Topic: cb550 replacement problem...help?

[crackersoup]

I'm new to the forum, so thanks first for trying to help out. I recently replaced the stock turn signals on my 1974 cb550, an although I get running lights up front, and the signals do burn brighter when selected, I've got no blink, and no running lights in the back 2 signals. My understanding from some fellow riders is that the intermittent relays were housed in the original signals, and I may have to add relays for the front and back to get the proverbial blink. Anyone out there done this before? All help is much appreciated, as I'm about 2 months into my bike customizing career. I couldn't be happier I've found this site...everyone I've contacted has been uber-helpful...community is the right word to describe this site. Cheers! - Hank 

[Bodi]

There's only one flasher, located with the other electrics under one of the side panels (opposite the battery).
The original rear turn signals don't have marker lights. There are wires on the harness for them though, and some PO might have installed marker lights; they would have 2 filament bulbs like an 1187 rahther than the original single filament ones.
What signals did you install? If you used LED types, there isn't enough current draw to make the flasher flash. You can install load resistors which just waste power or, better, an electronic 3-wire flasher like the Grote 44893 - or any electronic flasher listed as correct for a 70-91 Audi (except the 86 Audi 5000). There are other 3-wire flashers that will not work. The Grote has a constant flash rate with any load, others may give you a very fast or slow rate with LED lamps as they think you have a signal light burnt out (due to the low load power) and give a special flash rate to tell you about it.
There's a loose green wire near the existing 2-wire flasher, connect it to the G or unique numbered terminal (39?), the power wire goes to the X or letterless number (41?) and the load wire goes to L or the lettered number terminal (41a?) on the new 3-terminal flasher.

[bill440cars]

                    Man Bodi, that sounds like it should be in the FAQ for anyone else who wants to go that
          way on signals.  What Do You Say Guys, am I right?   Later on, Bill

[mrbreeze]

You are'nt supposed to have running lights in the rear. Single filiment in the rear.....turn signals......double filiment in front.....run lights and turn signals. On my 750,the flasher is located under the left side cover. It's kind of tucked up in the top towards the seat.You can replace that with a cheap auto flasher from your favorite aut supply(Napa,Car Quest,etc.)for under $5. If that don't cure you,open all of your turn housings up and clean using an approved method.Check for bad grounds,etc. Good luck.