Author Topic: Electrical - flasher relay question (Read 9931 times)

Nortstudio · « **Reply #25 on:** October 20, 2010, 10:16:52 AM »

I just got back from the auto parts store. They actually had more than I thought they would, but of course, had no idea what was what...

This is the one i got. It was the only 2 prong one that seemed to make sense (

?).

It says it's "extra loud" No idea what that's for. On the back of the package it says it's for american cars and light trucks. It's light as hell.

Also, the only markings on the relay itself, near the posts, are "X" and "L" - my wires are grey and black. If this in fact can work, which goes to which?

Thanks so much for all the help.

Nortstudio · « **Reply #26 on:** October 20, 2010, 11:09:33 AM »

By the way. I found the green wire now. Guess I'll leave it be if this relay will work. Previous reply said that would be ok.

flybox1 · « **Reply #27 on:** October 20, 2010, 01:34:16 PM »

Quote from: Nortstudio on October 20, 2010, 11:09:33 AM

By the way. I found the green wire now. Guess I'll leave it be if this relay will work. Previous reply said that would be ok.

did your bike magically grow a ground, or was it hiding somewhere?

Nortstudio · « **Reply #28 on:** October 20, 2010, 01:38:59 PM »

It was hiding back behind the other wires, in a nook and cranny of the frame.

Do you think this relay will work. I'm afraid to fry something if I plug it in wrong, or it's the wrong type.

flybox1 · « **Reply #29 on:** October 20, 2010, 01:42:42 PM »

well, i'm sure it woud work until you have mysterious signal issues.
Mr. Honda DID put the green wire there for a reason

TwoTired · « **Reply #30 on:** October 20, 2010, 01:45:56 PM »

Connection Chart

Gaither · « **Reply #31 on:** October 20, 2010, 01:47:45 PM »

Two-Tired,

Tell Nort how to Plug it in. I don't think it matters which wire goes to which terminal BUT I KNOW NOTHING!

Since you know, Please tell him.

Thanks

Gaither · « **Reply #32 on:** October 20, 2010, 01:50:14 PM »

Sorry, I see you already told him.

"You da man"!

Thanks.

Nortstudio · « **Reply #33 on:** October 20, 2010, 02:25:15 PM »

Thanks TwoTired (and everyone else). I think I'm getting myself more confused than I need to be.

First, does it seem that the relay I listed (and pic) above would be safe for this bike?

2nd, the wiring diagram I downloaded from the FAQ shows the ground just ending at Te relay, but not connected like the others.

Still missing if it matters which wire goes to which post.

smpls70 · « **Reply #34 on:** October 20, 2010, 02:43:49 PM »

I want through this same thing for my 72' 750 dont know how close the wiring is on your bike , but since its honda maybe somewhat the same, I got a 3 prong flasher from Napa brand , auto parts store ,.....X- black wire , L- grey wire , P- green wire, hope this helps.

TwoTired · « **Reply #35 on:** October 20, 2010, 03:24:39 PM »

X- black, L-grey.
Don't know if the flasher will work as you want, as I don't know what is inside it. But, it won't hurt anything to plug it in and find out.

The stock flasher was load balanced to the bulbs used in the stock bike. Don't know if your selection needs to be load balanced or has it's own internal timing reference which doesn't require a specific load or voltage.

Some flashers are sensitive not only to load but the voltage applied. So, a topped up, or battery under charge, will flash faster or slower according to the battery state/condition. Some won't flash unless the battery is full and the engine running.

The Grey wire supplies power to the flashers. The black wire is the source, which the flasher unit interrupts. If the turn switch is selected, each connection between the black wire and the gray wire will cause the signals to light.

Cheers,

Nortstudio · « **Reply #36 on:** October 20, 2010, 03:55:27 PM »

great explanation! I think I've got it now. Thanks so much for all the info!!!

I will possibly try this tonight.

TT, this idea of load was what I was worried about when I was looking at the selection at the auto store (with no help from the staff!).

The one I chose seemed to e Te most appropriate for the two pole, and as long as I won't fry anything, I'll give it a go.

Thanks so much everyone.

DavePhipps · « **Reply #37 on:** October 20, 2010, 06:18:17 PM »

I'm doing this same thing tomorrow to my 500. Are all the turn signal lit until the flasher is activated? As they are all 2 wire it seems that's what happens, but then again I'm an electrical doofus.

