Motorcycle Repair: Harley tailight, signal lights, somthing

Question
my husbands 2001 hertiage softail classic 1540 keeps blowing new tailight when brake is pressed, signal lights do not work when tailight is out recently the tailight bar lost a screw and there was a long ride before it was noticed, then later this started.  this is about all i know about it but hes had to ride it this way and i just needed some ideas of what to check for and where to check for it at before spending a day out of town at a repair shop for something simple..... thanks

Answer
The somthing simple is you have a short. The problem is locating it. Start by unplugging the plugin for the taillight. Then try it. If it shorts then you have to trace the wires from the plug to the power sourse. Look for a broken or chaffed wire that is touching the frame
Good luck and happy riding
Mike