When it comes to understanding the various wire colors associated with your Harley tail lights, it can be a confusing and daunting task. Fortunately, there is a standard set of wires that are used for most Davidson Harleys. In this guide, we will go over the various Harley tail light wire colors and their functions so that you can have an easier time troubleshooting problems or installing new lighting components.
Wire Color Codes for Davidson Harleys
There are three main wire colors associated with Davidson Harley tail lights – black, red, and white. Each of these wires has its unique function to ensure the proper operation of your motorcycle’s lighting components. Here is what each color represents:
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Red – This wire is responsible for providing power (12V) to the tail lights. It is usually connected directly to the battery or fuse box to provide consistent power every time you turn on your bike’s ignition switch.
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Black – The black wire serves as a ground connection between all of your motorcycle’s electrical components and the frame or other grounding points on the bike. Without this connection, none of your lighting components would be able to operate properly since they wouldn’t be receiving any power.
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White – This wire is responsible for providing the signal to the tail lights when you activate your motorcycle’s turn signals. It is connected to a relay that then sends the power from the turn signal switch to the tail lights when needed.
Measuring the Voltage on Your Tail Lights
When troubleshooting any issues with your Harley’s lighting components, it is important to first check and make sure that there is enough voltage running through each wire. To do this, you will need a multimeter or some other type of voltage meter that can measure AC and DC currents. Once you have one of these tools, simply place one lead into each of the different wires and read off the voltage being outputted. This can help you determine if there is an issue with a certain wiring connection or if your battery needs to be replaced if there isn’t enough voltage being sent through it.
Troubleshooting Issues with Your Tail Lights
If after testing your wires with a multimeter, you find that one of them has no voltage being outputted, then it may be time to start troubleshooting further issues with your tail lights. A good place to start would be to check any connections between the various components (such as the tail light, turn signal switch, and fuse box). If there is anything that looks broken or worn, then it may be time to replace the connection or the entire component. Also read here descriptions of the lights and provides helpful advice for riders about how to interpret them. Learn more about Harley Davidson Dash Warning Lights in this comprehensive guide!
Conclusion
Understanding the various wire colors associated with your Harley’s tail lights can save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to troubleshooting any issues that may arise. By familiarizing yourself with these colors and their functions, you will be able to quickly identify any problems and make sure that your bike is running at its best.
