Horn/Turn Signals Intermittent.

[jpiombo67]

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

[bikerphil]

Sounds like low voltage, the charging system is not keeping up. Some connections probably need some cleaning.

[2WheelFun]

^what he said.
clean bulbs, connectors and use a light coating of dielectric grease on everything when reassembling.

[jpiombo67]

Thank you both. I’ll get cracking on it.

[bikerphil]

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.

[jpiombo67]

Thanks bikerphil I’ll look at that this week. Fuse panel does look tired.

[bikerphil]

Yep, most of us upgrade to a blade style fuse box.

[DaveT]

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.

[bikerphil]

A dirty/melted ignition switch connector in the HL bucket will bog down the voltage, don't forget that one.

[cajun31]

^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!

[Radioguylogs]

Dielectric grease makes a mess.

I hate working on bikes after someone has blobbed it all over the connectors.

[2WheelFun]

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.

[cajun31]

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.

[cajun31]

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.

[2WheelFun]

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.