Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Valor on July 17, 2009, 04:31:14 PM

Title: Turn Signal Amperage caused blown instrument cluster?
Post by: Valor on July 17, 2009, 04:31:14 PM
So I posted a week ago that my entire instrument cluster has to be replaced. Ducati dealer said the board was fried. Okay, I'm having a new one installed and I asked what could have caused this. The only thing the dealer suspected was my Lockhart Phillips Signals. They are NOT LED. I've had them on the bike for a couple years. Below is the model. He stated that they were a different "amperage" and likely caused the damage.

Does this make sense?? I assumed that any NON LED signals were plug and play. They LOOK like the same size bulbs.

I could really use some advice here, because I want to replace the signals with something else. Is the dealer all wet?

http://www.tobefast.com/lp-black-clear-signal-stalks-pr-575.html (http://www.tobefast.com/lp-black-clear-signal-stalks-pr-575.html)



Title: Re: Turn Signal Amperage caused blown instrument cluster?
Post by: ducpainter on July 17, 2009, 04:47:15 PM
Check the bulbs and see what the number is and compare the wattage to the OEM bulb.

If it's the same, or close, I'd say the dealer is blowing smoke...

so to speak.
Title: Re: Turn Signal Amperage caused blown instrument cluster?
Post by: Valor on July 18, 2009, 02:00:47 PM
Picked up the bike. New dash sure is perty! I picked up some cheap LED signals for all four corners. When i hook them up they flash a bit quick. DO I care? Will this harm anything? I read about adding resistors? Do I have to , or can I run with fast blinking signals?

thanks,

Title: Re: Turn Signal Amperage caused blown instrument cluster?
Post by: GraGra on July 19, 2009, 08:28:54 AM
AFAIK, you can run with the fast blinking with no ill effects.

About the fried console, I once stupidly used an incorrect wattage bulb in part of my old bike's console - it started to melt the plastic pretty bad - and we're only talking about an extra watt or two - small bulb though generating some intense local heat - but this was IN the console itself. Not related the the turn signals.

I don't seen how the turn signals could cause that unless it was due to a short or something... ???
Title: Re: Turn Signal Amperage caused blown instrument cluster?
Post by: redxblack on July 19, 2009, 11:36:51 AM
You can replace the regular turn signal relay with an electronic turn signal relay and not have to worry about becoming a makeshift electrician to get them to blink at the correct rate.
Title: Re: Turn Signal Amperage caused blown instrument cluster?
Post by: ducpainter on July 19, 2009, 01:29:32 PM
The flasher relay is built in to the instrument cluster.
Title: Re: Turn Signal Amperage caused blown instrument cluster?
Post by: redxblack on July 19, 2009, 02:48:13 PM
Well, that sucks. heh.

I replaced the flasher relay on my Honda project bike and it was slightly easier than changing a light bulb. Sounds like this is engineered with Italian pride. ;)
Title: Re: Turn Signal Amperage caused blown instrument cluster?
Post by: ducpainter on July 19, 2009, 03:47:22 PM
Quote from: redxblack on July 19, 2009, 02:48:13 PM
Well, that sucks. heh.

I replaced the flasher relay on my Honda project bike and it was slightly easier than changing a light bulb. Sounds like this is engineered with Italian pride. ;)
They all have some strange ideas at times.