the way the bulb was put in? But it doesn't say on the bike or the bulb "This way up". Oh well I am just glad it works now I can do my yearly Christmas Eve ride and the local Toy Run.

[rmb]

It could have been a bad fuse, I've had it happen to me twice over the years, the fuse would heat up and open or have very high ressistance. It'll make you pull your hair out.

[garyb900]

Glad you got it working.
I had heard that with some LED bulbs they needed to be installed with the proper orientation but never heard of it with the regular incandescent bulbs.