Flasher gone bad?

[TheRoss]

How likely is it that the hazard/flasher relay in my 2000 R1100RT (100k miles) is the cause of my turn signal bahavior? (I am assuming the hazard relay controls the turns signals as well). The turn signals will alternate between blinking at the correct speed and flashing quickly, as if a bulb were out. But the bulbs are all good and this happens on both sides. The OEM relay is $100. Is there anything else I could check out before ordering this? If I do need to replace this relay... any tips on doing it? At first glance it didn't look like it just pops in and out like the Cat relay/jumper. And there are many wires to this one.

Thanks for any advice or help.

[MotorradMike]

Assuming this is the same module as is in my 1996 R1100RS.

The flasher is sensing low current as if a bulb were out. It has a lever gizmo on the connector to assist you in demate-mate operation and it's not hard to get out.

It also comes apart fairly easily and I bet you can fix it.

Not sure how adventurous you want to get for $100.

[TheRoss]

Mike,
Are you saying that this is something I could fix? Or that I will just have to replace it?

If it's $100 then that's what it is. The fast blinking is driving me nuts. I will check beemerboneyard and a couple other places first before ordering from BMW.

Thanks for the advice.

[MotorradMike]

Again, if it's the same as mine I know it fairly well.

If you are handy with a soldering iron you can take it apart and try re-flowing the joints on the current sense resistor which looks like a giant staple. The module is a fairly complex unit, it has a microcomputer in it.

I just love to fix stuff instead of buying new parts and I would happily spend hours on something like this. Most people would figure their time was worth more than 100$ and they are probably right.

[cruisin]

I am experiencing the same problem in my '98 RT. First normal flashing speed then fast, then slow again. I can live with it if it's not hurting anything but if there is potential to cause damage from prolonged use like this, then I need to fix it. Does anyone know of cross-over part numbers from the automotive industry so as to by-pass the huge mark-up for having an official BMW part? In fact, I'm not even sure which little plastic box is the flasher (in the fuse box area I presume?). Anyone got a picture or good description of which one is the nasty little culprit?

[bradleypurple]

Same problem here, just on the right turn signal. I assumed it was a relay going bad so I was just going to go with it until it craps out.

[alanrd]

About 4 years ago I had an intermittent problem with my turn signals on my 2000 Rt and it was a relay in the electrical box under the seat I'm thinking it was only about $30 from the BMW dealer (now defunct) I think you can switch a couple of relays in the electrical box to see if that is the problem There are identical relays in the box.
Good Luck

[MotorradMike]

Here's a diagram of the fuse/relay box.
The flasher unit is all electronic(no relays inside), If an automobile manufacturer uses the same one, good luck finding who and for what.

Two of you are having fast flash issues. Are you sure the bulbs are all good and sockets are clean and uncorroded?

The fast flash is meant to alert the rider to a burnt out indicator. The flasher unit senses current to determine this. Low current can be due to poor connection somewhere, even inside the flasher itself.

No harm will be done by fast flashing the signals.

Sorry, I can't seem to upload the pic. Flasher is on the rear right of the box.

[bulletbill]

turn signals ??? my 1996 r850r, the right signal has stopped working, we have checked bulbs, sockets, wiring, everything seem OK??? I am assuming that it is the relay?? Is there any way to check the relay, before replacing and or repairing??

[norton]

If it is indeed the flasher gone kaput, consider this an opportunity to use a signal minder for the same price.
http://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=4&catname=signalMinder

[MotorradMike]

turn signals ??? my 1996 r850r, the right signal has stopped working, we have checked bulbs, sockets, wiring, everything seem OK??? I am assuming that it is the relay?? Is there any way to check the relay, before replacing and or repairing??

Hey Bill:

Does your bike have 4 way flashers?

If so and they work, then you have checked the module and the problem is likely to be the right turn signal switch/wiring/connections.

This is all very difficult until you discover the actual problem, then it all makes sense.

[bulletbill]

Hey Bill:

Does your bike have 4 way flashers?

If so and they work, then you have checked the module and the problem is likely to be the right turn signal switch/wiring/connections.

This is all very difficult until you discover the actual problem, then it all makes sense.

4 way flasher switch only causes the left signals to work??

[MotorradMike]

Hi Bill:

First of all, I'm assuming your bike uses the same electronic flasher module as my 1996 R1100RS.

If the flashers only run the left side, then the problem is either in the module or after it in the connector, wiring, or both turn signal sockets.

Lets rule out BOTH turn signal sockets because thats a multiple failure and you checked them.

My guess is a broken wire at the module socket or somewhere between there and the signal lamps. The wire probably goes to the front first and then back to the rear and might be broken at a flexing point(ty-wrapped to the frame).

I can't help more than that

[griceg]

I'm new here and still getting acquainted with my 1997 R850R. My search led me to this topic - a little late on several points but maybe someone out there can help. I cranked my bike last week and as soon as I hit the rear brake, all four flashers came on. No matter what I did, even turning the motor off and removing the key, the flasher kept going. I finally was able to track down the correct fuse and pulled it to keep from running the battery down. "Logic" let me to the flasher and I ordered the replacement. I installed the replacement, sure all would be well. Inserted the key and turned on the switch and all four flashers came on again. ???? Any help out there? Since this now appears to be a wiring issue, I also have one with the horn. It won't blow - which sucks. I tested the horn and it is good and I can hear the relay click when I press the button. This would lead me to believe that the horn switch/button is okay. Are these problems related?? This would lead me to the left side grip switches. Am I on the right trail or chasing my tail? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[dbrick]

Same problem here, just on the right turn signal. I assumed it was a relay going bad so I was just going to go with it until it craps out.

It's worth checking the bulbs and sockets carefully if only one side fails. On my RS, every six months or a year the left side fails. It's regularly and predictably the left-rear bulb-socket connection, probably gets gummy living above the exhaust. I remove the bulb, hit both the socket and the bulb base with some fine sandpaper (I don't use steel wool to avoid metallic debris), and it's good to go again. After 13 years and 100K miles, I'm still on the original bulb.