Topic: Wiring Snafu

[550Resto]

Hey all, I've got a 78 cb550 and one of the turn signal wires for the left rear broke within the headlight where it plugs in to the main harness. I tried electrical tape to hold it but she still didn't light. I know the light works as I attached it to the right rear and she lit when the right signal was tripped. Also have a blue/brown wire that I have no idea where it goes. I've also looked at the wiring diagram to no avail. Pics attached.

[550Resto]

2nd pic

[eigenvector]

Everybody asks about the brown/blue wire.  It goes to a turn signal buzzer that either doesn't exist or everyone removes.

I'd actually love to see one in action - I still don't have any idea what it was supposed to do.

[calj737]

Everybody asks about the brown/blue wire.  It goes to a turn signal buzzer that either doesn't exist or everyone removes.

I'd actually love to see one in action - I still don't have any idea what it was supposed to do.

That BL/BR wire sent power to the Turn Signal Buzzer when the indicators were activated, producing a Beeh, Beeh, Beeh kind of noise.

Resto- solder the damaged wire back together, or strip the end off and replace with a new, proper crimp. Simple. Electrical tape is for covering connections, not making them.

[BomberMann650]

Those 2 (sometimes 3 or 4) into 1 bullet female connectors can be replaced. 
I've had a couple break on me too.  Mostly on green common ground connections.
4into1.com should have some

[calj737]

www.vintageconnections.com

[iFart]

I think you could probably splice it or solder a work around. I had an orange connector like that with one channel that was broken off. I was able to fatten a bullet connector and bend the bracket a bit so it snugged up behind the center of it.

I have a buzzer but didn't connect it. I think I picked it up from my K2 project. I think it sounded lame if I remember right so I took it off. I remember learning back then that the K2 had a buzzer dismiss button on the control but that disappeared shortly thereafter. Interested in more history on this if anyone knows.

Would ya'll use the buzzer or leave disconnected?

[evinrude7]

there's a buzzer on my bike and i considered removing it but as a new rider i constantly forget to shut off the signal.  i hear the buzzer and then remember to flip it back.  it is an annoying sound. 

[kerryb]

I reconnected my buzzer, and I tuned the one on the goldwing to be louder, not better, still very annoying, but I don't leave my turn signals on for miles anymore!  And it's a change from all the wind and vroom vroom noises in my head.  The buzzer makes you want to get back to the wind and vroom vroom noises. 
Can you tell I'm anxious for my first ride of the season tomorrow?

[iFart]

Does it start buzzing as soon as you switch the blinker? Not leaving the blinker on for miles might not be the worst thing...

[Don R]

 I put on a blinker for a big truck, it clicks loud but not as loud as the beeper.

 Our bikes use the 3.5mm connectors not the 4mm ones.

[iFart]

I put on a blinker for a big truck, it clicks loud but not as loud as the beeper.

 Our bikes use the 3.5mm connectors not the 4mm ones.

Like the flasher unit?

[550Resto]

So I soldered the wire to the connector and get nothing. I can swap the wires from left to right that are under the seat and the left one works when the right signal is indicated but nothing on the right. So the bulb works. I've only messed around in the headlight. Is there somewhere forward of the seat where the rear indicators plug into that could have gotten unplugged? All other signals work fine. I still need to purchase an led relay,  but they work when I press the signal indicator. I'm stumped. Any help is appreciated. Is there a continuity test I can do that could help narrow the search?

[calj737]

Confirm with a meter that the connection in the headlight is getting 12v when L turn is active.

The rear indicators have a "local" connection under the seat, the harness side of that travels up to the headlight rats nest. You can perform a continuity test from the soldered connection to the end of that wire under the seat, harness side.

When you activate either TURN function, does the idiot light activate too?

[550Resto]

I'll do that. As far as idiot light are we talking the actual turn signal indicator on the instrument cluster? If so then yes it activates and light up.

[calj737]

Correct. Lights from either side being active?

[550Resto]

Yes, both front signals are on and stay illuminated. The back are off and the front and rear right are the only ones that "blink" or activate when the switch is put in either direction. The idiot lights also come on. I've measured from the ground in the headlight bucket nut and the orange wire while the switch is to the left and get a reading of 5 ish volts. I haven't metered from under the seat to the bucket yet. Should the same condition apply for that with the switch to the left and key on?

[calj737]

5ish volts is a bit low...
Check continuity from front to rear first. Then check for voltage at rear, harness side of the connection.

You mentioned needing an LED flasher. Are you still using the stock unit? If so, the Grey wire brings voltage from it to the LH switch control. If your turn signals or bulbs are LED, you can get all types of funky behavior until you use the correct LED type flasher.

[550Resto]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the help with my issues. I ended up grabbing a relay from auto parts store, plugged her in and boom everything worked the way it should.

[Airborne 82nd]

Everybody asks about the brown/blue wire.  It goes to a turn signal buzzer that either doesn't exist or everyone removes.

I'd actually love to see one in action - I still don't have any idea what it was supposed to do.

It is to remind you to turn your signal off after you make your turn. Most all cars and trucks have them but modern signal are self canceling so they are not needed as much unless you are doing a lane change.

[Keith]

There are some things unique to the K2 750. The only year to use the signal beeper cancel button, located under the horn button. First year of chrome headlight ears, but only one hole for signal stem in each year. Gauges are K2 only.