turn signal problem

[mmaddix]

Alright so my front turn signals on my project bike are on all the time. They only turn off when it is supposed to turn on and nine of my turn signals flash. I know I probably need a flasher relay but would that cause my front ones to stay on besides when they are supposed to flash.

I thought about it and are the front ones usually on at all times and only flash when you select the turn signal. Because that would explain everything.

[jetmechmarty]

Yes, the front signals double as running lights.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Maddix,

You've got wires crossed in the front. The standards have both running lights...the blue wires, and turn signal lights, the green and brown wires. You've probably got the blue and others mixed up and cross connected. You'll need to pull your headlight out and check the wiring and connections.

T.C.

[GLoweVA]

Or you could have the wrong bulbs in there.
Yes, Those turn signals double as running lights and thus need 2 filaments.
So, the bulb will have two contact points on the bottom. If you use one that only has one contact point then you're essentialy crossing the wires right there in the bulb socket.

[GLoweVA]

I need to add the fact that if you've got the stock flasher (3 prong) then you need to make sure that you get the right wattage bulb too. (27W for the signal is what is needed.) Anything less than that and they won't flash, just stay on.
Look at the packaging and read the fine print and it'll list the rating of the bulb. I found mine at AutoZone.

Edit: 1157 is the front 1156 is for the rear
The 1157 is the 2 filament type and the 1156 is a single.

[mmaddix]

I got a new flasher and everything flashes but I do need to put the right bulbs in the front.

One thing that doesn't make sense to me is that if the bulb is two filament doesn't it need two power wires(one for each filament) and 1 ground?

[GLoweVA]

The ground is the signal housing itself thru the forks and frame.
If you're wired up right, then you've got two 'hot' leads going into the signal.
I believe it's a blue for the running light and a dark green for the right signal/flash. (and chocolate for the left)

An easy check, is to look into the bulb socket and see if there's 2 contact points that would mate up with the 2 filament bulb.

[mmaddix]

I definitely just had a stupid moment. I want thinking about it getting a ground from its mount because I don't have them mounted I just have them dangling there. If would of took a quick look at the schematic I would of answered my own question. I touched them to a good ground on the frame and they work a advertised. I guess all I needed was a new flasher. Thanks for the input.

[GLoweVA]

Glad we could help.

Curious, did you get a stock flasher, or an aftermarket 2 prong one?

[mmaddix]

It is the stock 3 prong but its just shorter than the original.

[GLoweVA]

Cool, then your auto cancel feature should work too.
One thing I have noticed with the stock flasher is if your voltage is low, it tends to not flash well or not at all. I like to think of it as a sort of voltage sensor telling me that my alternator/battery/charging system is working ok.

[mmaddix]

That is good to know. Thanks man.

[natemoen]

It is the stock 3 prong but its just shorter than the original.

Is it an actual OEM unit or just some 3 prong you picked up at a auto parts store?

[mmaddix]

All I know is it has 3 prongs and I got it from a motorcycle salvage yard and they said it was new.

[natemoen]

All I know is it has 3 prongs and I got it from a motorcycle salvage yard and they said it was new.

I would be interested to know what it actually came from and if the self cancelers actually work.