turn signal wiring

I replaced the tach and speedo on my xj650 Seca with a mini speedo.
It has the LED indicators for the high beam, oil, neutral, and one amber light for the turn signals.
The problem is that there were originally 2 indicator lights, so the wiring is a hot and ground for left and right blinkers. Of course, wiring them altogether gets 4 way flashers.
I was told I need some diodes wired in there for the LEDs, but am unfamiliar with this.
Anyone got an answer for this?
Thanks a plenty.
(the speedo works and looks great, btw, but need to clean up the wiring)

 

Diodes are basically one way valves for electricity. You need 2 diodes. Put a diode in each of the wires going from the turn signal to the indicator led. The diode has a symbol that indicates the direction of continuity. Can't show you a picture. At work - no scanner. The symbol is an arrow with a line across the point. The flow is in the direction of the arrow and flow is blocked in the reverse condition. Flow is positive to negative. The positive end is the anode and the other is the cathode (negative). The diode will actually have a line at one end of the case. That line is the same as the blocked end or the negative. Wire the diodes so that current flows from the signal to the led on both sides. Anode to the signal and cathode to the led.

If you are soldering the diodes in place (recommended) be careful not to get too much heat into the diode. They don't like that. Clamp something onto the lead between the solder joint and the case to absorb heat and protect the diode.

 

Thank you for the info JFStewart! and the excellent explanation of how these things work. I am pretty much NOT up to date on these things. While I am not into the LED thing, that is what came with the speedo. The white backlight is REALLY white and the blue highbeam indicator is so bright it literally cannot be used at night because it is well, to bright and blinds me.
I think I will be putting a window tint on the thing! haha!
Thanks again for the help and info.