81 Special turn signal problem

[2manybikes]

The right turn signals work fine, nothing on the left front or rear. The ground wires and the bulbs are good. If I turn the emergency flashers on, all four work fine. Thanks for any help.

[jetmechmarty]

Emergency flashers working means the grounds at signals are good. Right signal works, so the flasher is good. Try cleaning the switch. Take it off the bar and get after it with contact cleaner. Who knows, maybe somebody screwed it up?

[2manybikes]

81 Special turn signal problems

Nah, the last guy that worked on this rocket was the real deal. I'll pull the switch and start there. Hopefully I wil be able to get back on to report my findings. Thank you sir.

[bikerphil]

Be careful disassembling that switch as the solder connections are fragile and can break off fairly easily. I like to put a makeshift table under the left handlebar to rest the disassembled unit on while servicing.

[2manybikes]

Be careful disassembling that switch as the solder connections are fragile and can break off fairly easily. I like to put a makeshift table under the left handlebar to rest the disassembled unit on while servicing.

Thanks for your reply. Likely not something I would have thought of. Can't wait to see what falls out when I take it apart!

[bikerphil]

There is also a harness connection under the fuel tank that can go flaky if the problem isn't in the switch.

[2manybikes]

Thanks, I will add that to my list of things to check.

[2manybikes]

I finally had time today to get the Special out to work on my signal problem. After spraying the crap out of the switch, I let it dry for a while and put it back together. Still no signals blinking on the left side. On a positive note, the rear left one at least lights up. I tried the emergency flashers again, and discovered the left front one was not working now. It was fine before.... Next I took the headlight out. After about 20 minutes of muttering colorful metaphors I discovered I had no ground. A few more minutes and I found a loose connection in the ground wire. I have to run by a friends house to use his elec fittings and crimper. I'm not even going to try to find mine. I'll report back when I get the ground wire replaced.

[2manybikes]

Installed the new ground wire today, and it works! Thanks for everyones input. I got the 79F out a couple days ago and discovered the left side signals on it quit working. At lest I have some practice now.

[bikerphil]

Glad you got it fixed. Hope you still have some riding weather left.

[2manybikes]

Our weather here has declined since around the first of October, but not too bad. Upper 50's during the day and low 30's at night. I'm in hopes to head back down to your sunny state in mid February. We did it last year and had a blast. It was spitting ice and snow when we left and it was 70 whe we got to Jacksonville. I could get used to that!

[bikerphil]

I can't wait till it hits 70 around here, it's been 90+ for the past 7 months, ugh. Hope you make it, give a holler if you're anywhere near Ft. Lauderdale.