Turn signal issue
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 192
From: Lakeland, FL
Turn signal issue
Im having a bit of a problem with my 94 FXLR. This is a low miles bike that sat under a cover for a long time before I got it. Recently, the right side stopped flashing all the time. It occasionally flashes, and sometimes it flashes and goes solid. I recently changed my throttle and idle cables. I dont see how a bad/broken switch connection could cause this, but is that a possibility? The signal wiring is typical worst case stuff. The wires are wire nutted together. I havent been through it, yet, because Ive been riding the hell out of this bike, but I suppose that could be an issue as well.
is there a way to rule out the turn signal module? Thanks!
is there a way to rule out the turn signal module? Thanks!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,325
Likes: 3,571
From: Picayune, Ms.
Both sides use the same flasher, so it the left side is working the right side should be working also.
But! Since it isn't then the problem is (and this is just a guess) in the wiring of the right side. Remember the front and rear lights are connected. Also the blinker works by grounding not by sending volts to the bulb, which you may check also.
Look for a short on the right side. Bad bulb, bad socket, bad socket to ground (front or back), bad ground between the directional location(fender light bracket etc).
BTW: It is a simple system so if you can read a wiring diagram you should be able to figure it out. If I remember correctly (maybe not) wires of interest will be Orange, Purple, Brown and Red. Brown should be right, Purple(violet) should be left, Red is hot and Orange should be the runner(could be blue)
Good luck.
But! Since it isn't then the problem is (and this is just a guess) in the wiring of the right side. Remember the front and rear lights are connected. Also the blinker works by grounding not by sending volts to the bulb, which you may check also.
Look for a short on the right side. Bad bulb, bad socket, bad socket to ground (front or back), bad ground between the directional location(fender light bracket etc).
BTW: It is a simple system so if you can read a wiring diagram you should be able to figure it out. If I remember correctly (maybe not) wires of interest will be Orange, Purple, Brown and Red. Brown should be right, Purple(violet) should be left, Red is hot and Orange should be the runner(could be blue)
Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,032
Likes: 12,560
From: South Carolina
A bit of misinformation up there....
This bike does not use the old signal flasher system...It uses a turn signal module.
The module can fail completely, or become intermittent, even on just one side.
The old flasher system worked by switching the ground side of the circuit, but this is not the old system...
The flasher does not work by grounding, it sends voltage into the circuit, which obviously then goes to ground after it passes through the bulb.
This bike does not use the old signal flasher system...It uses a turn signal module.
The module can fail completely, or become intermittent, even on just one side.
The old flasher system worked by switching the ground side of the circuit, but this is not the old system...
The flasher does not work by grounding, it sends voltage into the circuit, which obviously then goes to ground after it passes through the bulb.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Oct 10, 2019 at 12:15 PM.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 192
From: Lakeland, FL
I was hoping for something more concrete, but I appreciate the answers.
is it possible with the module, that my turn signal ground connection is not solid on that side, could that cause the light to shine solid?
Ive been really interested in the m.unit. I may use this as an excuse to try it out.
is it possible with the module, that my turn signal ground connection is not solid on that side, could that cause the light to shine solid?
Ive been really interested in the m.unit. I may use this as an excuse to try it out.
Last edited by mplecha; Oct 10, 2019 at 12:43 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,032
Likes: 12,560
From: South Carolina
Make up a short jumper wire.
Unplug the turn signal module.
Turn ignition switch on.
Note: In the following test, the signal lamps will not flash, they will just burn steady...
In the harness connector (that you just unplugged from the turn signal module), connect the orange wire to the brown wire (using the jumper wire), the R/H signal lamps should illuminate.
Connect the orange wire to the Violet wire (using the jumper wire), the L/H signal lamps should illuminate.
Connect the white/brown wire to the brown wire (using the jumper wire), press the R/H turn signal button, the R/H signal lamps should illuminate.
Connect the white/violet wire to the violet wire(using the jumper wire) , press the L/H turn signal button, the L/H signal should illuminate.
If the signal lights work for these tests, it tells you all the electrical circuits and the switches are operating properly, the only thing left is the Turn Signal Module, all you can do with the module is inspect the connections to make sure they are in good condition...
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Oct 10, 2019 at 05:15 PM.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,062
Likes: 4,547
From: Haslet Texas
I’m having a bit of a problem with my 94 FXLR. This is a low miles bike that sat under a cover for a long time before I got it. Recently, the right side stopped flashing all the time. It occasionally flashes, and sometimes it flashes and goes solid. I recently changed my throttle and idle cables. I don’t see how a bad/broken switch connection could cause this, but is that a possibility? The signal wiring is typical “worst case” stuff. The wires are wire nutted together. I haven’t been through it, yet, because I’ve been riding the hell out of this bike, but I suppose that could be an issue as well.
is there a way to rule out the turn signal module? Thanks!
is there a way to rule out the turn signal module? Thanks!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,277
Likes: 7,756
From: West Central FL
Get a can of electrical contact spray cleaner, stick the little straw into one of the little holes under your switch housings and blast it. My '93 was doing the same thing and a member gave me the same tip. Worked like a charm. Might also want to check the wire hooked to the speedo.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,025
Likes: 7,549
From: Poolville
If you have a FSM you can disconnect the TSM and look in your wiring schematics for the wire that supplies power to the right turn signals and apply 12v to it.. If it lights it's your TSM... or possibly the switch that supplies the signal to the TSM..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,032
Likes: 12,560
From: South Carolina
Or he could read post #6...