Lights Out?

Okay, I am somewhat of a mechanical idiot savant, but when it comes to electrical, I know just enough to be dangerous.  I have just installed Kanadian Ken's fender eliminator.  It replaced a jury rigged fender eliminator left by the PO.  The PO never installed a license plate light.  Kanadian Ken gave me one and I installed it.  However, when I did so, I lost my rear driving lights.  They still light up when I brake, but they are not on otherwise.  They were on before I installed the new light.  What did I do wrong?  Everything is still connected as before?  WTF did I do?  Help!  I wanna ride!!!!

How was the license plate light wired in?  You could splice into that same wire maybe??

Ahh, who needs license plate lights. When I took the old saw-zawl to my 99's fender, I cut it down and never reinstalled the light. With 3 yrs of driving in night, never had a problem with the local P.D., I think the rear tail light, especially the 6th gen glow the plate enough.

I just connected the license plate light to the existing wires for it.  So, I don't know how it could have shorted anything out.  Oh well, I guess I will play with it until I get rear lights and plate light or rear lights and nothing else.  What a bummer.

Kind of sideways, but, have you checked the filaments, of the running lights?

[image: View Post]Rivcyko, on Feb 2 2008, 10:13 AM, said:

Kind of sideways, but, have you checked the filaments, of the running lights?
Sounds like the low filaments blew and you just have the high filaments from the brake lights.  Make sure nothing is shorted, replace the bulbs and see if that fixes it.

I didn't even think of that.  What a coincidence that would be.  I'll try that as soon as I get a chance.  Thanks!

May not be it. But it has happened to folks. Start with the easy.

There have been posts of of the lights shorting, on 6th gens, and it being problematic, although rare.

The light blowing out seems to have been the problem.  I replaced the top one and took it for a ride.  It didn't blow.  Now, how the heck do I get to the bottom light bulb?  All though, I kind of like the fact that I have a single light for riding and dual brake lights.  Makes it more noticable.  Anyhoo.  Thanks for all the input. JB

[image: View Post]Jovinski, on Feb 4 2008, 10:09 AM, said:

The light blowing out seems to have been the problem.  I replaced the top one and took it for a ride.  It didn't blow.  Now, how the heck do I get to the bottom light bulb?  All though, I kind of like the fact that I have a single light for riding and dual brake lights.  Makes it more noticable.  Anyhoo.  Thanks for all the input. JB
Tiny scraped, cut, fingers, and some swearing. (Take the top out first. Makes it easier).

Glad it was an easy fix.