I have an 84 fltc and i have to hold the turn signal button down for them to work is this how they work or is there an electrical issue

 

That's how they worked in 84...you can add self-canceling if you want:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SDC-Self-Can...-/171236087508

 

Badlands ATS- 03 Turn signal module will do what you want it to.

 

thanks