GL1800 Downunder - indicator problems

[mclaring]

Goldwing Guys and gals,

Greetings from Australia and a fine 2004 Goldwing GL1800. Looked after like a baby. BUT unusual problem - when I apply left indicator the right rear one pulses weakly, along with the brake lights - and vice versa - but front indicators are OK. Brake lights work OK. Bizarre thing is when I pull the 15 AMP read fuse the indicators work. Ok, so I have:

- checked all 6 rear bulbs - all fine
- changed out relays - makes no difference

Obvious suspect is flasher unit, but mine is a first generation GL1800 so the unit is a sealed unit attached to one of the instruments under the dash (pulled off front fairing to find separate flasher unit but it does not exist on my bike). My Hazard switch stuck last week but I fixed it OK with some WD40, so doubt this is problem. Hope this all makes sense. If you can give me some clues you will make one Australian Goldwing guy a happy man. My last option is visiting My Honda - not an optimal option!

Much obliged to good ole American know-how,

Michael

[Viking]

This sort of situation is normally caused by a bad ground (earth) connection. You could find it, (could be difficult) or you could just run another one from the ground wire of the offending part of the wiring harness. That would at least test the problem to see if that is what it is.

[Pam]

I agree with the Viking, Sounds like a ground issue, I would start with the rear bulb which isn't working properly

[cihilb]

First I would pull and reinstall the rear bulbs. There may be corrosion or a bad contact. Check the bulbs and make sure that the pins on the bulbs are not melted into the plastic.
That happened on my '04. I just ended up replacing the suspect bulb. It does indeed sound like a ground problem. The current will try to find a ground, even if it's through another bulb.
The most common issue is the ground point under the tank. Not a fun job to fix, but not unusual. You have to pull the tank to get to it. Clean and re-tighten all the connections. A little dielectric grease will help with any further corrosion.
Aluminum frame, a steel bolt and copper covered connectors. Dis-similar metals will start electrolysis and the metals will corrode.

[mclaring]

Thanks people,

You have given me ideas, and it certainly sounds like a ground problem. Apart from the ground connection under the tank, are there other places where the indicator circuit is grounded? The front indicators do not appear to be affected which may give more clues?

Much obliged to good ol' American know-how,

MC

[cihilb]

Forgot to mention the plugs under the seat. The connector for the tail lights is located on the right rear side tucked into the frame rail. Pull the connector apart and check for corrosion. If it is bad enough you can bypass the wire by splicing a piece around the connector.

[mclaring]

A big thanks to everyone who helped me. Bottom line is I pulled bike apart and everything was in good order. My last resort was to check the hazard switch which seized on me a few weeks ago - and there was problem. A copper solder connection inside had come ajar and was intermittently shorting out the indicator system. I have removed switch and awaiting new one I have ordered. Meantime all is back to normal . . .

MC

[Pam]

Glad you got it figured out

[cihilb]

Perseverance pays off.