Topic: turn indicators- minor problem; question

[Jim]

Just completed my resto. having trouble understanding why i don't get any flash out of my turn indicators. The rear set light up once switched but don't "flash" . The front will not light even though i can obtain a light from 6V tester .

Do you suppose i don't have sufficient charge (battery has been on a trickle for 24hrs) and need to register some RPM and miles to get more battery depth or should i look deeper at that flasher unit (whereever that may be)
J

[kghost]

What bike?

Could be a multitude of things.

Shot in the dark....if you've just painted/powdercoated everything make sure you have a good ground.

[keiths]

As Kghost said, it could be several things.
Clean all the connectors first. Then try swapping the bulbs. Sometimes the sockets are oxidized and just taking them out will help. The flasher needs the load of both bulbs to open up. As it cools and closes the bulbs light up again.

[KingCustomCycles.com]

Slap the signals, then slap the flasher unit, that usually brings them around......... (slap, tap, bump, hit, you are looking for loose connections, sticky flashers, corrosion in the sockets, etc)

[Jim]

sorry; '73 350four
here is my finished pics from tonight   http://s429.photobucket.com/albums/qq17/donovjim/

The contacts look good inside. i can press the tip of my tester against it and get it to light up. replaced the bulbs but now notice that i picked up 12 V type (dummy) . Was worried i altered the flasher during disassembly.  perhaps if i flip the bulbs they Will light.
Did i hear that both need to light (front and rear) to create a flash?
J

[TwoTired]

Unless you know that the bulbs are what was installed by Honda, check the numbers on them.  Honda used 1073.  Auto stores don't usually carry these anymore and sell "replacements" 1156.  These are higher wattage and the stock flasher isn't expecting that load.

The stock flasher unit IS voltage sensitive, and trickle chargers don't usually have enough oomph to light bulbs.  What is the battery voltage during your test?

Cheers,

[333]

12 volt is correct.  The bulbs are not dual filament, so using auto standard bulbs, the closest will be 1156.  You might find the 1073 at a real auto parts store(as opposed to a chain).  I spend the extra money on Honda bulbs, as they have a nickel base, instead of brass alloy.  This will fight corrosion better.  Double check your grounds on the front signals.

[750fromhell]

My bike is a 750 but here's how I fixed mine:

The power will go to the flasher unit first, then go via a grey wire to your handle bar blinker switch. Via a blue for one side, orange for the other it will split to go to the front, and back blinker, and each blinker will go back to ground via a green wire.

I individually checked each blinker light by plugging the colored wire blue or orange (+) from each blinker directly to the battery, and the green (ground) directly to a known ground.

If the light turns on steady, keep the plus plugged to the battery, plug the green to the corresponding plug. If light stays on, you have a good ground, if it doesn't light up you have a bad ground.

Then test the plus side, connect the grey wire coming to the handlebars directly to the battery, bypassing the flasher, and see if ur blinkers turn on steady.

After all that, if everything turns on, you probably have a bad flasher unit. Anyway, I would replace the flasher for the heck of it, it's less than $4 at your local autoparts, and u r sure it works.

[Jim]

thanks
Colours are the same for 350 and whats more the logic works.
I'll use this tomorrow
thanks
J

[Jim]

KG had the right angle...
I went back out to the garage because it was driving me crazy . I discovered new paint on the headlamp bracket (fork cover) was is not providing sufficient ground to the turn assembly.
thanks for making me go a bit slower all...IOU
J