No Turn Signals - Bad Module?

[Foozle]

07-28

Do turn signal modules ever go bad?

Halfway back from a trip last weekend, my signals suddenly quit working (I first noticed it riding through a rain shower - but the two may be unrelated).

I run Eagle LED front turn signals which also double as driving (marker) lights; that is, they temporarily turn off when the signal is activated and switch to that function.  Until now, they've worked flawlessly - and the added visibility during daytime driving is a welcome feature.

Rather than mess with inline resistors, I purchased a replacement "plug-and-play" module from Custom Dynamics (if memory serves) designed specifically for LED signals (I have the same setup on a second Valkyrie).

Convinced my problem was likely due to a dirty switch, I disassembled and completed cleaned the contacts, etc.  It's now much smoother to operate - but still no blinkers.  (The marker lights operate fine - and even shut off when the turn signal is activated; just no blinker activity).

Any thoughts?  I'm kind of stumped.

Terry

[The emperor has no clothes]

Turn signal relay ?

[Foozle]

Turn signal relay ?

I may be using the wrong terminology, Rob.  The "module" I'm referring to plugs into the wiring harness  just under the left side cover in front of the battery.  The aftermarket replacement merely adds some extra resistance to compensate for the LEDs.  I assume there is nothing else in the turn signal path?

If it's nothing more than a relay, I think you've answered my question.

Terry

[The emperor has no clothes]

Turn signal relay ?

I may be using the wrong terminology, Rob.  The "module" I'm referring to plugs into the wiring harness  just under the left side cover in front of the battery.  The aftermarket replacement merely adds some extra resistance to compensate for the LEDs.  I assume there is nothing else in the turn signal path?

If it's nothing more than a relay, I think you've answered my question.

Terry

I think what you have is in addition to the stock turn signal relay. It could be that unit also, but I suspect not because your running lights are working properly. I don’t know if I’d go buying a $50 OEM relay on a hunch. But you might be able to switch with another bike to see. I had one of those signal modules also, and really liked it. But it had an intermittent problem that I couldn’t fix and eventually pulled it. Your problem doesn’t sound like that is the problem.

[Foozle]

Turn signal relay ?

I may be using the wrong terminology, Rob.  The "module" I'm referring to plugs into the wiring harness  just under the left side cover in front of the battery.  The aftermarket replacement merely adds some extra resistance to compensate for the LEDs.  I assume there is nothing else in the turn signal path?

If it's nothing more than a relay, I think you've answered my question.

Terry

I think what you have is in addition to the stock turn signal relay. It could be that unit also, but I suspect not because your running lights are working properly. I don’t know if I’d go buying a $50 OEM relay on a hunch. But you might be able to switch with another bike to see. I had one of those signal modules also, and really liked it. But it had an intermittent problem that I couldn’t fix and eventually pulled it. Your problem doesn’t sound like that is the problem.

Pulled out the aftermarket "module" and plugged in the OEM it replaced:  Turn signals now work fine - just blink a little fast.  Frankly, I may leave them this way . . . . . it's much more conspicuous. 

Thanks, Rob - I appreciate the input.

Terry

[Jess from VA]

In my past travails with led bike signals, I ended up with fast signals (despite an electronic HD flasher).

I hated it because it clearly broadcast my inept electrical work to the world.

However, if signals are for safety, and fast ones get noticed more than slow ones (they do), it's hard to argue with leaving them fast.

I have no idea if states with annual safety inspections would find fast signals a failure (doubt it). 

[RonW]

my experience with electronic flashers is that they reduce hyperflashing differently. Some not enough. Or the signals still end up blinking faster then the stock rate, D.O.T. rate.  Guess you can't buy all the different brands to find the right flasher.  When I had two leds ..... front signals ..... the electronic flasher reduced the hyperblinking back to a normal rate. After I added leds to the 2 rear signals in addition to the front leds ..... the blinking got a little too fast again using the same electronic flasher. I had an electronic flasher that retarded the blinking rate too much, much to my darnation.