Nortstudio · « **Reply #38 on:** October 20, 2010, 06:28:44 PM »

I haven't had a chance to put it in yet (still at work) but my turn signals definitely light up solid, currently when the juice is on. I need to check what TT said about whether this particular relay only works when engine is running.

TwoTired · « **Reply #39 on:** October 20, 2010, 06:29:13 PM »

You can seldom say "all" when talking about electrical items.

Some bikes have front marker lights or sig flasher in the same housing. The rears are always dark unless flashing.
Another complication is that if you have a general lighting switch the front markers can be turned off.

So, you have to talk about specifics when discussing electrical bits, as the devil is in the details, and he (she) is out to get you.

Cheers,

TwoTired · « **Reply #40 on:** October 20, 2010, 06:32:06 PM »

Quote from: Nortstudio on October 20, 2010, 06:28:44 PM

I haven't had a chance to put it in yet (still at work) but my turn signals definitely light up solid, currently when the juice is on. I need to check what TT said about whether this particular relay only works when engine is running.

More quirks.
Some flashers start On and turn off to blink. Other flashers start Off and turn on after the delay.
The stock one starts ON.
I don't know what your particular specimen is supposed to do.

Cheers,

Nortstudio · « **Reply #41 on:** October 20, 2010, 10:20:04 PM »

Oh joy! More quirks

Thanks for the heads up. I would have probably gone crazy thinking they still weren't working. Of course now it looks like my battery is low, so I need to deal with that before I can tell how the relay is really working.

Ever onwards...

Old75_ratafe · « **Reply #42 on:** October 21, 2010, 12:07:55 AM »

OK guys let me help you out what you need is a two prong 12volt "variable" load flasher relay. What that means is it will work under any load wether its 2 lights or 8 being controlled.

Most auto parts places sell them but the parts guys may not realize it as new guys rely strictly on computers that don't list bike stuff. Plus our #$%* is old lol.

And I know this because... I work for O'Reilly Auto parts formerly Murray/CSK. And I just replaced my 35year old flasher with one of these. I think someone mentioned the 552 relay and I think that's the one (although don't quote me on that).

Also Someone asked about the "loud" version what this does is you know how u hear a click when a relay activates (or a signal blink) the "Loud" is a Extra loud version usually used on big noisy trucks and the like although it might just be perfect for us to remind us our blinker is on.

Nortstudio · « **Reply #43 on:** October 21, 2010, 09:29:05 AM »

Thanks Old75. The flasher relay I got from the store didn't have a ton of info on the box, but I got this little bit from the company's web site:

Cooper Bussman. NO.577 Thermal Flasher - Extra Loud
12 Volt, 2-terminals, up to 4 amps, 2 to 6 bulbs.

Seem like this might do the trick?

I am in the process of charging the battery to make sure I have all ducks in a row (or as best I can) before a diagnosis.

Thanks again.

Scott

seaweb11 · « **Reply #44 on:** October 21, 2010, 11:53:04 AM »

Just plug it in, any way you want! All will be well.

The spare green wire you mentioned is not used for anything.

Nortstudio · « **Reply #45 on:** October 21, 2010, 01:40:22 PM »

I'm charging the damn battery now. I'll let you all know how this ever exciting world of motorcycle electrics turns out...if I survive. This seems to be my albatross thus far...

DavePhipps · « **Reply #46 on:** October 21, 2010, 06:43:57 PM »

I can't wait to find out how your relay adventure turned out. My turn signals work but no running lights

Old75_ratafe · « **Reply #47 on:** October 21, 2010, 08:38:03 PM »

Quote from: Nortstudio on October 21, 2010, 09:29:05 AM

Thanks Old75. The flasher relay I got from the store didn't have a ton of info on the box, but I got this little bit from the company's web site:

Cooper Bussman. NO.577 Thermal Flasher - Extra Loud
12 Volt, 2-terminals, up to 4 amps, 2 to 6 bulbs.

Seem like this might do the trick?

I am in the process of charging the battery to make sure I have all ducks in a row (or as best I can) before a diagnosis.

Thanks again.

Scott

Should and yep I knew I forgot to check something last night... U know what hell with it back in 5 mind I'll go out and check my bike.

Old75_ratafe · « **Reply #48 on:** October 21, 2010, 08:48:55 PM »

ok what I have in mine is a bussman 552

seaweb11 · « **Reply #49 on:** October 21, 2010, 09:02:19 PM »

Don't confuse him now......he is so close to success.

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Author Topic: Electrical - flasher relay question (Read 9931 times)