Turn Signal Relay

[Anonymous]

I was riding the other day '82 1100GL and my left blinker went out. I replaced the bulbs, and still didn't work. I took of the cover and checked out the relay. When I turn on the left blinker, all it does is buzz. When I turn on the right blinker, it buzzes for about half a second and then starts blinking. I tried a new relay and then I had no blinkers at all. Could it be a wiring problem? It doesn't seem like it would be since the relay is buzzing. If it is the relay, does anyone know which kind of relay would work on it. It is the three prong. I really don't want to get an original, because I don't want to spend 40 bucks on it. Thanks for the help.

[Anonymous]

Start by checking the ground on your turn signals. If the ground isn't proper, they may still light but there won't be enough current to operate the flasher circuit. I had a similar problem on my 1000 and found that the ground for the left rear signal had come out (it's wired cuz my lights are in the Saddle bags). You should also check the lights themselves, do they come on and stay on solid? If they don't come on at all then it is probably a wiring thing on the positive side. If they come on and don't flash, its either the flasher or the ground. Any typical automotive flasher should be able to successfully replace the stock one. I use an electronic automotive flasher and it works great.

[terry]

I'm guessing that if it's not either of the problems listed above, it's your flasher can mate, the factory items (square black plastic case) aren't well sealed at all and allow moisture to ingress and then rust the little spring steel point arms, which either rust themselves together, or break off.

The factory item is expensive, and a standard automotive flasher can won't work on the later bikes, (post 1980) but an accessory type electronic flasher can (more expensive than the cylindrical standard type but lots cheaper than the suzy item) works fine. :twisted:

[zstanisi]

If you are getting the relay, you might want to ask the dealer if there are other ones (apart from the originals) that will fit. I ordered one recently, but not the orig Suzuki one ($60CND) but the Kawasaki one dealer said would match ($10CND). Still didn't pick it up, but hope will work fine.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the assistance guys. I went out this morning and jiggled some wires and found out that the rear left turn signal had a short in it's wire. It had worn through where the wire enters the tail light assembly. I re-ran the wire and the problem is fixed! Thanks again.