Help with Flasher Relay (new relay not working)

[Jeepfreak81]

Didnt say it was untrue, but maybe you remember being a beginner once? Did you not wish people to be patient and properly explain things. Being new to the gs world I didnt pick up on what a tscu was. Then after rereading and searching I figured it out. Bwringer's post was especially informative.

Now if somebody wishes to clarify for me if I follow the previously posted diagram then I can just disconnect the tscu or is there more to it than that.

[Jeepfreak81]

Let's make this simple.

Here's what you do:

- Obtain a bog-standard turn signal flasher with two terminals (they're arranged in sort of an "L" shape _|). $1.99 and up at your local auto parts store. A bit more for an electronic one that will work with LEDs, if you're into that sort of thing.

- Disconnect/remove the TSCU.

- Remove the stock flasher

- Note there are three wires. Hm.

- A two-wire flasher will plug in to this three wire connector, but it won't work. Hmm.

- Experiment with test leads to discover which two wires should be connected to which terminals on the flasher. Seriously -- I don't remember what color wire does what, but you're not going to hurt anything or blow a fuse (unless you contact the frame with a test lead or something) and it will only take you a few seconds to try the possible combinations.

- Using a very small, thin tool (like a jewelers screwdriver, unfolded cotter pin, etc.) release the spade connectors from the plastic connector housing. The connectors each have a tiny metal tab on the back that locks them into the housing. Push this up a bit with the tool and withdraw the connector from the back of the housing.

- Rearrange the connectors in the housing to suit the flasher. (The third wire won't do anything, but leave it in the unused spot in the connector housing to keep it out of the way.) Scribble a few notes in your shop manual beforehand in case you ever want to go back to stock.

- Enjoy your functioning turn signals. Briefly lament the loss of your auto-cancel function.

Thank you this is very informative and easy to follow. Gonna give it another go with the relay I have and the tscu disconnected seems I already purchased this relay. If it doesnt work I will be picking up a 2 prongand following these directions to a T

[posplayr]

Didnt say it was untrue, but maybe you remember being a beginner once? Did you not wish people to be patient and properly explain things. Being new to the gs world I didnt pick up on what a tscu was. Then after rereading and searching I figured it out. Bwringer's post was especially informative.

Now if somebody wishes to clarify for me if I follow the previously posted diagram then I can just disconnect the tscu or is there more to it than that.

You made a claim I was being snippy, apparently you though the phrase "failed to comprehend" has "snippy". I thought it appropriate as you were fixated on Basscliff's write up although it was not completely applicable and were apparently unable to gather that fact with the help of three other posters.

Further after all this help, your conclusion that "I'm totally not interested in the auto cancel. That's the least of my worries." is missing the whole point that all the solutions revolve around getting rid of the TSCU function. That is the main reason for the variety of options.

Is lack of comprehension inherently a newbie mistake? Perhaps but not intrinsically. It is not a fundamental property of learning to lack comprehension. It is a fundamental part of NOT-learning that rests in lack of comprehension.

[bwringer]

blahblahbutthurtblah...Now if somebody wishes to clarify for me if I follow the previously posted diagram then I can just disconnect the tscu or is there more to it than that.

Yes, unplug (and remove if you want) the Turn Signal Control Unit. Zip-tie the connector somewhere out of the way. Once you switch over to a standard flasher, it's not used.

The TSCU works in conjunction with a special flasher relay and a sensor up in the speedometer. Normal operation is fully described in the manual, so I'll leave it up to you to track the info down if you're interested.


Oh, and:

[Jeepfreak81]

Once again thank you bwringer, when properly explained it is easy as pie. If the rain stops I will head out and give it a try.

[posplayr]

Oh, and:

He ain't heavy he's my burden........

[Jeepfreak81]

O/g look again. Primary switch power from Signal fused circuit. I recognize the wire colors you snipped off. You have second gen TSCU. You need a two prong flasher or otherwise remove the third leg.

Ok, so I almost hate to even bring this thread from yesterday back up but the rain finally stopped and I went out and unhooked my TSCU. I still get nothing using my 3 prong flasher.

So, before I give up and go buy a 2 prong flasher, what does remove the third leg mean? From what I can tell there's a hot wire (O/g), then your wire out that completes the circuit (light blue) and the black/blue wire presumably for the auto cancel.

If I hook my new relay up to the O/g, the light blue, and to ground....it doesn't work even with the TSCU unplugged I also tried switching the O/g and light blue wires, still no go.

Time to throw in the towel and get a 2 prong flasher like this one? http://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-NO-55...productDetails

Or am I missing something obvious again.

[posplayr]

Ok, so I almost hate to even bring this thread from yesterday back up but the rain finally stopped and I went out and unhooked my TSCU. I still get nothing using my 3 prong flasher.

So, before I give up and go buy a 2 prong flasher, what does remove the third leg mean? From what I can tell there's a hot wire (O/g), then your wire out that completes the circuit (light blue) and the black/blue wire presumably for the auto cancel.

If I hook my new relay up to the O/g, the light blue, and to ground....it doesn't work even with the TSCU unplugged I also tried switching the O/g and light blue wires, still no go.

Time to throw in the towel and get a 2 prong flasher like this one? http://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-NO-55...productDetails

Or am I missing something obvious again.

