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Horn/Turn Signals Intermittent.

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  • Horn/Turn Signals Intermittent.

    Hello all,

    Getting to know my ‘79 XS11 and noticed that while riding, after a certain point, the horn stops working and the turn signals stop flashing. The left turn signal is affected more than the right.

    Any insight would be most appreciative.

    Thank you

    John
    2017 CRF 250 Rally
    1979 XS 1100
    1985 Porsche 944
    1991 Alfa 164

  • #2
    Sounds like low voltage, the charging system is not keeping up. Some connections probably need some cleaning.
    2H7 (79)
    3H3

    "If it ain't broke, modify it"

    Comment


    • #3
      ^what he said.
      clean bulbs, connectors and use a light coating of dielectric grease on everything when reassembling.
      1979 XS1100 Special
      1980 XS1100 Std parts bucket
      1987 ZL1000 Eliminator
      1976 XS750D Project in waiting

      Comment


      • #4
        Thank you both. I’ll get cracking on it.
        2017 CRF 250 Rally
        1979 XS 1100
        1985 Porsche 944
        1991 Alfa 164

        Comment


        • #5
          Don't forget the alternator harness connector behind the fuse panel, it will cut your voltage right out of the gate if it's melted.
          2H7 (79)
          3H3

          "If it ain't broke, modify it"

          Comment


          • #6
            Thanks bikerphil I’ll look at that this week. Fuse panel does look tired.
            2017 CRF 250 Rally
            1979 XS 1100
            1985 Porsche 944
            1991 Alfa 164

            Comment


            • #7
              Yep, most of us upgrade to a blade style fuse box.
              2H7 (79)
              3H3

              "If it ain't broke, modify it"

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by jpiombo67 View Post
                Thanks bikerphil I’ll look at that this week. Fuse panel does look tired.
                On a bike as old as yours, age and mileage, I'd suggest inspecting and cleaning of every electrical connection on the bike. Also check the soldering on the wire ends and for broken wires.

                Comment


                • #9
                  A dirty/melted ignition switch connector in the HL bucket will bog down the voltage, don't forget that one.
                  2H7 (79)
                  3H3

                  "If it ain't broke, modify it"

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by 2WheelFun View Post
                    ^what he said.
                    clean bulbs, connectors and use a light coating of dielectric grease on everything when reassembling.
                    Dielectric grease is not conducive. Do not .... and I repeat do not put this grease on your electrical connections. This stuff is designed to keep moisture out but if you have it directly on or in your connections it simply does not conduct electricity. You will cripple your bike with this stuff. DAMHIK!
                    2 - 80 LGs bought one new
                    81 LH
                    02 FXSTB Nighttrain
                    22 FLTRK Road Glide Limited
                    Jim

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Dielectric grease makes a mess.

                      I hate working on bikes after someone has blobbed it all over the connectors.
                      -Mike
                      _________
                      '79 XS1100SF 20k miles
                      '80 XS1100SG 44k miles
                      '81 XS1100H Venturer 35k miles
                      '79 XS750SF 17k miles
                      '85 Honda V65 Magna ~7k miles
                      '84 Honda V65 Magna 48k miles (parts bike)
                      '86 Yamaha VMAX 9k miles

                      Previous: '68 Motoguzzi 600cc + '79 XS750SF 22k miles +'84 Honda V65

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        I usually use a toothpick to apply the grease to the female connector, and apply a light coating to the base of bulbs and always apply a coat to the inside of the rubbers of spark plugs boots. It repels moisture which usually is the cause of the corrosion that required cleaning. I know it doesn't conduct and it's never globbed on my contacts. I have been using it for years this way and never had an issue. The main thing is to go thru and clean, use grease or not, makes no matter to me.
                        1979 XS1100 Special
                        1980 XS1100 Std parts bucket
                        1987 ZL1000 Eliminator
                        1976 XS750D Project in waiting

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Everyone is entitled to how they do things. However, a few years back and I mean several years back...there were far too many folks recommending the use of the grease. I don't want to see that happen again. If you don't know what you are doing with that stuff, as I said, it can really mess things up. I agree with bulbs ... which I believe it is primarily designed for and the boots on the plugs make sense too. I would leave it at those items and just clean the rest of the connections on the bike. Especially the grounds.
                          2 - 80 LGs bought one new
                          81 LH
                          02 FXSTB Nighttrain
                          22 FLTRK Road Glide Limited
                          Jim

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            I forgot to add one other thought. If you really want to clean your connections go to Radio Shack online... and invest in a can of Deoxit. Spray all your connectors down with it and it will remove every spec of oxidation. Been doing that on all my bikes and it works wonders.
                            2 - 80 LGs bought one new
                            81 LH
                            02 FXSTB Nighttrain
                            22 FLTRK Road Glide Limited
                            Jim

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Ox gard is best for wire connector itself. It is a conductor and protector.

                              https://www.amazon.com/Innovative-Pr.../dp/B00C7K1T8S
                              ^ If you want some new tools to add to the box.

                              I've also used the salt vinegar bath and baking soda water neutralize bath for connectors.
                              1979 XS1100 Special
                              1980 XS1100 Std parts bucket
                              1987 ZL1000 Eliminator
                              1976 XS750D Project in waiting

                              Comment

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