Turn Signal problems

[Guest]

Hey GS Forum,

I could use some help on diagnosing a turn signal problem. After driving through a rain storm, my right turn signal is not working (left works fine). When the right is switched on, all lights dim a bit, and all signals flash dimly at the same flashing rate as the left. I have the gas tank off and have done all the troubleshooting I can, replaced the flasher unit (although I didn't think that would fix the problem), and taken a look at the instrument panel. Nothing looks obviously wrong. Short of tearing out the harness and rewiring everything, is there anywhere else I can look? Anyone have a decent wiring diagram that would help? Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks,
skythian
1980 GS1100

[Gorminrider]

After driving through a rain storm, my right turn signal is not working

water in the turn signal commonly affects operation but otherwise go here and get a wiring diagram....

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

[hillsy]

Sounds like the switchblock is partially shorting out to ground due to water. Take it off, clean and lube it up.

[Redman]

Sky,

Welcome to GSR.,

Good description (some folks say "dont work" without describing anything more).

... When the right is switched on, all lights dim a bit, and all signals flash dimly at the same flashing rate as the left. .....

Wow, all lights dim.

Minor question: do all lights dim only when first hit the signal switch, or dim while the signal light is one (and stay dim when signal is off), or does all the lights dim the entire time the signal is flashing on and off (untill you cancel it )....?

You say you replaced the flasher, so can you say if it is a stock oem (control unit), or if it has been replaced with some generic flasher unit....?


At the moment, I suspect some dirt-crud inside the handlebar assembly on the switch contacts, or maybe the connector in the wiring harness in headlight shell or maybe on the connector at the control unit. THe dirt-crud may have been there and then when got wett made some conductive path between two or more circuits in the right side wiring. Taking apart the handlebar assenmlby can be a difficulty with loosing parts, so have something under it.


.

[Steve]

..., replaced the flasher unit (although I didn't think that would fix the problem), ...

What flasher did you put in?

If you put in a three-pin flasher that you found in the auto parts store, it won't work. The ONLY three-pin flasher that will work (without modifying the wiring harness on the bike) is the stock one from Suzuki.

It is possible, however, to put in a two-pin flasher, but you will lose your self-cancelling function.

By the way, welcome to GSR, but please check in more often. This is a rather quick-moving forum. You had one reply within an hour, three more in the next 23 hours. Not exactly record-breaking, but it helps if you check on the replies to your query.

.

[mret430]

I have an 82 gs750 EZ and have some lethargic directionals when bike is at idle. Where is the flasher located? Is it a plug in for my model?

Thanks

Ed

[Brendan W]

The flasher probably started out life on the right side of the battery box. It may even still be there
Can't be too far away without major harness surgery.
What voltage do you have at the battery terminals at idle?
You could also check the voltage at the signal fuse, second from top, O/G wire and the voltage on the O/G wire at the flasher plug when you find it.
The handlebar switch and it's tail plug under the tank are suspects in most signal issues and would be worth opening for a spray of electrical contact cleaner.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/storagecliff/images/750e-s-z_wiring.jpg