Turn Signal Switch

[JPochron]

I'm still having problems with the turn signals not working. I took it apart and attempted to clean it but didn't have any electrical cleaner so I did what I could. I'm not certain if I reassembled it correctly though. They worked for a little bit but now don't. When I switch it to either left or right they don't come on but the cornering lights come on. Also the dash lights are lit for both sides but very dim then when I switch to either side that side that I switch to the dash light goes off. The switch also feels like it's sticking, so i'm think possibly not put back together correctly or a part may have been let out. I'm at the point where I'm going to replace the switch. If you can hear the relay when they do work, could the relay still be bad? I've ordered 1 of those also. I've cleaned all the connections and checked the bulbs. Any ideas what else I should check? I have the bike sold but I'm hoping he doesn't back out because of the issue with the turn signals. Any help would be appreciated

Thank You

Joe

[Swagonmaster]

Since you took the switch apart there is the possibility that it didn't go back properly but there is a lot that goes on in the t/s switch. One part of the switch signals the turn cancel switch to turn on the turn flasher (this is how the cancel switch is able to turn off the signals, it is responsible for enabling the relay in the first place) which then sends the flash pulse back to the t/s switch to be sent to the correct side. A second contact turns on the selected cornering light which is also enabled by the cancel switch. With so much coming and going it's not hard for something to misfire.
The one thing that makes me wonder is the dash turn lights, they should be powered by the same wire as the other turn lights and "on but dim" makes me think of a bad ground. How do the lights work when the hazards are on, a lot of that system is separate?
Finally, yes a relay can click and still not do it's job.

[JPochron]

the flashers work just fine no issues. when i initially put the switch back together the turn signals worked but gradually quit. Also push the switch left or right it seems to stick however when pushing in to cancel it doesn't. I ordered a used 1 incase I did mess it up. Do you know if it's difficult to replace? Another thing I just replaced the motor, is it possible to have jarred a connetion on the left side of the bike


Thanks

Joe

[Swagonmaster]

If the dash lights and everything works ok with the 4 ways then the t/s switch is the likely candidate. This is just me but I'd try looking at the switch again, nothing to loose and possibly time to gain compared with switch r&r. Since the hazard relay is the same as the turn signal, try swapping them and see what you get, of course they are under the trunk.

[JPochron]

Good news the buyer told me he sprayed some WD-40 in the turn signal switch and they are now working. Huge relief. But now on to a new issue I just purchased a 2007 Aspencdes Trike and while riding it home it kept feeling like i was losing power or being held back. Rode again later and it did it again only this time we smelt something burning and I completely loss the rear brakes, pedal went all the way down. Looked around when I got home and the wheels were burning up hot enough to burn your hand. Seems it was the brakes locking up. And this 2007 only has 1200 miles on it.


Thanks fir the replies.

[Swagonmaster]

It would be a good idea to start another post on that so we can do it justice.

[JPochron]

Thank you I did right after I posted this in the GL1800 section

[WingAdmin]

Good news the buyer told me he sprayed some WD-40 in the turn signal switch and they are now working. Huge relief. But now on to a new issue I just purchased a 2007 Aspencdes Trike and while riding it home it kept feeling like i was losing power or being held back. Rode again later and it did it again only this time we smelt something burning and I completely loss the rear brakes, pedal went all the way down. Looked around when I got home and the wheels were burning up hot enough to burn your hand. Seems it was the brakes locking up. And this 2007 only has 1200 miles on it.


Thanks fir the replies.

That's good news...and now the bad news: WD-40 sprayed in these switches will cause them to fail again in fairly short order.

WD-40 is NOT electrical contact cleaner, and worse, it leaves behind an oily film that attracts dust and grit. While it may flush away dirt and temporarily restore the operation of the switch, the oily residue will soon cause it to fail again.

You'll need to repeat it using an actual electrical contact cleaner that does not leave behind residue.

[JPochron]

thank you for letting me know that, i'll let him know. I did purchase a used switch assembly so I will give that to him incase it fails again

[Snowmoer]

Totally agree with Wing Admin. Keep the WD 40 away from switches! You will be having the same problems in no time. You can find CRC Electronic cleaner at Wal Mart, Home Depot, or any Auto Parts store. You will need to clean out the old grease. That is why the switch is sticking. When the old grease ages and gets some road grime in there, it gets sticky. Get some Dielectric grease at the Auto Parts store to replace the grease you cleaned out. It is made for electrical contacts. Your switch will be as slick as butter when you are done and you will get another 30 years of use out of it.

[WingAdmin]

This is the one I use: CRC QD Electrical Contact Cleaner

[Snowmoer]

Yep, that is the one to get. Very easy to get local without ordering it on line. You also use it on the speed up and down switches to clean them.