Topic: Turn signal woes...'77 CB750K

[mtbbear]

Ok, I could use some help. My signals don't want to flash. Tried a new flasher, still no flash. Checked as many connections as I could find, all appear OK. If I jump the two leads that would go to the flasher, I get lights, and they work with the switch. That tells me the switch, bulbs and wiring in between should be OK. Looks like the PO changed out the signals at some point, and there is 1156 bulbs in them. Could this be the problem? The manual calls for 1034 & 1073. Does anyone know if the "stock" bulbs will fit the same socket as the 1156? One more thing, sometimes I seem to get a terrible screech that sounds like its coming from the front signals. I had read somewhere that some of these bikes came with a turn signal beeper. If it a beeper that causing the screech, can I disconnect it? Its really annoying. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[BobbyR]

When a turn signal does not flash it is more often than not a ground problem. Ungrounded signals stay lit and do not flash.

[kerryb]

I have felt your pain quite recently...yesterday as a matter of fact!  While I don't know a quick way to solve your problem, I can tell you what was wrong with mine. 
While pushing wires back into the headlight shell, it seems I broke a wire, still inside its intact insulation sheath so visual discovery was slow.  While tracing each wire, one at a time, with an ohm meter, I noticed that one was not as stiff as the others and confirmed non-continuity with the meter.  That and the connector that popped off during the struggle (a green one) were the answer to my dilemma.  Have patience, lots of time, a good magnifier to read the wiring diagram, more patience, good light to see the wire colors, needlenose pliers to pull the bullet connectors apart so you don't break any wires,...and TIME...jeez does it take a long time to trace wires.
As for the beeper (screech noise maker)  it's on the inside of the headlight mounting ear.  follow the wires back into the headlight shell and disconnect them.  The only thing you really want to hear is the song  from the pipes and the YYEEEH..HHHAAAAAA inside your head.

just for fun.

[Gaither]

FWIW

A drop of "Blaster" (or other) helps those ol' bullet connectors come apart.

[Roach]

put the turn signal on but don't push it over all the way. does it flash?

[Grnrngr]

If I remember right, 1156 is a dual element bulb, and they should be single element bulbs unless the PO changed the sockets. Pull one out and look at the base of the bulb..if it has two solder spots but there's only one contact point in the socket..it's not right...and it never hurts to take the electrical connections apart, clean them good and tighten them up a little...

[Staz]

Mine do not flash either on my 350, but when I tap the this thing behind my side cover (it is label signal stat) they blink sometimes. Is that the flasher? If so where can I get one to replace it, the connections look good on it. By the way, I'm terrible with electronics. 

[seaweb11]

Ok, I could use some help. My signals don't want to flash. Tried a new flasher, still no flash. Checked as many connections as I could find, all appear OK. If I jump the two leads that would go to the flasher, I get lights, and they work with the switch. That tells me the switch, bulbs and wiring in between should be OK. Looks like the PO changed out the signals at some point, and there is 1156 bulbs in them. Could this be the problem? The manual calls for 1034 & 1073. Does anyone know if the "stock" bulbs will fit the same socket as the 1156? One more thing, sometimes I seem to get a terrible screech that sounds like its coming from the front signals. I had read somewhere that some of these bikes came with a turn signal beeper. If it a beeper that causing the screech, can I disconnect it? Its really annoying. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

You say you replaced the flasher. Was it another stock one or an auto shop special?
If you use the wrong bulbs the stock flasher will never work as there is not enough load on the flasher to kick on.
Go get an electric flasher from the auto parts store and it will always work no mater the load is on it

[mtbbear]

Yes, I replaced it with an auto parts store flasher. I saw the electronic ones, but thought they looked too"modern". They had a few 3 pole models. Does it matter which one I get? The 1156 bulb are nice and bright, so it would be nice to keep them.

[Johnie]

I take it you mean the blinker will not flash when you are riding it, correct? As you need good battery output to make the flasher work as these vintage bikes did not have the electronic flasher on them. The electronic flasher works with low output no matter if you are riding or at a stop light. I just put one in each of my 750's and I should have done that a long time ago. I got mine at NAPA and it is a 2 pole electronic flasher. Cost is about $10. Here is a pic of what I got.

[mtbbear]

My bike had a 3 pole in it. I am assuming I should replace it with a 3 pole. Just a bit confused as the replacement flashers I've seen online all have 2 poles, but mine has 3.

[Johnie]

NAPA had the 2 or 3 pole.

[cookindaddy]

The CB750 has three wires for the flasher. It is really up to the flasher whether it needs all three terminals or not. Actually whether the flasher needs a ground or not. So do, some don't. My 750K8 is using a two terminal flasher and I have the green (ground) wire loose.

[mtbbear]

Wow...All that screwing around and all I needed was an electronic flasher. Thanks for all the tips guys!

[Gaither]

FWIW, Electronic Flashers come with 2 or 3 connectors - mine has 3.

[seaweb11]

 

[seanbarney41]

...turn signals?...

[mtbbear]

Yes, turn signals. I think they're ugly too. BUT, anything that helps me be more visible is a good thing. Especially in traffic.