Shot in the dark 1980 GS850gl turn signal switch

[Uncamitzi]

I have looked through everything and every place I can think of and struck out. Does anyone know of an exploded view of the turn signal horn dimmer switch on a 850 GL from 80 or 81 or a similar view?

[Nessism]

Look in the archives, there are lots of photos. I've got some in my flickr site too.

[Uncamitzi]

Look in the archives, there are lots of photos. I've got some in my flickr site too.

You may have provided the picture I needed.. When I opened the switch I was trying to be careful..but something flew out... I have the small ball bearing that acts as a detent holder(?) but I have one spring that I am not sure of where it's placed... A warning to anyone else that has never opened that switch.... DON'T! lol It's full of spring loaded contact plates and springs that rely on it being together for being held in place...

[Nessism]

You may have provided the picture I needed.. When I opened the switch I was trying to be careful..but something flew out... I have the small ball bearing that acts as a detent holder(?) but I have one spring that I am not sure of where it's placed... A warning to anyone else that has never opened that switch.... DON'T! lol It's full of spring loaded contact plates and springs that rely on it being together for being held in place...

If the spring in question doesn't show in my photos you can always search the archives for more photos. Like mentioned previously, there are various threads with photos of this switches internals.

[Uncamitzi]

If the spring in question doesn't show in my photos you can always search the archives for more photos. Like mentioned previously, there are various threads with photos of this switches internals.

I did a search and found out I'm not the Lone Ranger in the LH Switch "Exploded view" club. lol. I did find a picture that answered my question and things snapped right in place after that. Also my headlight now is working again... I can only hope that something that I cleaned or re-attached fixed the problem... Dielectric grease is your friend... please believe me on that one.

[noah818]

I made the same mistake you did. Pieces went flying. I thought I reclaimed them all, but I'm not sure how it all fits together. There seems to be three springs of different sizes. Would you concur with that? I found the problem of why the lights weren't working: one of the wires was frayed and making contact with the screw. But now putting it back together seems impossible. Nessism's photos will be helpful, but I'll have to dig through the archive for the photos you found. So far no luck in that venture. Any suggestions on search method?

[Uncamitzi]

I made the same mistake you did. Pieces went flying. I thought I reclaimed them all, but I'm not sure how it all fits together. There seems to be three springs of different sizes. Would you concur with that? I found the problem of why the lights weren't working: one of the wires was frayed and making contact with the screw. But now putting it back together seems impossible. Nessism's photos will be helpful, but I'll have to dig through the archive for the photos you found. So far no luck in that venture. Any suggestions on search method?

There are 3 springs in the contact pad. two hold pressure to the plates and one hold pressure to the ball bearing. There is also a larger spring that goes across the bottom of the slide. Nessism's photos do tell pretty much the whole story.. I'm sorry I didn't document the reconstruction a bit better... It's one of the harder things I've had to do... and I'm going to do it again because the return spring (the large one) doesn't seem to be returning. if I do I will take some more pictures.. maybe even a video ...

[noah818]

Thanks for the response. Indeed, it seemed like I was missing a spring. Luckily I found it hiding on the ground under the front tire. It wasn't as difficult as I thought to put it all back together, but I don't care to ever do it again. I dislike the overall design and feel of the switch. I generally like to keep things stock, but I'm thinking about someday swapping in an aftermarket switch.