Topic: Blinkers

[my78k]

Any thoughts on how I can isolate whether or not my winker relay has died? When I put on the signals they do light up but they do not flash...just stay on bright. Not sure if there is any other explaination i.e. charging issue etc.

I  realize that one quick way is to replace it and see what happens but the closest one I can find is a 40 minute drive from my house...if all else fails I will have to go that route but was hoping to avoid that path.

Thanks,
Dennis

[SteveD CB500F]

We call them "indicators" 

If both lamps come on but don't flash, the bimetal strip inside the relay is not heating enough to "bend" and break contact.

This could be because you battery voltage is too low. Try a recharge.

Lamp ratings correct? Incorrect current flow could cause this symptom.

Could be a knackered relay of course.

[Gordon]

You don't need a special relay for your bike.  Any 12 volt blinker relay with the same number of wire terminals will work.  If you do get a new one, go with the newer solid state variety.  They don't wear out like the old style and they blink at the same rate regardless of engine rpm. 

[Raul CB750K1]

That's right, remove that two-lead heating reed type and go to the new three-lead. The timing is set by in IC rather than by the heating time, so it is fixed irrespective of voltage. You should even have a green wire hanging near the other two terminals. That's the earth conection, so plug a new type and you are good to go.

Raul

[frostypuck]

If you are new to the bike, make sure the proper bulbs are in their sockets. I think 1157's in the back and 1093's up front, but double check me on that. Also, if one bulb on a side is blown it'll occasionally make the light come on and stay on rather than flash. Also, my '78 wouldn't flash until the engine speed was up, changing to a $7 flasher from Auto zone solved that.
Chris in Boston

[Serge]

Hello,

I am trying to chase down a glitch I have with a blinker. It works fine on left with a sound and light on the panel. On the right, however it is only turning on but not blinks. Sometime it starts to blink with sound but bulb on the panel do not light.

I looked through forum and checked and replaced all four bulbs to no avail. I tried to install 550 automotive flasher as someone adviced, but have blown main fuse in all possible combinations. I tried to tinker with relay but it did not get any better. Please, advice ! If it is a flasher problem, we can I get a new one?

Thanks a lot !
Serge

[78 k550]

I just replaced mine because it was turning them on but not blinking. I grabbed a flasher from a yard and noew it blinks.Thr ight side is a little faster than the other. I checked dealer $35.00 and 4 at local shop. I think K&L had them.

Paul

[bike54]

looks like a bad earth to me possibly in the head light unit its a right rats nest of cables in there but i would start at the blinker checking and work my way back to the flasher unit good luck they can be pigs to find

bike 54