Intermittent/non working turn signals with good bulbs, fixed

Just wanted to share my fix for what seemed like a simple problem turned slightly more complex...

I noticed that my right turn signals stopped working randomly. I got some good use of my arm signals (most people these days don't know what those are... why don't they still teach that in driver's ed?) I figured a just had a bad bulb, so checked them both, to find out the my rear turn signal was completely corroded inside - housing, wires, bulb etc. So I ordered a new housing from bikebandit for $13 and hooked it up, and still no signals.

Next I popped the headlight bucket and checked the connections in there, they were fine. I checked the wiring on the flashers, and disconnected the auto-cancellation unit (which my trusty manual says that the signals should still function if you unplug that unit, just without the automatic cancellation), but I still only had a working left signal.

I disconnected the wires in the bucket and removed the switch from the handlebars. In taking it apart, it was pretty filthy, but relatively simple inside. There was a little bit of corrosion on a couple of the set screws, which I cleaned up with no improvement. Finally I took the entire switch apart and found my problem - the switch at the 'front' of the assembly which triggers between the left and right signals had a loose wire. There are three wires that connect to this switch - I believe it's a power wire, and one wire to each of the flashers for each side. The center wire is the power wire, and right hand wire is for the left signals, and the left hand wire is for the right signals. I resoldered the wire to the tiny contact in the switch, which was a little difficult since the switch wouldn't come out of the assembly, but that fixed it. I also cleaned everything up inside the switch for good measure.

Hope this helps somebody!
Aaron

 

Actually, you can remove the contact block and switch from the left control assembly. The contact block just clips in. I couldn't get my big fingers down inside the assembly to re-solder mine, so I pulled it out. its much easier that way.

I had three spare left controls, missing various pieces (Horn button, bright/dim switch, etc). None of them worked on the blinkers, because the solder in all of them was bad. Took parts out of all three and made one fully functioning left control. Works great now!

 

Ha! I couldn't get my big fingers inside to pop the switch out! Can you easily pry it up with a small screwdriver? I'd love to take it out and resolder it just so I can get a nice clean solder joint. Thanks for the tip!!

 

i also had the right turn problem. carb sprayed the relay connectors under the tank fixed my problem.

the relay itself. not the self cancelling relay.

 

Re: Intermittent/non working turn signals with good bulbs, f

Yamaha tends to use really cheap switches compared to Honda. At least in bikes from the 1980s. I have the intermittent signal and start switch problem as well. Whenever I go home, I spray a bunch of electrical connection cleaner in all the switches (I think it's called LPS?) This solves the problem for a few weeks. I never had this problem with either of my Hondas, though the ignition switch on my V65 Sabre started to fall apart.