Topic: CB550 blinkers not blinking

[Justin_NJ]

I recently had to disconnect the wires from my controls to the headlight assembly in order to install new handlebars, but when I put everything back together my blinkers didn't blink anymore.  Does anyone know the exact color wires in the headlight assembly that control the blinking?

I've got a migraine from trying to figure out the wiring diagram for the last 45 minutes.  Thanks.

[Einyodeler]

That rats nest of wires in the headlight shell can be real daunting at times
1) Green is ground for both sides
2)Left is solid Orange for blinker and Orange-White striped for running light
3)Right is solid Light Blue for blinker and Light Blue-White striped for running light
Here`s a color diagram. Were you able to find the carb parts you were looking for a while back?

[oldbiker]

If you go to [http://oldmanhonda.com/MC/wiring750K1.html] you will find an interactive wiring diagram in which you can switch various sections on/off. this will help you check wiring routes and find the error.

[zef933]

just get rid of them.  its better without 'em, they are too big and bulky

[Justin_NJ]

Thanks for the great color wiring diagrams.  I checked my connections in the headlight assembly and they seem ok.  I should clarify that the blinkers do turn on when I move the left/right switch on the handlebars, but they don't blink - they just stay lit up. 

Would a bad wiring connection definitely cause this?  Or is this problem only seen when the blinker relay is bad?  A bad relay seems less likely because I was working on the wiring in the headlight and handlebars right before the blinkers stopped blinking, but I'm getting desperate.  I have to get my bike inspected this week and it's not gonna pass as is...

[Chris Liston]

Justin,  check that its not the actual switch on the handlebar.  They are finicky. Moved alittle to far over the light will stay on but just a tad back in the other direction they are fine.  I have brand spankin new left and right switches from Service Honda and they stick too.  Its just the nature of the beast.  I'd suggest going to a bike shop instead of DMV.  They will be alittle more lenient on the indicators.  The shop I had my bike inspected at basically just asked me if everything was working and gave me a sticker.  They will be alittle more okay with things because the bike is older.  Good luck.

[TwoTired]

You might check the bulb types installed on the side that won't blink.  Honda used lower wattage bulbs than what is commonly stocked at local auto parts stores.

Dual filament bulbs should be 1034 and single filament bulbs should be 1073, I think.

As a test you could swap them side to side to see if the problem follows the bulbs.  It did for me.

Cheers,

[Dennis]

Also check your grounds. A poor ground can reduce current enough that the flasher will not function.
Also, if you want to replace your flasher with an inexpensive item that works, try the automotive heavy duty towing flasher as it is called, #552 if I remember correctly. I have them on my 750 and my Yam RD350, work fine. I wouldn't pay more than $3 for it.

[Justin_NJ]

My blinker relay was the problem after all.  I replaced it and my blinkers are blinking again.  Thanks for all the suggestions.