Topic: Blinker problems with my CB

[Funkbyte]

OK guys I have a question. I am putting LED blinkers on my bike but have had problems with them getting to blink. I have connected them up with and without the resistor but they don't seem to want to blink regularly. After reviewing the forums and not finding anything with my particular problem, I decided to put up a post and see what you guys think. The only thing I can think is that possibly my bike is still using the thermal blinker relay rather than an electric and there is not enough charge going to the LEDS to have them fire regularly. I have created a youtube video to show what is going on. In the video I first try it with the resistor, then remove it, and then end with my current blinkers showing that they work fine. Any thoughts would be great and if it is that I DO need an electronic relay, what is the best one to get and where? Thanks for all your time.

Youtube link:   

[rickmoore24]

Mine wouldn't blink at all using the stocker 12v relay. Then I installed a relay specific for LED signals. Now, no problemo.

[DHolbrook]

Mine wouldn't blink at all using the stocker 12v relay. Then I installed a relay specific for LED signals. Now, no problemo.

+1

P.S. Funkbyte, I love your profile pic!

[Funkbyte]

Ok, does anyone know if Advance Auto or anyone would have one for a CB? I would like to solve the problem by Friday because I was going on a possible ride then and wanted to show off a bit. 

P.S. Thanks Holbrook. That was last fall when me, my dad (90' FJ1200), and a buddy of his (Honda VFR) hit the Texas hill country for 3 days and about 1000 miles. My little CB was able to stay up with them until the curves became straits.

[rickmoore24]

I think any two pin 12V LED relay will work. I didn't find any online at Advanced or Auto Zone but maybe if you go into the store they will have them. I've found parts at the store that were not online. Hope that helps! Best of luck getting one by Friday.

[Funkbyte]

I went out last night and got a new relay from Advance and was able to get the front ones working. Strange thing is that they are working without resistors on them.  Now the problem is when I remove the rear bulb flashers and put on the second set of LEDS both the front and rears just stay lit when I flip the signal switch. No blink. I am going to search the forums today, while the boss's back is turned  , and see if I can come up with a solution.
I have heard that there are special flash codes the bikes use to indicate electrical problems. One I heard is that they all flash when one is unpluged. Does anyone know if these codes are true and where to get a guide on how to decipher them?

[rickmoore24]

Hmmm, I haven't heard of the flash codes on these bikes. Codes usually come from the computer of the vehicle to convey a problem but I'm not sure any of these bikes had a "brain" to give codes, at least the earlier models. Are the lights grounded? The new LEDs should only have two wires. One to the harness (orange and light blue on the harness, K2) and the other grounded out (black line to headlight bucket bolts). This of course could be slightly different depending on the year of the bike. Which bike do you have btw? What year CB? You should still go on your ride though, just rock the hand signals!