Topic: CB550 Turn signal issues

[Uncoiled]

I have had an issue with my left side turn signal since I got the bike. The left side wanted to act like a running light, staying on all the time then blinking when I turn the signal on. I have since replaced with LED signals and electronic relay. The right side works perfect but the left side is messed up. With the ignition on and bike not running it just lights up when i switch it on. When the bike is running it comes on and stays on the entire time just getting brighter then darker and blinking at a different rate (faster) then the right side.

I am no electrical wizard so I need some help. Any places to check? I really don't want to have to pull all the wiring or anything to find the issue. Both sides are hooked up the same and I have tried multiple configurations but no luck. Any help would be appreciated.

[MandEms]

Hi Uncoiled.

There should be two wires coming from your bike to the turn signal.  I would recommend the following:

1.  Disconnect all of your newly installed LED's from the bike's wiring system.

2.  At the left rear light assembly make the wires so that each has the copper conductor exposed.

3.  Find one of your old turn signal bulbs.  Make sure it is a REAR turn signal bulb.  Only one bump on the base of the bulb.

4.  Turn your ignition key to the first position.

5.  Turn your turn signal switch to LEFT

6.  Back at the LEFT rear, put one wire on the little bump at the base of the bulb and the other wire on the side of the base.

7.  Does the bulb work normally as a turn signal?

[MandEms]

...typo'd step 6 earlier.  I have now changed it from RIGHT to LEFT.

[Uncoiled]

I'll give that a try tomorrow, thanks!

[MandEms]

Just trying to get it down to the most basic elements and then start adding from there.

[eastyork1977]

Had the same issue on my 550 about 3 years back.
I would check all your signal grounds in the bucket and rear grounds to make sure they're all good.

After cleaning the connections, I replaced the flasher / winker switch and it worked right away. Expensive part but worth it. about 30 CAD direct from Honda.

[MandEms]

+1 for eastyork1977

The system is very sensitive to having good ground.  That's why I was suggesting eliminating everything and starting from scratch.

[eastyork1977]

MandEms thanks for that.
Generic flasher on eBay for 10 pounds sterling. Why did I buy OEM again?

[MandEms]

Any luck, Uncoiled?

I've had some turn signal issues myself and it sounds like eastyork1977 has as well.  It can be frustrating.

Just be patient and methodical.

[eastyork1977]

MandEms, I've got a running debate with a friend about the front signals. I believe most years have running front signals while my buddy insists that they shouldn't run while on and rewires them.

Any thoughts on this?

[MandEms]

Well, my front signals are on when the bike is on.  I'll take a close look at the wiring diagram and see.  I have always thought it to be odd (in the 1 yr I've had the bike) that the front comes on and the back ones don't though.