turn signals

[redbone]

can't get turn signals working. found corrosion in switch. resoldered. still no good. fuse is good. it's drivin me crazy. the original flasher relay is gone.replaced with dealer part[plastic 3 prong] don't know what to do at this point . any info greatly appreciated. 1980 midnite 1100.
redbone

[webbcraft2150]

Turn the key on and with a voltmeter, check BOTH sides of the turn signal fuse. Glass fuses may look good but they will break up in the metal part where you can't see it. Pull the headlight and follow the wires to the front turn signals, test em with a test light or voltmeter to see if the switch is sending power. These are just two quick checks. If the fuse is getting power to both sides and the testing of the wires in the headlight shell dosen't show power, welcome to the Trace The Wires Down Check the Ground Try Another Flasher Club. Do a search for wiring diagrams and you will find one to help you in your quest to be able to flash people. If you don't have a test light or voltmeter, get them, they are regular tools when you ride an XS. Other things like corroded bulb sockets, corroded flasher connector come to mind also. While your at it, once you fix the turnsignals, go back and pull every connector part you can find and clean em, including grounds. Don't forget the pile of em under the seat and tank.

[BrianB]

The problem I had when I got my bike was bad ground. I found this by using a Volt Meter. I cleaned up some connections and presto, works great and reliable since.

[81xsproject]

The flashers typically have printing on them that tells you what is supposed to be connected to where. Check the wires you are plugging into the flasher and make sure they are correctly orientated to the design of the flasher. There have be reports of folks having to switch wires on the flasher plug to get modern flashers to work.

[mro]

80 has a hazord switch with a seperate flasher.
Should flash with just key on.
If they come on then bulbs, sockets and grounds should be OK.
If not then most likely a power problem.
Can get a $10.00 multi-meter local hardware store.
With key and turn switch on check if getting 12V to that side at bulb.
No then disconnect that turn signals brown or green wire and check agin.
With seat off check if getting power to flasher.

If getting voltage at fuse but not at flasher then you have an "open" between fuse and flasher. Check power at switch, power in, if yes check other side of switch for power out.
If power to flasher then an open between flasher and turns.

Will have to inspect wiring from last power source on....

Process of elimination.
If you have not ever cleaned all the wiring connections/grounds would do this first, will save trouble that will happen.


mro

[fredintoon]

Some "Ifs"

Hi Redbone,
IF it's always been like that since you've owned it, rather than "they did work but now they don't" and
IF the replacement Automotive 3-prong is just plugged into the 3-way plug using all 3 prongs,
NO, it won't work.
The Automotive 3-pronger is wired-up inside all different. Take it out and replug it so only two prongs go into the plug and one hangs out in space. There's two ways it will do this. One way nothing happens. The other way the flashers will work.
BUT, you will have lost the self-cancelling feature.

[79XS11F]

Check all the grounds and if your up to it disassemble them and clean up everything inside and out. If the lens gaskets have been leaking water / moisture can get everywhere inside. The bulb holders can be removed from their rubber bushings for a complete cleaning and rebuild.
Rob

[STEPPENWOLF]

Two related questions,what is the best way to clean the connections?Under the seat and I guess all connections on the bike. My left signal goes on and works some times and other times not but if I just slightly tap the flasher it works each time I tap it,engine at idle or just the key on,4 ways work regardless.
Have two flashers,one original and one a year old(both Yamaha).
I am guessing I am not getting enough power to the flasher to activate it.......but the right side almost always works. Have not cleaned all connections yet,running a Vetter fairing and relocated rear turn signals to the licencese plate.Will have plenty of time to devote to the bike in four weeks to fix this problem.
Bill

[skids]

With my standard(s), I have had some history of problems with the rear signal grounds. They connect to the underside of the fender with a eye-connector and screw. Bad place for corrosion.

[79XS11F]

Originally posted by STEPPENWOLF
Two related questions,what is the best way to clean the connections?Under the seat and I guess all connections on the bike. My left signal goes on and works some times and other times not but if I just slightly tap the flasher it works each time I tap it,engine at idle or just the key on,4 ways work regardless.
Have two flashers,one original and one a year old(both Yamaha).
I am guessing I am not getting enough power to the flasher to activate it.......but the right side almost always works. Have not cleaned all connections yet,running a Vetter fairing and relocated rear turn signals to the licencese plate.Will have plenty of time to devote to the bike in four weeks to fix this problem.
Bill

If it works when you tap on the flasher unit it is an issue in the flasher. It "may" even be that the wrong bulb is stuffed into the holder. Check the connections at the back end of the bulb holder inside the rubber boot.
So far as cleaning the male and female connections of the harness you can clean the male ends with a small stiff wire brush. When you take the connections apart there should be what looks like FRESH contact marks on the male pins. this is because they are made to fit together with some sprung tension between the male and female parts. I like to smear some dielectric grease into the female ends and then plug the connector together and take it apart a few times.
Rob

[STEPPENWOLF]

79,wrong bulb mmmmmm haven't replaced one since I don't know when but will have a look see at all of them. Is 1157 still the standard bulb? Got a tube of that grease on the work bench.
Printed out what MRO said....was going to work on bike sunday but the weather is supposed to be ride able so that comes first.
Thanks 79 and MRO..I should be able to track down the problem.

[79XS11F]

I "think" an 1157 is a brake / tail light bulb and may not be the correct wattage. Are your turn signal bulbs in the rear not single filament bulbs? On my standard bike with front running lights I have twin filament bulbs in the front and single filament bulbs in the rear. 1157 bulbs if they are indeed brake / tail light bulbs will have off set locating pins while single filament bulbs usually don't have offset locating pins. You can however with a little force make an offset pinned bulb fit into the wrong socket. You can tell because the top of the bulb would be on an angle to the holder when the bulb seems properly seated.
Rob

[STEPPENWOLF]

Yuppers 79,my front lights are always on, you are right my rear signals are single filament,my bad. Will do a quickie cleaning tomorrow after work and check the bulb numbers to make sure I have things right...wouldn't be the first time I screwed up.Thanks.

[mro]

1156 are single element bulbs,
but there is a bulb that is about five wats more.
Don't remeber # tho.


mro

[redbone]

turnsigs probs

have digital multi meter. usually read abotu 12 volts at idle,. it did work once with the 'old' flasher relay in. i could at least hear the relay click,,,,since i got the new one nogood. unfortunatly i do not ahve the old one. the switche looks good. i have voltage on both sides of fuse. headlight works with hi and lo but hazard and truns nogood. it should be simple.....right there is only 4 ckts????
any more info appreciated