[White&Nerdy]

I've been tracking down an intermittent problem with my left turn signal (right works perfectly). My most recent observations indicate the following...



There seems to be some sort of flaky connection in the turn signal switch. When I move the switch a little - not enough to activate the turn signal - the left running light flickers a bit as I move it. If I end up with the running light off, the turn signal doesn't light up at all on the front, and either blinks slowly or is just on steady on the left rear. If the running light is on, the turn signal operates normally.



Clearly there's a loose or dirty connection somewhere. Where do I start? Does the running light wiring go through the turn signal switch? Should I just open up the whole thing and clean every connection I can find? I've seen a few threads about aftermarket switches, or adapting switches from other bikes. I don't feel a need to do that, unless my existing switch can't be fixed for some reason and needs to be replaced.



Thanks!

 

[Blue Fox]

Can you clarify your sentence: "If the running light is on, the turn signal operates normally." Until I got to that sentence, I suspected that one filament was burnt out in the front signal. Now, I'm not sure.



The bulb uses two filaments, one to light the running lights, one for the turn signal. I believe it is just a standard 1157 auto bulb. When you slide the switch to signal, the running light should go out, and the signal light filament come on. You might just try swapping the bulb from the right side and see if it works.

 

[White&Nerdy]

The bulb is fine. Sometimes, the light operates exactly like you describe, and like it's supposed to. But sometimes when the turn signal switch isn't quite in the right place, the running light turns off. When that happens, the turn signal doesn't work, either, until I wiggle the turn signal switch again and bring both of them back. It's strange.

 

[Blue Fox]

It sounds like it is in the switch contacts. There is a small drain hole in the bottom of the assembly that you can shoot some electrical contact cleaner up into. Then work the switch back and forth several times. If this doesn't clear up the problem, try taking it apart and spraying contact cleaner into it. Aim for the contact areas. Work the switch again. Hopefully this will solve your problem.



At least see if this affects the workings. If it does, you know you are on the right track and may need to disassemble the switch and do a proper cleaning.

 

[ki4radiocom]

My 81 cx 500 always turns off the running light portion of the light to work the flashing filament. Is it differnt on the 82gl?

 

[White&Nerdy]

No, that's absolutely right - the running light shuts off when the turn signal is on, to make the turn signal more visible. My CB750C did the same thing. My problem is the running light is flaking out when the turn signal isn't on, and sometimes the turn signal doesn't come on at all on the front (rear is fine). I can feel something loose in the switch, but I also wonder if the wiring to the left front running/signal light itself is suspect. I'll have to mess with it over the winter I guess.

 

[White&Nerdy]

Now this is weird. I replaced the battery, since it seemed weak, and I just happened to have an IDENTICAL brand new battery from my 86 Savage project that ran for 10 minutes before the engine blew.

Anyway, I swapped that into the 'Wing, and during today's riding I didn't have any trouble whatsoever. It may be that I have problems forming in my turn signal switch, but it may also be that my new battery has enough power to overcome them, while the old one did not.



Not sure, but it's working now, so I'm not complaining.

 

[ki4radiocom]