Turn signal relay help XJ11

[GuinnessSynd]

Hi all I have a problem that I was hoping those wiser than me could solve. The original turn signal relay died on me. I got one on ebay that said it was from an XJ11 it looks the same but it doesn't work. I heard that you can use a 2 prong relay but there is work that needs to be done in order to get it to work. I was wondering what I have to do to get it to work. I searched but I had trouble finding answers. As of this point it is the only thing keeping it from being inspected. Any help would be Appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[bikerphil]

The 2 prong flasher should work fine, but you will lose the self cancel feature. Try taking the emergency flasher from the left side of the bike and plug it into the turn signal flasher and see if that works.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Phil,

I remember years ago when I helped work on an XJ and the turn signals weren't working, I got a 2 prong flasher also, but even plugging it in either way that it would fit wouldn't work! THen I read about needing to swap out the middle wire and one of the end wires positions in the harness plug first, and then the flasher would work. I'm sorry that I can't remember which side wire I swapped with the middle one?

However, GuinnessSynd, you can use a very small screwdriver to release the pin that keeps the prong inside the plug so that you can pull the female connector out of the harness plug....then you can loosely fit them to the flasher plug to see which way it works....once you find the right combination, then put the wires back into the plug that way so that you can then plug the 2 prong flasher into it, and it will look OEM!

T.C.

[GuinnessSynd]

Incase this matters. The right signal would work no problem but the left signal wild work only occasionally

[bikerphil]

Then you have a bad connection, probably a ground.

[GuinnessSynd]

What's the best way to go about diagnosing where the problem is?

[bikerphil]

I would start by finding the connectors for the front and rear left turn signals, take them apart and check for corrosion, clean if needed. If that doesn't solve the problem, I would check the handlebar switch and check for corrosion in there. Most times it is just dirty connections, not somthing broken. GL

[TopCatGr58]

Well, now that's a different story!

Aside from the external connections, you may also need to pull the light lens covers off and inspect the actual sockets and grounding straps from the socket to the fixture....both places for corrosion as well!

The turn signal handlebar switch can not only develop corrosion on the contacts, but the wires can actually come unsoldered. The reed type contact arms can also get bent.

Good Luck!

T.C.

[Jerry]

I use a 2-prong flasher on the XJ with no problems. It will only plug in two ways and one way works. Provided there are no other problems in the light circuit the 2-prong (standard, not digital) flasher should work without mods.

I used the two-prong when towing my trailer behind the XJ; was not sure the OEM unit would handle the extra load. Yes, you do lose the auto-cancel feature with the two-prong unit. I never relied on the auto cancel anyway.

[MaximPhil]

Incase this matters. The right signal would work no problem but the left signal wild work only occasionally

Hi Guinness,
I have had a non flashing left side indicator for years. Cleaning the contacts and 27watt bulbs are the usual cures. I bet my handle bar switch is the issue as it is about the only thing I have not cleaned.
Have you upgraded the fuse panel yet?
Phil

[GuinnessSynd]

I have not upgraded the fuse panel yet. It is on my list of things to do. I am dropping off the 2 prong today and I will tell him that if this doesn't work then we need to clean the connections.