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Signals/blinkers stop at idle!

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by xulf13, Apr 8, 2009.

  1. xulf13

    xulf13 Member

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    So here is my ordeal. I apply my signals, and they flash just fine, then I get to a stop light and they just stay on without flashing. I rev the engine and raise the iddle a bit and they start to flash again. My idle is set properly a bit high actually 1100 1150 so I don't think it's my idle causing it, but lack of electric power perhaps? maybe my generator ( or is it an alternator?) is not producing enough power? or maybe I might need a new flasher? or maybe this is normal for most riders with XJ's?

    Some one help. 8O
     
  2. sushi_biker

    sushi_biker Member

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    Poor grounds are causing excessive resistance in the circuit. The flasher doesn't get the current it needs at low RPM's to flash.

    Clean up your bulbs, sockets, grounds, and the flasher prongs and it's socket.

    Also, on the Seca 750, ensure you are using stock bulbs only, nothing special or aftermarket. I've seen your bike and it was pristine and unmodified so that shouldn't be the issue.
     
  3. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    I would say poor connection or weak battery but a battery issue would manifest itself in other ways. Charging system isn't really "putting out" below 2K so the system needs battery juice to do its job. One corroded light socket per side would do it...
     
  4. NursePadawan

    NursePadawan Member

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    I had the same problem this past fall. It was a weak battery, popped in a new one and the problem went away.
     
  5. sushi_biker

    sushi_biker Member

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    Because the higher resting voltage of your new battery was able to overcome the additional resistance of the grunge in your electrical system.

    Although...it certainly bears looking into. Xulf, measure your battery voltage at rest. If it's only 12 volts or less, your battery could be tired. It should be closer to 13v.
     
  6. xulf13

    xulf13 Member

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    I checked my battery today, and it puts out 12.7 volts. it's sorta high, but I constantly have to hook up the slow charger tot the battery to get it started after a few days of rest. it will crank other wise, but not start.
    After I hook up the charger then it reads 13.50 or so and then it fires on the third try at the most. My bulbs are new (aftermarket) but stock voltage, and this problem is not caused by those bulbs because the problem was there even with the old assembly.
    I did not use butt connectors when I spliced the wiring. I soldered and used heat shrink tubing on all my wires and all the connections are solid. I haven't checked the flasher yet though. I changed the oil this afternoon and did not think to check on it. I am leaning more towards a poor battery. I thought 12.7 was good. but my bike tends to like 13 or more volts I guess.
    I will check the voltage output while the engine is running and see where that is.
     
  7. Gamuru

    Gamuru Guest

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    I vote weak battery.
     
  8. TheHound

    TheHound Active Member

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    With motor turning at more then 3000 rpm you should get 14.5v across the battery.
    If not you are looking at a charging issue.
     
  9. MidniteMax

    MidniteMax Member

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    My Maxim had the exact same problem, but only with the left front turn signal. Turned out that the stem wasn't tight enough. Hence, poor grounding. Tightened the stem bolt. Problem solved.
     
  10. wamaxim

    wamaxim Active Member

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    Put me down for battery as the cause. Sits for a bit and the bike won't fire? Battery or current leak. You want it to be the battery.
     
  11. Ace_Frehley

    Ace_Frehley Member

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    12.7 is about normal for a battery, but like the guys above said if you need to charge it after a few days then the battery is most likely shot. Remember, just because the battery shows 12V doesn't mean its a good battery. You need amperage too. Get the battery load tested, that will tell you the real story
     
  12. xulf13

    xulf13 Member

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    Thanks guys. I will get the battery checked. The blinker issue happens with either turn signal ( I think) I'm hardly ever stuck on a right hand turn for long to let the bike sit at idle.
     
  13. sushi_biker

    sushi_biker Member

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    It is starting to sound like the battery now.
     
  14. xulf13

    xulf13 Member

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    Well I took the bike to advance and they hooked it up to their fancy machine. volts and amperage checked out OK. But... There is always a but isn't there? LOL. I have a continuous drain of .08 to .15 amps. The guy told me the on a car battery it is acceptable to have drainage up to .1 he said up to .1 is acceptable. but on a small battery like mine it should be less. Regardless, my battery is being drained by a poor ground or something ( I still need to check things out) I am considering on getting a battery disconnect switch if I don't find the cause for the voltage drainage.

    Thanks again guys.
     
  15. xjyamaha

    xjyamaha Member

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    I'm currently having this same problem. New battery about a month and the flashers have worked in the past. My bike has 31,000 miles, could it be the original fuse panel causing the problem? I've been considering going out and picking up a blade fuse panel.
     

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