turn signal problems

[butch8231]

the turn signals on my 1982 gs1100L don't work when I install the canceling unit into the wiring harness. but if I remove it they work fine. Does the engine have to running for the signals to work?

[DanTheMan]

With the engine running, the voltage is higher, so the turn signal relay works. How good/well charged is your battery? When you turn on the ignition, your headlight and all other lights are on, voltage usually drops to about 10.6-11.2 depending on how many lights you're illuminating at the time, so it's not normally enough voltage for the signal relay. Hook up your 2 amp trickle charger, charge the battery and try it with the charger on if you don't want to start it.

[butch8231]

I put a charger on the bike. no change. the signals work when I remove the self canceling unit but don't when I plug it in, can the the canceling unit go bad?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Yes, the self-cancelling unit can go bad. There should be a test procedure in your manual. I've learned to live without the self-cancelling after replacing my turn signal relay with a cheap, off the shelf part.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[DanTheMan]

I also disabled the self cancelling unit on my 850 when it went bad. To top it off, the left hand switch disintegrated, so now my bike sports a control off of a '78 Honda 'Wing.

[TPL]

I had replace the self canceling "black box" on my 82, seems quite common.