Problems with LED signal bulbs (won't flash even with an electronic flasher)

[ERM83]

I have NO IDEA why these bulbs won't flash. I changed all 4 WITH a 2-prong electronic flasher (NAPA LF-12), checked all the connections, and they'll turn on (both front and rear, one side at a time). It has an acewell speedometer / tach (MD-052 series) that I got last year, which also has led indicator lights on it for the signals... high beam, etc. It worked before I tried the LED signals, but I wanted to try the LED sjgnals so that they would possibly flash at stoplights while having to hold my brake on. The incandescent bulbs wouldn't flash until around 1250 - 1300 RPM. The LED's are NICE AND BRIGHT...I'd like to at least give them a shot! I bought a couple of diode kits, just in case. Do I still need them, despite my acewell supposedly having led indicators?? This was driving me NUTS today!!

She's running GREAT otherwise, and just got a new pair of shoes!! Commander 3's....I'm into'em!!!

I'm glad to see the site is still active!! I got worried for a second...haven't been on here all winter, and was REALLY BUSY with my new job! Hope y'all are doing great!!! Kudos!!


Eric

[DiverRay]

Did you try switching the connections? Plug in one pair, then move the flasher to another pair? I'm using a flasher from online, and I did have to make sure I had the correct two pins for it to work.

[ERM83]

Ray - I haven’t tried that yet! I was a bit afraid to fry something doing that, haha. Also - the “X” and the “L” posts on the flasher itself are in the same spot as the working mechanical flasher...another reason that I didn’t try it. I’m going to try to swap the wires in the connector first chance I get tomorrow!

[DiverRay]

You don't swap the wires, just move the flasher so you use the other pin. A 90 degree spin and plug it in.
See this post for the answer: https://xs11.club/forum/idle-talk-fo...ues#post746193 , post #4, or just search for LED flasher.

[ERM83]

Uh oh...mine already has a two prong connector on the top, with a red/yellow wire, and a brown. Also, do I need to do anything special with the bigger relay under the right side cover?? If I remember correctly, is that the hazard relay?? I tried an electronic flasher there as well, and it wouldn’t flash....

[ERM83]

I should’ve been more clear, sorry about that! Here’s what I’m working with. This SHOULD work, I would think.

[DiverRay]

That is NOT the flasher connection! The stock flasher has three connections, is round, and lives under the right side cover. Red/Yellow Brown is the hazard flasher. You may want to just purchase another flasher for the stock one, and leave the new electronic in the hazard location. The stock hazard unit MAY not work with the LED's, though it could if there is a poor ground or something.

[ERM83]

WHOOPS... I had them mixed up! However, I just tried every combination - still nothing. I have an extra electronic flasher, and that didn’t work at all either. At a complete loss...

[ERM83]

Here’s where it gets interesting (some progress!!) - with the electronic flasher in correctly, the bulbs themselves will flash slowly, but are faintly lit. The indicators for each side will not flash...they just stay on.

The lights stay on with the original flasher, and they are BRIGHT. The non-flashing in the speedo is interesting...do I maybe still need a diode in there??

[DiverRay]

Do you have a left and right in the gauges, or is it a "shared" bulb? You will probably need a diode for a shared bulb, but L&R bulbs should work. I would start looking at the ground wires on the bike. Be SURE you have a good ground at each turn signal, as well as the gauge cluster. Do check inside the headlamp bucket for any missing or loose wires. The "main" ground is on top of the reg/rec, all the wires connected to the mount screw. Pull the screw, clean things up and put ant-seize or no-ox on the screw threads and the connectors. I've put in extra grounds on most of my bikes just to keep things working well.

[ERM83]

Do you have a left and right in the gauges, or is it a "shared" bulb? You will probably need a diode for a shared bulb, but L&R bulbs should work. I would start looking at the ground wires on the bike. Be SURE you have a good ground at each turn signal, as well as the gauge cluster. Do check inside the headlamp bucket for any missing or loose wires. The "main" ground is on top of the reg/rec, all the wires connected to the mount screw. Pull the screw, clean things up and put ant-seize or no-ox on the screw threads and the connectors. I've put in extra grounds on most of my bikes just to keep things working well.

Excellent advice as always, Ray... I appreciate it!! So, here’s the deal - it’s an 80’ SG, so it HAD a shared bulb. The new speedo has separate L & R lights on it. It also has a fuel warning light, which I can’t use unless I can find a lower-Ohm resistor, and it has a high beam light. Maybe I’d have to wire it as if it was still a “shared bulb” dash??

I’ll definitely go through the grounds ASAP. I did just ride to the gym, and with my LED tail lights in there, it DEFINITELY made a difference...in brightness, and the signals (I put the incandescent bulbs back for now) will blink at stoplights now.

[DiverRay]

Here is the link for the colored wire diagram for the 1980/81 S :https://xs11.club/wiring-diagrams/80sg_81sh_wire.pdf Now you need to look at the Standard color diagram to be sure you have everything properly connected.https://xs11.club/forum/maintenance/...iring-diagrams . Between the two, you should be able to get it working. Let me know if something is beyond you, and I'll try to connect the dots from here for you.

[ERM83]

Here is the link for the colored wire diagram for the 1980/81 S :https://xs11.club/wiring-diagrams/80sg_81sh_wire.pdf Now you need to look at the Standard color diagram to be sure you have everything properly connected.https://xs11.club/forum/maintenance/...iring-diagrams . Between the two, you should be able to get it working. Let me know if something is beyond you, and I'll try to connect the dots from here for you.

Thanks again, Ray...it is BEYOND appreciated!! I have to work the next three days, so I’m going to give it a shot on Monday or Tuesday. Will report back!!