current barrier diode???

[dthemic]

Hello all,
Tonight the tail lamp and instrument illumination on my '01 Tour started going out when the handlebar is turned. Traced it to the harness that connects to the ignition switch.Inside the headlamp bucket I managed to locate a gray wire connected to a black/red wire with a strange little thing that looks to me like a resistor.This strange little black thing is broken(the heavy wire pigtail on one side seperated) The wiring diagram identifies this strange little item as "black current barrier diode,3A type". I also found that if I bypass the "black current barrier diode.3A type" all my lights work.
First question: What does this thing do and do I really need it?
Second question: Where do I get one of these things and how do I translate "black current barier diode,3A type" into something the guy behind the counter will understand?
Thanks in advance for any assistance,
Dave

[dthemic]

Problem solved. Turns out barrier diode is just what the name implies. Found at radio shack diode #in5402. Soldered into place and presto all is well.

[DAVID THOMPSON]

there it is

3-Amp Barrel Diodes

$1.49
Catalog #: 276-1143