Turn signals on 2000 interstate

[Mattferg]

My turn signals work fine most of the time in neutral but when  I apply either the front or rear brake and I'm in any gear my turn signal quits working until I let off the brake. Has anyone experienced similar problem or have an idea what my problem could be ?

[Firefighter]

Probably a bad ground. Seen that in cars.

[Ramie]

Are you saying the flashers works fine with the brake if the bike is in neutral?

[Mattferg]

In neutral the turn signals and brake lights work fine. At least for awhile they work together in neutral as they should

[Mattferg]

When I first start my Valkyrie the turn signals work fine with the brakes. When I pop it in gear and try the signals they work fine until I apply either brake that's when they stop blinking and the indicator and turn signal bulbs are dark. Then when I put her back in neutral and try the signals they work fine until I apply the brakes. Maybe a relay warming up ? They work initial fine in neutral but not for long.

[Earl43P]

It is fairly common for a dual filament bulb to burn out, then you hit a bump and that loose filament welds itself to the other.

Meaning you may have a bad lamp in the trunk, one that SHOULD be on with the normal running lights and then it blinks BRIGHTER with the turn signals on. 

That's where I'd start looking. Buy a pair of new dual filament lamps and plug a new one into each trunk light socket until you find the bad one.

Here's the curve ball:
My IS's previous owner put in a trailer converter or some other unidentified electronic device, located under the seat above the battery. Its leads connect to the tail/brake/turn signal lamps in such a way that the normal rear amber turn signals also function as BRAKE LIGHTS (unless the turn signal is on too, then it blinks). That same electronic device also causes one of the trunk lamps to blink with the turn signal unless the brake is applied, then it stays bright, stops blinking and only the amber turn signal blinks.

I thought about disconnecting the dang thing, but it does make the rear more visible with this cockamamy lighting device. I took a picture of it a while back, but decided it ain't broke so I'm not fixing it. You might find a similar device installed on yours, which may have a loose connection.

The tech at the Honda dealership wanted to gig me during the State Inspection, but I pointed out that all the installed lamps are operating (not burnt out) which is what the requirement states. The fact that "extra" amber lamps are lit (and are not red) when the brake is applied is "gravy". He bought that so it remains as the PO wired it.

[RonW]

do you have brake lights? I understand that applying the brakes shuts off the blinkers, but do the brake lights actually light up (back there).

[Mattferg]

I will check the brake lights out tomorrow . Thanks

[Mattferg]

I have brake lights that when applied and lite , the blinkers stop.. Went for a ride today and the signals for a short period of time worked with brakes fine . The right blinker more often Than the left. The brakes and turn signals worked together properly for about 5% of the ride , most of the ride the turn signals would stop blinking and remain unlit until I released the brake and they will start blinking again

[Ramie]

Just a shot in the dark here but you don't by chance have any mods done to the turn signal do you like buzzers?  Chet Walters had a mod that put buzzers for turn signal reminders that got interrupted when one of the brake switches was activated.

[Mattferg]

No modifications have been added to my Valkyrie . Stock signals and brakes , no trailer wiring

[Mattferg]

I'm putting my Valk back together . The rear fender connections look clean and I have replaced the battery box after inspecting the fuses and connection on the right side. I returned all the relays to a stake off the battery box on the left side I've taken the turn signal switch completely apart and put it back together. Now the signal only comes on once and then I need to change to the other direction just to get one more flash. The signal is not blinking at all now. I'm thinking a bad turn signal relay ??? Any ideas are appreciated

[Mattferg]

Thanks to you who have read my post. Received a call today from the shop and they said the problem is the turn signal relay. Should have my Valk home and running smoothly soon.