Topic: LEDs Not Working in Indicator Panel

[DBRider]

After a year long hiatus, I am waiting for paint to dry and I’ll have my 1974 CB550 back on the road. To pass the time, I decided to convert to LEDs. Trouble is, all other LEDs (headlight, tail light, turn signals, signal indicator, high beam indicator, tach and speedo) work fine except for the LEDs on the Oil and Neutral indicators. Regular bulbs work fine in the sockets and I’ve tried LEDs that work in other sockets. I’m at a loss. I’d like a fix but the worst that can happen I use standard bulbs. Thanks in advance!

[Tracksnblades1]

After a year long hiatus, I am waiting for paint to dry and I’ll have my 1974 CB550 back on the road. To pass the time, I decided to convert to LEDs. Trouble is, all other LEDs (headlight, tail light, turn signals, signal indicator, high beam indicator, tach and speedo) work fine except for the LEDs on the Oil and Neutral indicators. Regular bulbs work fine in the sockets and I’ve tried LEDs that work in other sockets. I’m at a loss. I’d like a fix but the worst that can happen I use standard bulbs. Thanks in advance!

Some of the cheaper ones are polarity sensitive… led = light emitting diode.

di·ode
/ˈdīˌōd/
nounELECTRONICS
a semiconductor device with two terminals, typically allowing the flow of current in one direction only.

 

[calj737]

More than likely they require more resistance to energize, so you might have to wire inline small resistors. If you look at the specs on the package or source from where you purchased, it may indicate their requirements. Or, you can source different LEDs that are known to work in that location.

[CycleRanger]

I had no problems using these bulbs in all the gauges on my bikes.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/led-light-bulbs-universal-finder/bayonet-base-bulbs/ba9s-led-landscape-light-bulb-1-led-ba9s-retrofit-4-lumens

[DBRider]

Thanks for the insights. I picked up the bulbs from Common Motor assuming they were plug and play.

I’m for adding resistors, but this is where my “right brain” gets in the way. I am not good with electronics. How small of a resistor should I use? Where would it go? I do use a small resistor pigtail for the LED turn signals. Would the resistor for the dash indicator just go inline with the power wire to the LED? Also, would adding resistors to these two lights put more strain on the main 15a fuse?

Whooeee. Always something, right?

[kerryb]

I just went through this.  Keep in mind that the oil & neutral sensors only provide a ground for the bulb to light.  The power can come from a common source, so the negative lead of the LED goes to the sensor.  My LED’s were set up with a resistor to work with 12 volts, you may need to add a 210 ohm resistor.  If the bulbs are too bright, increase the resistor a little.  Side note:  my neutral light began glowing when I pulled in the clutch lever (switch) this was caused by the starting system safety diode failing…any basic diode worthy of a few amps will do.

[DBRider]

Thank you for the information.

To clarify, the resistors will go between the LEDs and their respective grounds, correct? In my case, the light green/red and blue/red wires that exit the instrument lights.

[kerryb]

Thank you for the information.

To clarify, the resistors will go between the LEDs and their respective grounds, correct? In my case, the light green/red and blue/red wires that exit the instrument lights.

It doesn’t matter whether the resistor is before or after the LED, as long as it’s in the circuit.

[scottly]

work fine except for the LEDs on the Oil and Neutral indicators. Regular bulbs work fine in the sockets 

The easiest solution is to use the regular bulbs. After all, neither indicator is on when riding the bike.

[Deltarider]

work fine except for the LEDs on the Oil and Neutral indicators. Regular bulbs work fine in the sockets 

The easiest solution is to use the regular bulbs. After all, neither indicator is on when riding the bike.

Thank you, Scottly. Frankly, I have no idea why some here want to go through all that trouble. Replacing a bulb, is done in a jiffy and the cost is neglectable.

[jonda500]

Regular bulbs with small enough glass to fit in the dash panel are really hard to find now?
I have had to find them when I needed them in my parts collection in the old dash panels and gauges.
John

[DBRider]

Standard bulbs are getting harder to find but I found them at Common Motor and Radio Shack of all places. I picked up some standard bulbs and some resistors so I can play around with the LEDs and use standard bulbs as a fallback.

I agree that it’s not as convenient as just replacing a bulb but wanted to give it a go

[CycleRanger]

The OEM bulbs are not hard to find, Honda still sells them.
PN 34902-259-000

[robvangulik]

work fine except for the LEDs on the Oil and Neutral indicators. Regular bulbs work fine in the sockets 

The easiest solution is to use the regular bulbs. After all, neither indicator is on when riding the bike.

+1, I think the oil light especially is still the one put in by Honda 50 years ago and probably has worked less than 1 hour total over that time...say 1 second every time while turning the key, start and ride.

[MauiK3]

Yamiya has the bulbs too.