Topic: Odd Turn Signal Problem

[unaspiring]

I have an odd problem with my CB650C.

All electronics work, all the lights work, charges fine, etc.  However, when I turn on the left turn signal both the front and rear lights stay lit, neither of them flash.  The right turn signal works fine.  When I rev the engine though, they'll start flashing.

Do you think that it's just the vibration from the higher revs causing wires somewhere to come together so it works or do you think it's something else?

Also, I'm not sure if this is related, but sometimes when hitting the electronic start button nothing will happen other than the headlight dimming.  No click, no nothing.  But if you tap on the turn signal relay behind the battery the starter will usually work afterwards.

Do I need to buy a new turn signal relay?

[Bob Wessner]

Sounds to me like your elec. connections may be "Iffy" as in need of a good cleaning. Sounds like some of them are working now, but perhaps borderline. You might want to go through the wiring harness one connector at a time, pull them apart, give it a cleaning and some dielectric grease (small tube can be found at any auto parts store) then reconnect. It would be a couple of hours of time well invested. If you still have issues, then you are at least sure bad connections are not the cause. Don't forget inside the headlight shell. Good luck.

[unaspiring]

Thanks.  I've just recently purchased this bike and did notice the wires near the headlight are a mess.  I'll go through those and see what I can do.

[Dennis]

While cleaning your connections don't forget the rear lighting, especially the turn signal grounds. The reason that one side is not flashing is because there is not enough current low on that side until it sees a higher voltage from reving the engine. This is usually a dirty connection with a good chance that it could be a ground.

[Hussman]

Try checking the battery voltage, just had this problem, sometimes there is not enough power to pull the contact down, but when youre at a higher rpm the charge rate is higher which would give you the juice. And always check for continuity on your grounds, just cause they look fine doesn't mean there not broken somewhere you can't see. Bad grounds seem to be alot of the causes of electrical problem.

[mrbreeze]

My bike did exactly the same thing a few months back and I cleaned all sockets,wire connections and a new flasher all at the same time.I don't know exactly what was wrong but they work fine now. You can get the flasher at any auto store. It is just a common part that you would find in most American cars.The corrosion that can build up in your bulb sockets and even your wiring connectors can also be a factor....(Hey this stuff is 20+ years old!!) MAINTAINENCE GRASSHOPPER!!!

[Raul CB750K1]

Problem is the flasher relay. The old type was the bimetallic reed, the current crossed it and makes it heat up, causing to breake the contact. Then it cools down and the cycle starts over. Revving up the bike gives more juice, so the rate increases. Sometimes battery voltage is not enough to make it work.

Modern type relays work with timing IC's, so the blinking rate is fixed irrespective of the voltage. I changed mine a while ago and it works just fine. Make a search in the old topics, this question has been brought up before.

Raul

[Jonesy]

Check to make sure you have the correct bulbs. I had a bike that did wierd stuff with the turn signals and after replacing with the proper bulbs, it worked as it should.

[Zeke]

In the 650 the flasher is behind the battery and in front of the rear tire -- its kind of hidden.

Mine had battery acid on it because the PO took off the battery drain.  It had the same problems you describe.

I bought a relay from cheap auto store for $3 and it works perfect.

[cb650]

Clean the plug to the alternator to.



                  Terry