Replacing Both Flasher Units ... Can I
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Replacing Both Flasher Units ... Can I
Can I get both styles at an autoparts store? Or must I buy the OEM expensive replacements.
My 4 ways stopped flashing this past summer. I then would use both turn signals on for 4 way flash. I now know this overloads the standard turn signal flasher.
So recently on extremely cold days I get no flash until the bike is run for some time. Then they flash slowly and steadily speed up to blinking really fast.
I'm tearing into it soon. It requires the entire speedo / tach to be lifted to get to the flashing units below. Getting into it is not an issue, been in and out of that area several times ... even know to remove the odometer roll back device before attempting to lift the assembly.
I take it the 4 way is a heavy duty flasher to run all lights at once, and the turn signals is a standard style like an auto has.
Will an Auto parts store have both styles.
My 4 ways stopped flashing this past summer. I then would use both turn signals on for 4 way flash. I now know this overloads the standard turn signal flasher.
So recently on extremely cold days I get no flash until the bike is run for some time. Then they flash slowly and steadily speed up to blinking really fast.
I'm tearing into it soon. It requires the entire speedo / tach to be lifted to get to the flashing units below. Getting into it is not an issue, been in and out of that area several times ... even know to remove the odometer roll back device before attempting to lift the assembly.
I take it the 4 way is a heavy duty flasher to run all lights at once, and the turn signals is a standard style like an auto has.
Will an Auto parts store have both styles.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 803
Likes: 3
From: Collegeville, PA
Your 86 Tour Glide shouldn't be much different than my 86 FXRD. It has only one flasher unit. To activate the 4-ways, I hit both signals. The flasher unit is a simple 2 wire mechanical flasher. Any 2-wire unit from the auto parts store will work. Most of them are round cans and the Harley unit is a rectangular unit, so the replacement may not fit into the bracket. If you have any thoughts of ever switching your signal bulbs to LED's, get an electronic flasher that isn't load dependent.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,199
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
No, the FLH/T's have 2 flasher units, one for turn signals, one for the 4 way. Standard automotive parts store items. Do yourself a favor and get an electronic version that doesn't depend on the circuit load. Maybe they are all like that now. Otherwise, sometimes they are labeled as "heavy duty."
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
I am so glad to hear I can get them at the auto parts store. The OEM turn signal device was about $9 new, and the 4 way was around $17.
I know it's a tight fit under the speedo / tach console so I think I'll remove them and take them with me in case I have some choices.
I was of the opinion that both were standard in design and one was just heavy duty to carry the 4 way load.
BTW ... I had mentioned in my research there is a definite warning to NOT use both turn signals at the same time in place of the 4 way. I think that's what effected my flasher on the turn signals. Both are electromechanical devices so they have old age and wear effecting them.
I know it's a tight fit under the speedo / tach console so I think I'll remove them and take them with me in case I have some choices.
I was of the opinion that both were standard in design and one was just heavy duty to carry the 4 way load.
BTW ... I had mentioned in my research there is a definite warning to NOT use both turn signals at the same time in place of the 4 way. I think that's what effected my flasher on the turn signals. Both are electromechanical devices so they have old age and wear effecting them.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 259
Likes: 1
From: Kingston, Ontario
I had to replace both a couple months ago, just went to local auto parts store and bought them no problem. Had to remove the speedo (remember NOT to place it upside down as per manual fluid will leak and stain) I also took this oppertunity to clean and lube all connections and the speedo cable.
Cheers
Cheers
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Carlsbad Springs Ontario
Yes , you can find all you need at any auto. supply shop .
Do spend the extra few bucks for the electronic units as they are superior to the mechs.
You will find that that the electronic units are bigger so you will have to attach them with zip ties or whatever you choose.
While your in there i would advise that you do a good inspection and clean up of all the connectors etc. Pull the connectors apart and look for hot spots or weak female receiving connectors. Use a jewelers screw driver set or a pin to push the female receivers back into a good conductive position for good contact with the male pins. You will be glad you did later.
Also ... since your bike is an older model like mine i seriousely suggest you pay particular attension to the wiring harness that twists as you turn left or right .
Mine is a 90 FLT Police and i found completely broken wires at the pivot point in this harness .
There could be wires here that are just holding on by a few strands due to stress from constant back and forth turning.
A simple test is a " pull test " ., remove all wire harness covering at least 6 inches on each end of the effected " pivot " area , grab each wire at each end with an apporpriate tool like small vise gripps or needle nose pliers etc. and try to pull the wire apart .
If the wire seperates , you have found a future headache , if it dosent give , go to the next etc. etc.
Do spend the extra few bucks for the electronic units as they are superior to the mechs.
You will find that that the electronic units are bigger so you will have to attach them with zip ties or whatever you choose.
While your in there i would advise that you do a good inspection and clean up of all the connectors etc. Pull the connectors apart and look for hot spots or weak female receiving connectors. Use a jewelers screw driver set or a pin to push the female receivers back into a good conductive position for good contact with the male pins. You will be glad you did later.
Also ... since your bike is an older model like mine i seriousely suggest you pay particular attension to the wiring harness that twists as you turn left or right .
Mine is a 90 FLT Police and i found completely broken wires at the pivot point in this harness .
There could be wires here that are just holding on by a few strands due to stress from constant back and forth turning.
A simple test is a " pull test " ., remove all wire harness covering at least 6 inches on each end of the effected " pivot " area , grab each wire at each end with an apporpriate tool like small vise gripps or needle nose pliers etc. and try to pull the wire apart .
If the wire seperates , you have found a future headache , if it dosent give , go to the next etc. etc.
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
All done. A pair of $2 ea. 552s.
I passed on the small case electronic version at $9.95.
I've been in and out of the spedo / tach console so many times it's easy now.
Last time I was tracking down the wire that tied the headlights to both the ignition and light positions on the ignition switch. I like to be able to start my bike without all the lights being on while cranking. Helps too if the battery is low you don't have the drain of the lights on while starting, and without all the lights on you get highest voltage recharging the battery. For safety you just have to remember to switch to lights when riding.
I went through and checked all connections and regreased them. I had the harness loose while turned on to be certain everything worked correctly, including while assembling.
I passed on the small case electronic version at $9.95.
I've been in and out of the spedo / tach console so many times it's easy now.
Last time I was tracking down the wire that tied the headlights to both the ignition and light positions on the ignition switch. I like to be able to start my bike without all the lights being on while cranking. Helps too if the battery is low you don't have the drain of the lights on while starting, and without all the lights on you get highest voltage recharging the battery. For safety you just have to remember to switch to lights when riding.
I went through and checked all connections and regreased them. I had the harness loose while turned on to be certain everything worked correctly, including while assembling.
Last edited by JohnnyC; Nov 16, 2012 at 02:00 PM.
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