'05 620: Problems with brake light and turn signal

[baazigar]

Hi all,

I was doing the normal pre-ride checkup for my bike and I noticed that when I press either the front or the foot brake, the brake light doesn't brighten up as it should.  On top of that, the right turn blinkers on both the front and the back do not actually blink, even though they stay lit up just as the brakes are.  I'm sure the bulb isn't the problem but I really don't know where to start and I'd like to know if it's something I can possibly fix myself. 

Here is a picture of the back of my bike if it helps.



Thank you for your help!

[Bones]

nice bike. interesting light setup.

I'm assuming the rear lights have been on the bike for some time now.

First thing I would check are the fuses (not sure which control brake and turn signals). just looking at them won't work, you should use a test light. if the fuse is blown, there's a good chance you have an exposed wire that's being ground out to the frame on your taillight setup.

you should also check to see if any wires were disconnected in that taillight.

that's all I got.  good luck.

[Howie]

The brake light fuse is #7.  Does the horn work (same fuse)?  Are you getting voltage back to the tail light?  Signals are probably another problem.  Sounds like the flasher is not working, normally an easy repair, but, unfortunately, your '05 has the flasher integrated into the instrument cluster. 

[baazigar]

My apologies for not responding to both of your VERY helpful advice earlier.  I appreciate it very much.  I checked the fuses and while they weren't blown but apparently just loose because all I did was take the #7 fuse out and stick it back in and voila! turn signal is fixed.  The front signal is still not working so I'm guessing that it's probably just a blown bulb.  Again, thank you guys very much. 

I am completely new to the tech stuff so if you'll forgive me for being a newbie and asking questions, would you guys explain what it means that the flasher is integrated into the instrument cluster and how that's different from other monsters?

[Howie]

Older Monsters had a flasher mounted under the seat.  If it failed all you had to do was buy a new one at any auto parts store and replace it.  Your bike has an electronic flasher that is part of the circuit board in your instrument cluster.  What this means is if the flasher fails either you buy a whole dash or get creative with electricity.

No need to ask for forgiveness,that is what the tech section is for.