Flasher Relay also

[Rider60]

Hi All,

Does anyone know if only one side of a bike's turn signals function on a (XS1100G), if the Flasher Relay is good? I've heard one theory that it either works or does not work. Or can just half the Relay be bad? Would like to know since those flasher are a tad expensive.

Also, when on the throttle the bike runs great. But when I back off throttle and slow down two cylinders just cut out. Not all the time but quite frequently. There is no missing or backfiring and if I pull in the clutch and goose the throttle the cylinders usually fire back up. It's a real safety issue at an intersection and the bike doesn't want to go if you know what I mean.

I'm thinking it's a fuel issue. Ive been told it shouldn't be the petcocks or it wouldn't run flat out. Being a 1980 it has rust in the tank so I plan to coat
tank, so will look at petcocks then anyway. Any thoughts would be appreciated!


As a side note... I have used Caswell Platings 2 Part Gas Tank epoxy on other bike tanks with excellent results.

Thanks!

[oldyam80sg]

What relay are you talking about the one under the seat is a 2 prong flasher that i think you could by at an auto parts store or i have one available.The other one located under the side cover is very expensive-bike bandit wants $120.00 i believe for that flasher-They come up on E-bay once in awhile,but i think that you should check the wiring related to the signals and check/clean the grounds.Do you have signals that only work in the front or the back only?As far as the other problem sounds like a pickup wire fix is in order,as well as a carb cleaning.

[Rider60]

Flasher Relay is a three prong unit under the side cover. Found on ebay for $65. Running lights both work work up front. Only the left side turnsignals actually blink. Switch looks ok. Trying to find more info on the relays. Cleaned ups front right wires on right side. No electrical expert though.

[oldyam80sg]

Do you have the emergency flashers on the left side handlebar control switch?If you do then turn them on-see if they flash.Do you hear the flasher clicking?

[DGXSER]

IIRC the turn signal flasher and the emergency flasher are separate units, they are on my SH at least, I had to test out my hazard flasher.

The same flasher works both sides of the bike, which side fo the switch you push to determines which lights get power IIRC. So if one side flashes, the unit is good. I would start at your turn signal unit on the bars. My hazard lights would not work and when I tore the switch completely apart, I found one of the wires had come loose at the solder connection to the switch. snipped it off and resoldered it on, works perfectly. Also cleaned up my turn signal switch and it works MUCH better now.

[oldyam80sg]

Yes they are 2 separate units on the SG also.One is a 2 prong(least expensive) and the 3 prong one is the $$$ one.I have a 2 prong one if you need but i don't think that is the problem.

[xzimppledink]

flasher/cut out problem.

My XS1100 1980 special has had flasher/cut out problems. I traced it to two sources. First, the flasher relay under the r h side panel was shorting out, second my battery was weak. When I activated the turn signals the short drained the battery and caused the motor to cut out. Since a new flasher relay costs $124 plus shipping and tax I am searching for a used unit.I tried a standatd auto flasher but it didn't work even though it plugged into the 3 prong socket. I'm presently running without turn signals but the motor runs fine. Not sure of the mechanics but when the flasher caused the motor to stall the two RH cyllinders fouled the spark plugs. Removed defactive flasher and installed new battery, no more fouled plugs, no more stalling engine.

[tw1980]

If one side works it's not the flasher.The side that does not work,do the turn signals light up and not flash or do they not turn on at all?

[cywelchjr]

My XS1100 1980 special has had flasher/cut out problems. I traced it to two sources. First, the flasher relay under the r h side panel was shorting out, second my battery was weak. When I activated the turn signals the short drained the battery and caused the motor to cut out. Since a new flasher relay costs $124 plus shipping and tax I am searching for a used unit.I tried a standatd auto flasher but it didn't work even though it plugged into the 3 prong socket. I'm presently running without turn signals but the motor runs fine. Not sure of the mechanics but when the flasher caused the motor to stall the two RH cyllinders fouled the spark plugs. Removed defactive flasher and installed new battery, no more fouled plugs, no more stalling engine.

If you replace with an auto flasher unit, you need to get a 2 prong unit, it's not the same as a 3 prong automotive unit. I've been running an automotive 2 prong electronic flasher for a little over a month now and it works fine, just no auto cancel, which I don't care for anyways.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Rider,

Just to add to the good info already provided, you need to check the GROUNDS for the lights, especially the rears. Depending on the model, they often use a large O shaped washer/wire that is secured to the mounting shaft of the turn signal stalk, and it grounds to the fender/frame. Corrosion, rust, etc. can cause this washer to loose it's contact with the frame and loose ground.

Also, check the bulb sockets, the wires from the sockets to the signal housing, also locations for corrosion.
T.C.

[Rider60]

Thanks for the ideas. Hazard 4 ways only work on the left side as well, even though both left and right marker lights are lit.

Ive had a bad ground on the right Rear signal light before as it is attached to frame for Krauser Saddle Bags. It doesn't seem to be a problem there now but I can't say there is not a break in a wire somewhere and will have to look further.

Tough to find someone in NE PA who will still work on older bikes.

[oldyam80sg]

Where are you in PA?-I could take a ride as long as it is not way out there.

[DGXSER]

Sound sliek it is an issue with the grounds perhaps, You can turn on the hazards or the signals and check voltage to the power side of the lights.

[John]

Open the turn signal switch housing and look at either the green (right turn) or brown (left turn) wire that is soldered (or unsoldered) to the actual switch it self. These old solder joints are known to break after a while, and that sounds like it is your problem.