flashers not flashing. Where to start.

I replaced the old flashers with some aftermarket ones, much smaller than stock but the xj550 was listed as one of the bikes they can be used for.
I am wondering if my wiring might have something to do with it or maybe that I have eliminated the indicator lights.
I did a simple replacement, just clipped the old ones off and used tube connectors to splice the new wires onto the old then wrapped the splice with electrical tape.
The flashers turn on but don't flash... just stay on til the signal is cancelled. Happens on both sides.
At first i thought it may be the result of a dead battery but still having the problem with a fully charged battery.
Wondering if it's time for a new relay or if there are other things I should check first before replacing a relay with the possibility of the same result.
Thanks.

 

if they are lower wattage they won't have enough LOAD to trip the flasher, you will either have to switch to an electronic flasher or replace the bulbs with factory wattage

 

scharr is exactly right. i replaced mine last year but had read up on it here in the forums. Flasher unit is under your tank. i took mine out and went to the auto parts store and picked up an electronic one with the same terminal set up and viola signals again. Only thing you lose by going this route is the auto cancel feature on the signals but mine didnt work most of the time anyway.

 

scharr is exactly right. i replaced mine last year but had read up on it here in the forums. Flasher unit is under your tank. i took mine out and went to the auto parts store and picked up an electronic one with the same terminal set up and viola signals again. Only thing you lose by going this route is the auto cancel feature on the signals but mine didnt work most of the time anyway.

 

are there any other mods to go with the electronic flasher or can I just wire it right in as a direct replacement?

 

Take the old one with you and find one thats the same plug type and then replace no other mods necessary

 

why not just swap the bulbs and keep using the stock flasher so you don't lose the self-cancelling feature?

 

I was thinking about doing that but I have such a habit of canceling the flashers myself that I never use the self canceling feature. Also I don't even think it works on mine. I will go with changing the bulbs first. I think stock bulbs are 27 watts. Should I get as close to that as possible or can I go with a lower watt bulb in the same range. What would be enough to trip the relay and what is typically not enough.
Either way, I will make changing the flasher a last resort and start with the bulbs and do the connectivity troubleshooting. The clymer is bad for trouble shooting specific areas so I might be asking a bunch of questions on that if I get to that area.

 

When I installed the aftermarket signals on my '83 they came with either 18W or 23W bulbs and I had the same problem. Swapping one bulb per side back to stock restored the blinking, so I would say while 27W (stock) would be ideal, you might be able to get away with less based on my discovery.

I swapped all mine 'cuz that's how I am.

 

I am the same way. Thanks guys. I ended up swapping all of the bulbs and the flashers are flashing. And a brilliant flash it is. Oh the flashing of the flashers, especially as they flash. Haha. Hey got my tank done. Posting it on my project thread.