Indicator lights in the triple tree

lragan · May 16, 2009, 07:28:28 PM

My '96 has sidestand, turn blinker, and high beam indicators buried in the triple tree. The high beam indicator quit working, I noticed today.

Neither manual I have shows how these bulbs are replaced. Looking briefly up under the triple tree, I see a black plastic looking piece that extends most of the way across the triple tree, and two leads going to the base of each light. What I don't see is how the bulbs are removed. Nor do I understand what the replacement bulb looks like, or if they are commonly available, or a dealer-only item.

Does anyone know the answer to these questions from direct experience?

silveradocowboy · May 16, 2009, 09:08:05 PM

I remember Bob B. saying how to change these on a 3rd gen but a search for it turned up nothing. IIRC he used needle nose pliers to pull them out but to make sure I would wait til someone with a better answer replied.

TLRam1 · May 16, 2009, 09:19:55 PM

Lawrence,

I think there might be a bracket the unscrews first than the rubber fixture and all pulls out. Bulbs can be had from your auto store, a little brighter you might notice but that's all.

You can do this tonight if you have an auto parts store open.

Chokse · May 17, 2009, 03:30:52 AM

I just replaced the bulbs in all three indicators, as well as in the speedo and tach. I had all the parts off the bike (painting the bike) so I figured it would be the easiest time to replace the bulbs, but I also know it can be done while still mounted on the bike. The speedo and tach require you to remove housings before getting at the bulbs. The three indicator lights on the triple tree only require small fingers or needle nose pliers. Just pull the black rubber thing straight down and it will release. The bulb can then be popped out of the rubber housing. When putting it back, be sure you get it all the way in... you should feel a slight snap or pop when it is seated completely. I am attaching two photos to show you the "High-Beam Indicator" bulb housing removed.

As for the type of bulb, all I know is that they are a "Blade" style bulb rated at 12V3W. Maybe if you take it down to an auto parts store and show them the bulb and tell them the volt/watt information, they will have something that works. I got mine from Honda, so I can't help you with another source.

[attachment deleted by admin]

lragan · May 17, 2009, 07:21:50 AM

Guys, thanks for your responses and...

Chokse, thank you especially for the info and the pics. Just exactly what I need. I will report back when I am done.

roboto65 · May 17, 2009, 07:40:30 AM

I had a problem with my neutral light the other day wiggled it and it came back on guess I need to tear mine apart and check it why do these happen at the same time LOL must be some kinda trend LOL

lragan · May 17, 2009, 11:29:28 AM

Quote from: roboto65 on May 17, 2009, 07:40:30 AM
I had a problem with my neutral light the other day wiggled it and it came back on guess I need to tear mine apart and check it why do these happen at the same time LOL must be some kinda trend LOL

Getting close to our riding together, so the gremlins are at work to embarrass us!!

My local auto shop did not have the bulb in a 2W version. The had 1.3W and 3.4W. Not wishing to be blinded when I turn the headlight to high beam, I opted for the 1.3W version. Took a bit of wiggling to get the contacts to make, and my fat fingers just barely will squeeze into the small space available for installation, but it now works!

What a great forum! I don't know if there is a way to capture the knowledge base we are developing here, but the pics that Chokse took were quite valuable. There was no way I was going to just grab the rubber bulb holder and pull hard without first understanding that is what needs to be done -- I would be afraid of breaking it. I mean, it could have been threaded, twist-to-lock bayonet type, whatever, and there is nothing in the shop manuals to give a clue.

A simple problem, now that I understand how it works...

Chokse · May 17, 2009, 05:19:14 PM

Not a problem. I had it out of the bike and sitting on a table, so it was easy to snap a few pictures of it. Just perfect timing I guess. Hopefully all the paint work will be done next week, and I can get the bike put back together, and get those indicator lights back where they should be. I've been without my bike for 3 months now, so I am eager to get this work done and get back to riding!

rjb/AKA Bob Barram · May 18, 2009, 01:03:00 PM

Sorry for taking so long to chime in, but, as usual the group came through!

Smoked U · May 19, 2009, 09:00:10 AM

Quote from: lragan on May 17, 2009, 11:29:28 AM
Quote from: roboto65 on May 17, 2009, 07:40:30 AM
I had a problem with my neutral light the other day wiggled it and it came back on guess I need to tear mine apart and check it why do these happen at the same time LOL must be some kinda trend LOL

Getting close to our riding together, so the gremlins are at work to embarrass us!!

My local auto shop did not have the bulb in a 2W version. The had 1.3W and 3.4W. Not wishing to be blinded when I turn the headlight to high beam, I opted for the 1.3W version. Took a bit of wiggling to get the contacts to make, and my fat fingers just barely will squeeze into the small space available for installation, but it now works!

What a great forum! I don't know if there is a way to capture the knowledge base we are developing here, but the pics that Chokse took were quite valuable. There was no way I was going to just grab the rubber bulb holder and pull hard without first understanding that is what needs to be done -- I would be afraid of breaking it. I mean, it could have been threaded, twist-to-lock bayonet type, whatever, and there is nothing in the shop manuals to give a clue.

A simple problem, now that I understand how it works...

Terry:

You have some way to transfer the appropriate parts of this post to the FAQ section, correct?

TLRam1 · May 19, 2009, 06:33:47 PM

Quote from: Smoked U on May 19, 2009, 09:00:10 AM

You have some way to transfer the appropriate parts of this post to the FAQ section, correct?[/color]

Yes sir, I can do that. I will re-read and put something together Dave.

TLRam1 · May 20, 2009, 12:29:44 AM

Quote from: TLRam1 on May 19, 2009, 06:33:47 PM
Quote from: Smoked U on May 19, 2009, 09:00:10 AM

You have some way to transfer the appropriate parts of this post to the FAQ section, correct?[/color]

Yes sir, I can do that. I will re-read and put something together Dave.

Done!

Also Lance I added your link to the manual sections as the other is still AWOL and fixed the Torque Specs pages.

http://www.magnaownersoftexas.com/forums/index.php?topic=1917.0