Turn signals ?
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6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 12
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From: eastern ky
Turn signals ?
I bought a 1990 Heritage Softail recently. I have been riding on and off for 30 years and this is my first Harley! In order for me to get the turn signals to work I have to hold the button in all the time that I want to signal. Is this the design or is something wrong? The only good thing about this is you won't forget to turn them off, but it is annoying trying to use the clutch or front brake while giving a signal.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 13
From: 501
Their is definitely something wrong. I believe someone here might know where the issue lies. It might could be something you could replace yourself. I'm sure that's what your hoping for. I'll keep abreast of it, so I will know what to do if and when it happens to me.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 128
It should have a self cancelling module and your's is probably bad.
http://www.jpcycles.com/product/320-211
http://www.jpcycles.com/product/320-211
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 851
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
I bought a 1990 Heritage Softail recently. I have been riding on and off for 30 years and this is my first Harley! In order for me to get the turn signals to work I have to hold the button in all the time that I want to signal. Is this the design or is something wrong? The only good thing about this is you won't forget to turn them off, but it is annoying trying to use the clutch or front brake while giving a signal.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 911
Likes: 0
From: KY
It should have a self cancelling module and your's is probably bad.
http://www.jpcycles.com/product/320-211
http://www.jpcycles.com/product/320-211
Last edited by JerryL....; Aug 19, 2010 at 01:13 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 128
The 90 model didn't have self canceling signals. My 91 doesn't either. When I hit my turn signal button the signals turn on and stay on, but you have to push the button again to turn them off. To the op, something must be wrong, they are supposed to stay on by themselves.
My bad I guess. I thought they did. You sure can get a module for them. At least it's listed under the fitment section of the link I provided.
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Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 911
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From: KY
I might have to check that out. Maybe it will turn mine into self canceling. I think Harley started the self canceling in 96, if I'm not mistaken.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Upstate New York
Softails didn't get self canceling signals until '91. That's why the speedo and dash cover are different part numbers for '91-'95. They added a reed switch to the speedo to cancel the turn signals, and that required a relocation of the odometer reset **** (and the hole in the side of the dash cover for the ****). You might be able to install the self-cancelling module, but you would need to change the speedo and dash cover to the '91-'95 style for the signals to cancel.
Prior to this, the turn signals worked by holding in the button to signal a turn. Releasing the button turned the signals off. My '89 Sporty was like this. The only exception was 1986, when the signals were wired as "push on-push off" type. That's the way mine work on my '94 since I changed the speedo to a '62 style, and lost the reed switch. For some reason, the "push on/push off" signals lasted only a year, and for '87, Harley went back to the olld style "push and hold" buttons.
Prior to this, the turn signals worked by holding in the button to signal a turn. Releasing the button turned the signals off. My '89 Sporty was like this. The only exception was 1986, when the signals were wired as "push on-push off" type. That's the way mine work on my '94 since I changed the speedo to a '62 style, and lost the reed switch. For some reason, the "push on/push off" signals lasted only a year, and for '87, Harley went back to the olld style "push and hold" buttons.
Last edited by Uncle G.; Aug 19, 2010 at 04:23 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 866
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From: Houston, TX
Prior to this, the turn signals worked by holding in the button to signal a turn. Releasing the button turned the signals off. My '89 Sporty was like this. The only exception was 1986, when the signals were wired as "push on-push off" type. That's the way mine work on my '94 since I changed the speedo to a '62 style, and lost the reed switch. For some reason, the "push on/push off" signals lasted only a year, and for '87, Harley went back to the olld style "push and hold" buttons.
I have trouble believing HD would force a rider to hold the button down while making a lane change or a turn. Especially when that action would not meet the law in many states.
I'm thinking the signal module is bad if the signals won't stay on when the button is released.