Turn Signals

[Roadman48]

Hope someone can help! I just replaced the left side handlebar switch on my 1979 XS1100SF with one from Mike's XS. I synched up the wiring diagrams and tied the switch wires into the XS1100 plugs.

The headlight dimmer switch and horn work fine now, but the turn signals just light up but do not flash. Does anyone have any ideas how I can correct this.

I appreciate any and all help. Thanks.

Larry

[GLoweVA]

I've found that if there's not enough juice in the battery, the signals will do that. (Just light up and not flash)
It's something to do with the stock flasher and the capacitors in it needing to charge up to start the flashing.
Try the signals with the bike running/reved up a little so that the alternator puts out some.

If it works then, then your connections might be a bit dirty, or the battery needs a charge/replacement.

[jetmechmarty]

What George said. You may have a poor connection someplace not allowing for proper current flow. When you repinned the connectors, did you get them all in straight? It could even be the switch itself. Clean it.

[Roadman48]

Thanks for the responses. I charged the battery and tried the signals while the engine revved, still no flashing. The flasher "clicks" when the switch is moved to left or right which I thinks means current is getting to it. It has a two prong flasher that I thing I will replace next.

I checked all the connections and they seem tight. Does anyone know which wire might be the culprit so I can examine more closely?

Thanks for all help.

Larry

[jetmechmarty]

When mine behaved this way, I fixed it by taking the signals apart and cleaning them. There was corrosion in the sockets and ground wire connection.

[ViperRon]

As Marty mentioned check the grounding conection as it is new from Mikes might need a little tweeking to make good contact with handlebar.

Did the switch assembly you got match exactly with what you had? There is a switch with the emergency flasher tied into signals and one without emergency flasher switch.

[Roadman48]

Thanks to all. I replaced the flasher unit and that solved the problem, I may have blown it when the original turn signal switch shorted out (please don't ask how!).

I am always wary of my work on electrics, there is a lot that I don't know about them.

Thanks again for your help. Those in the east and midwest, try to stay cool.

Larry