Turn signal switch issue.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,284
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From: West Central FL
Turn signal switch issue.
OK let me preface. I don't have a lot of experience with stock switches and wiring except when it come to ripping it all out and minimizing the electrics. My last bike had 9 wires! My present 1993 FLSTC however is all stock wiring with nothing removed, added to or molested in any way.
Suddenly my right turn signal switch has been malfunctioning. I have to push it either really hard to get the lights to flash or sometimes two or more times. Same thing to get it to turn off. Also, it does self cancel but it may flash 4 times, 7 times or even 14 times before it finally shuts off. The left switch works fine. With all that in mind, should I replace the switch, the turn signal control module or both?
Thanks in advance.
Suddenly my right turn signal switch has been malfunctioning. I have to push it either really hard to get the lights to flash or sometimes two or more times. Same thing to get it to turn off. Also, it does self cancel but it may flash 4 times, 7 times or even 14 times before it finally shuts off. The left switch works fine. With all that in mind, should I replace the switch, the turn signal control module or both?
Thanks in advance.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,871
From: Upstate New York
Mine does this after washing the bike. I should replace the switches, but so far I've been able to restore the function by using electrical contact cleaner. Look at your switch housing. On the underside there's a couple of small holes. Insert the wand of the contact cleaner spray can into the holes and give a squirt. Work the switches a few times and see if it helps. It's worth a try.
If you need to replace the switches, Drag Specialties has 'em.
If you need to replace the switches, Drag Specialties has 'em.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,284
Likes: 7,765
From: West Central FL
Yes it is and I will. Thanks.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
The last time I replaced a switch (start/run) it was interesting.
Pull the wire loom off the bike.
Remove the wires to the switch to you want to replace from the 12 pin connector.
Get a trace wire and attach it to the connector end of wires you are going to replace.
Put dielectric grease on the trace wire.
Pull the trace wire into the loom as you remove the old switch.
Attach the new switch wires to the trace wire.
Use the trace wire to pull the new wires into the loom.
Trim the wire to the needed length and put new connectors on the wires.
Put the rest back together.
Pull the wire loom off the bike.
Remove the wires to the switch to you want to replace from the 12 pin connector.
Get a trace wire and attach it to the connector end of wires you are going to replace.
Put dielectric grease on the trace wire.
Pull the trace wire into the loom as you remove the old switch.
Attach the new switch wires to the trace wire.
Use the trace wire to pull the new wires into the loom.
Trim the wire to the needed length and put new connectors on the wires.
Put the rest back together.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,284
Likes: 7,765
From: West Central FL
The last time I replaced a switch (start/run) it was interesting.
Pull the wire loom off the bike.
Remove the wires to the switch to you want to replace from the 12 pin connector.
Get a trace wire and attach it to the connector end of wires you are going to replace.
Put dielectric grease on the trace wire.
Pull the trace wire into the loom as you remove the old switch.
Attach the new switch wires to the trace wire.
Use the trace wire to pull the new wires into the loom.
Trim the wire to the needed length and put new connectors on the wires.
Put the rest back together.
Pull the wire loom off the bike.
Remove the wires to the switch to you want to replace from the 12 pin connector.
Get a trace wire and attach it to the connector end of wires you are going to replace.
Put dielectric grease on the trace wire.
Pull the trace wire into the loom as you remove the old switch.
Attach the new switch wires to the trace wire.
Use the trace wire to pull the new wires into the loom.
Trim the wire to the needed length and put new connectors on the wires.
Put the rest back together.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,871
From: Upstate New York
Last time I replaced a switch, I unsoldered the wires from the old switch and soldered the wire ends to the new switch. No splicing or pulling the tank and fishing wires needed.
Yes, it's a bit awkward holding the switch, wire and soldering gun, but it beats draining and removing the tank, unplugging the connector, removing the contacts from the connector, pulling the wiring out of my handlebars, fishing new wires through, crimping on new contacts.....well, you get the idea.
Yes, it's a bit awkward holding the switch, wire and soldering gun, but it beats draining and removing the tank, unplugging the connector, removing the contacts from the connector, pulling the wiring out of my handlebars, fishing new wires through, crimping on new contacts.....well, you get the idea.
Last edited by Uncle G.; Sep 20, 2017 at 05:21 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,096
Likes: 12,640
From: South Carolina
It`s not the whole loom, just the small harness between the switch and the connector, not a big deal.
I think the way THC did it is the way to go...
I think the way THC did it is the way to go...
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Sep 20, 2017 at 05:20 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: West Central FL
Thanks for all the input guys I will definitely file it away for the future. It seems that I've dodged the bullet at least for now. I squirted contact cleaner up into the housing and flushed some crud out and now the switch is working perfectly. Thanks to all who answered. 
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Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Thanks for all the input guys I will definitely file it away for the future. It seems that I've dodged the bullet at least for now. I squirted contact cleaner up into the housing and flushed some crud out and now the switch is working perfectly. Thanks to all who answered.
Really glad it was an easy fix!!!!