Did read this; it is pretty specific and tells you what to do. If that doesn't work then there is another issue.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=2086505&postcount=7

[Jeepfreak81]

That's what I was afraid of, because I hooked it up just like that diagram. strange thing is that with the old flasher it lights the bulbs up, they just don't blink so it seems like juice is getting everywhere it needs to.

Will double check my wiring to that diagram tomorrow....getting dark now. I really need a garage


EDIT - Just realized because I was following BikeCliff's site I think I was using terminal B for ground instead of E the whole time. Will change that tomorrow and give it another go.

[posplayr]

That's what I was afraid of, because I hooked it up just like that diagram. strange thing is that with the old flasher it lights the bulbs up, they just don't blink so it seems like juice is getting everywhere it needs to.

Will double check my wiring to that diagram tomorrow....getting dark now. I really need a garage

As I recall that schematics is correct. It takes a ground to activate the flasher on E. Ground is not one of the options on the original harness connections. You need to go to frame or battery (-)

[Steve]

That's what I was afraid of, because I hooked it up just like that diagram. strange thing is that with the old flasher it lights the bulbs up, they just don't blink so it seems like juice is getting everywhere it needs to.

Will double check my wiring to that diagram tomorrow....getting dark now. I really need a garage

Would you be interested in a "quick and dirty" solution?

Get an "equalizing resistor", wire one in one each side, as if it were a third turn signal bulb, enjoy your flashing signals with your stock flasher that will auto-cancel.

I have sort of followed this thread. Because I know how these things work, I am able to read "between the lines" and understand what is happening. What YOU are not grasping is that the third pin on the stock flasher is NOT connected to a ground. The third pin on your replacement flasher is LOOKING for a ground, which your TSCU does not supply (it is connected to the third pin). If you cut the wire that connects the TSCU and the flasher relay, then extend the part that is connected to the flasher and connect it to a ground point, it MIGHT work. I say "might" because there are several configurations for the three pins on a replacement flasher.

You can not just grab any 2-pin replacement flasher. Some of them are "heavy-duty", others are "standard". What you need is a "very light load" flasher that is likely NOT thermal-based. You have installed bulbs with lower current draw, they will not activate the stock thermal flasher, which is why they light up, but don't flash. The type of flasher that you need usually has a timer circuit to control the output. The timer needs power and ground connections, then will have a 'flashing' output. Your stock TSCU is being asked to provide a ground for the timer, it just won't do it.

Your options:
1. go back to stock bulbs (which will keep your auto-cancel)
2. install an equalizer (which will keep your auto-cancel)
3. install a 2-pin light-load flasher (you will lose your auto-cancel)
4. install a 3-pin flasher and re-wire the ground for it (you will lose your auto-cancel)
5. move to a state that does not require signals on older bikes, then rip them off completely.

.

[posplayr]

Would you be interested in a "quick and dirty" solution?

Get an "equalizing resistor", wire one in one each side, as if it were a third turn signal bulb, enjoy your flashing signals with your stock flasher that will auto-cancel.

I have sort of followed this thread. Because I know how these things work, I am able to read "between the lines" and understand what is happening. What YOU are not grasping is that the third pin on the stock flasher is NOT connected to a ground. The third pin on your replacement flasher is LOOKING for a ground, which your TSCU does not supply (it is connected to the third pin). If you cut the wire that connects the TSCU and the flasher relay, then extend the part that is connected to the flasher and connect it to a ground point, it MIGHT work. I say "might" because there are several configurations for the three pins on a replacement flasher.

You can not just grab any 2-pin replacement flasher. Some of them are "heavy-duty", others are "standard". What you need is a "very light load" flasher that is likely NOT thermal-based. You have installed bulbs with lower current draw, they will not activate the stock thermal flasher, which is why they light up, but don't flash. The type of flasher that you need usually has a timer circuit to control the output. The timer needs power and ground connections, then will have a 'flashing' output. Your stock TSCU is being asked to provide a ground for the timer, it just won't do it.

Your options:
1. go back to stock bulbs (which will keep your auto-cancel)
2. install an equalizer (which will keep your auto-cancel)
3. install a 2-pin light-load flasher (you will lose your auto-cancel)
4. install a 3-pin flasher and re-wire the ground for it (you will lose your auto-cancel)
5. move to a state that does not require signals on older bikes, then rip them off completely.

.

Steve, I think he is finally on the right sheet of music and following plan 4. We will have to wait and see.

[Steve]

Steve, I think he is finally on the right sheet of music and following plan 4. We will have to wait and see.

There have been suggestions to "do this" and "do that", I just wanted to put them all together in one post for him.

.

[Jeepfreak81]

Steve, I think he is finally on the right sheet of music and following plan 4. We will have to wait and see.

Ya that's the plan, I think I see where I went wrong mostly from rushing and not paying attention. Will let you guys know how it turns out tomorrow.

[Steve]

Ya that's the plan, I think I see where I went wrong mostly from rushing and not paying attention. Will let you guys know how it turns out tomorrow.

Now you can join the choir and preach to the others.

We keep telling and telling, some guys keep resisting and resisting. Once in a while, we have a victory.

It is said that "you can lead a horse to water, ..." and we often wonder "yeah, but why do we have to carry him there?"

.