turn signals revisited

[arlene]

ok...so I posted about the rapid on/off of my turn signals....and thought it was the flasher unit. I have not been able to ride for a bit.... but when i turned on the key and pushed the turn signal switch...shure enough...very rapid on/off. So...I get on and ride for a bit....and the next time I hit the turn signal switch, they operate in the normal on/off more relaxed blink rate. What gives.....why would they blink very rapidly when I start...and then seem normal after just a few miles.

[jbcollier]

Are all the bulbs working?

[arlene]

Ya......thats what is sort of weird.....all the bulbs work.......

[RJM2096]

Some vehicles have TS issues when one of the bulbs is not reaching ground. A corroded connection can be erratic and cause rapid blinking.

[88bmwJeff]

Like RJM2096 said, it could be ground or corrosion issue. Time to check all connections for corrosion and check all grounds. When you're done cleaning the connections, I would put some dielectric grease to prevent further corrosion. Any way, that's my $0.02.

[arlene]

Thanks for your answers. I will certainly check the ground for the TS....not sure why they would work after I get rolling.......but will post back after I check out the grounding issue

[skiteach]

Usually, when it's a ground issue there is a "Christmas Tree" effect- all bulbs will attempt light, check in a dark area. You may find faint four way flashers. This does not always happen. Diagnosing elecrtical issues is SO much fun (when you're getting paid to do it!)

[eric11]

I guess I will tack onto this thread...my blinkers will work normally for awhile but switch to the rapid blink. There seems to be no pattern of when this happens.

What gives???

[20774]

Are all the bulbs still functioning when it starts to blink fast?

My next thought, after looking at the diagram, is that the power for the lights flow through the buzzer and the buzzer relay. Does your buzzer still work? I've heard people will unplug the buzzer because it's annoying and things still work OK. So, maybe whether the buzzer is in the loop shouldn't matter.

There is a turn signal relay, too. Now if that were malfunctioning, maybe it works OK for the first few blinks then it breaks down internally and begins to flash rapidly.

Grounds are important too.

Turn signal relays in cars are designed to operate with a certain amount of current flowing through them, and if any light bulb is burned out, then the relay element that operates off that current (heat is the culprit) heats up quicker and turns on/off at a more rapid rate.

I'd first look at that turn signal relay.

[eric11]

All the bulbs still function when it starts to blink fast.
Buzzer still works.
It will start to blink fast on either the left or right side.

I'll check the relay...I'll purchase one and do the swap.

[eric11]

It's weird....when it is blinking, i swear the blinking slows down and speeds up. this is with a battery tender hooked up to the bike.

[20774]

Eric -

Check this site:

http://www.airheads.org/content/view/159/98/

There might be a common substitute to try for the check. Then if that fixes it, either continue to use it or get an OEM relay. Sometimes BMW's parts are as cheap as generic autoparts.

[eric11]

I've gone out to the garage several times now and the blinker works normally. I'll check out the site...thanks!

[eric11]

Looks as though there is no real substitute or way to check the functioning of a relay that I saw. The OEM one is $95 on the Max site. Wish there was a way to tell before I commit to buying the relay.

[eric11]

Where's a good place to get Hella relays? I need TBB 44DOT 4DB 003 425-01

[criminaldesign]

A couple weeks ago I tried an experiment with LED bulbs in place of the 1156's and the flash became extremely rapid. I put the 1156's back in place.

[photorider]

Don't buy the Hella OEM flasher relay. It is a royal waste of money. Not only are they expensive they are not very robust and fail frequently. There are better options at your auto parts store for just a few bucks.

[Lmo1131]

My next thought, after looking at the diagram,

What model bike is this? Did I miss the reference?

My fused '73 R75/5 experienced a very similar problem. It turned out to be a "nearly-failed" terminal at the left rear turn signal hot lead. Flex those old wires too many times and they give up the ghost.

But with the addition of a "buzzer" (aka: an annunciator) in the loop all bets are off.

[JOHNW67]

Where's a good place to get Hella relays? I need TBB 44DOT 4DB 003 425-01

Check Motorrad Elektrik. I would call them and get some advice before purchasing, but they have turn signal relays for /6 and /7's for $60

http://www.motoelekt.com/chassis.htm

[eric11]

Thanks for the recommendation, John!