Triumphrat

johnnypence · 06-11-2006, 06:19 PM

lads,

i developed a problem w/ turn signals yesterday. left side went hinky first -- the front light on solid, nothing on the rear. now both sides are hinky in the same way. indicators are modern lucas replicas.

i checked the following:

wiring continuity (green/white and green/red) and connections from the handlebar switch, through headlight, up to console light, and out back to rear bulbs. all the pieces are connected.

the console light comes on when the turn signals are engaged (front signals and console light on steady, back ones off).

rear bulbs - ok

flasher unit - has a complete circuit

flasher wiring - brown/green and white wires all continuous

i currently have the tail-light assembly and its signals off because i busted some soldered connections when i was working on it. will get new connectors asap. but before i broke them, they all were all continuous.

maybe once i reassemble the whole thing it'll work again. somehow i doubt it.

any experience or comment would be helpful. i really like to have working turn signals before i get on the road. nobody understands hand signals anymore.

[ This message was edited by: johnnypence on 2006-06-11 16:27 ]

GrandPaulZ · 06-11-2006, 06:57 PM

You need to re-check your grounding connections and all the signal mountings for looseness.

OzBloke · 06-11-2006, 08:33 PM

Johnny,

GPZ is spot on. With only one lamp working, you haven't got enough current flowing through your flasher can to cause the bimetallic strip to bend far enough to break the circuit. As GPZ advises, check the grounding of the rear indicator mounts.

Pete

johnnypence · 06-11-2006, 09:28 PM

well, since i tripped and yanked the whole tail light assembly off today, and have to buy a handful of new bullet/spade connectors, i reckon that'll all get sorted out tomorrow!

cool. that's what i was hoping for.

not only does this forum save me money, it lets me sleep at nights! oh, my dreams tonight would have been all about that frustrating wiring diagram from the hayne's manual that says NOTHING about turn signals!

thanks fellers. i probably won't post a followup unless it continues to be hinky after new connectors and solder.

***
hey oz, i happened to have a spare flasher, so i took the old can apart to see what made it tick (no pun intended)---i love a bimetallic strip! one of my favorite high-school physics memories. i like it almost as much as a piezoelectric crystal or a wankel motor! i can't wait until my son is old enough to take apart the thermostat (bimetallic strip AND liquid mercury) with me! :hammer:

[ This message was edited by: johnnypence on 2006-06-11 19:33 ]

okiecityflash · 06-11-2006, 10:22 PM

Had the same problem with the front signals when I installed repro signal lights. The main problem was GROUNDING. I ran a separate grounding wire from the forks to the mounting nut on signal light behind the headlight bracket out of sight. Problem fixed. I first purchased another flasher but that wasn't it. So far this year I've got an extra oil pump, oil sending unit, headlight bulb from misdiagnosed problems. Someday I'll have enough for a spare scooter. PS: The repro lights are plastic chrome and don't ground well If I were you I'd run a ground wire from the frame through the signal light stalk and fasten it to the nut holding the light to the stalk . Just a suggestion. The way to confirm the problem is grounding, put a jumper wire on the frame and on the stalk and try lights. I'd bet a hundred its the ground.

KADUTZ · 06-11-2006, 10:35 PM

okie
you are indeed a very wise man

a little easier way
take a bit of wire put a small eyelet on the end. remove one screw from the bulb holder put same thru the eyelet. Attach the other end of the wire to the mounting stalk where it attaches to the turn signal head. Repeat three more times problem solved.

johnquinnell · 06-12-2006, 12:15 AM

Johnny,
You might also want to check that you have full battery voltage?
Mine wont wink if the voltage starts to drop.
Doesn't happen any more but I lost my main fuse on a ride a few months ago so everything was running straight off the alternator and my blinkers were actually the first indication tha something was wrong. I only wish all fixes were that easy :-D

johnnypence · 06-12-2006, 07:34 AM

Quote:

On 2006-06-11 20:22, okiecityflash wrote:
PS: The repro lights are plastic chrome and don't ground well If I were you I'd run a ground wire from the frame through the signal light stalk and fasten it to the nut holding the light to the stalk .

that did seem like a design flaw. thanks for the suggestion. the picture i had in my head was closer to katutz'z's suggestion, but all getting the electrons where they needed to go.

okiecityflash · 06-12-2006, 11:07 AM

Yes sir, I believe K's could be better, but more hassle. Be aware the screws strip in the plastic threads very easily, all of them. Ask me how I know. :wink:

KADUTZ · 06-12-2006, 11:42 PM

ok so solder the wire to the bulb holder

I have always used 2 eyeletes (on big one small )and a chunk of wire. Also never mattered if it was a Lucas Signal or a repop. Both have the same problem.