Why do the turn signals make noise?

This may be too easy for most but I hate electricals and really appreciate any help.
Yesterday I installed a replacement/modern fuse box on my 550RH. While doing an ops check, everything worked EXCEPT when I use the turn signal (left or right) there is a clicking from underneath the gas tank that goes a second or two and then the turn signal works; switch immediately to the other side and it works with no clicking. Turn the signal off and then turn it back on and the symptoms repeat.
They did not make noise before the fuse box swap out.
Digging through the Information Overload Hour, I think it could be the Flasher Relay (?)
So, my questions are; Is this the likely noise maker? Is it something I did or just coincidence? Will not replacing it be certain death to the bike?
Thanks to all!

 

thats where your flasher relay is under the tank. (edit out)
you should open up the directional control on the handle tha bars and see if the 3 wires on the phenolic panel under the switch lever are still soldered to it

is it always the left side or if you do it in reverse order does it still make the sound?
could be you do not have 27 watt bulbs in the sockets or a bad connection in socket ot the base of the bulb is bad

 

XJ,
Thanks for the response. No, it doesn't matter if I start with left turn or right turn, still does the clicking.
I have not changed the bulbs at all this year (or last year, gotta remember it is '17 already).
I will open up the directional controls and check the connections.
Thanks again.

 

Mine does same thing, when you turn on a flasher there is a series of rapid clicks for a second and then signals operate normally. No idea why, just thought it was normal.

 

The rapid clicks are because you either have an undervoltage situaton in the harness, or a relay that requires more current for startup than the circuit can provide.
What is the model number on the relay that you used?

Under normal conditions the relay will click with every flash of the light, in a steady rhythm.

 

Wouldn't that happen every time the light blinks then? Mine does the 1/2 second long rapid clicks when you initially turn the blinker on and then the flasher turns on and they function normally (steady click on/off). I think that is what the OP is experiencing as well.

I always assumed it was normal but sounds like it may not be.

 

The rapid clicking stops once the bi-metal strip warms up. If the voltage reaching the relay is too low the strip will either not bend (no click) or only just bend enough to to make brief contact (rapid clicking), until it warms enough to work normally. It's the temperature change of that strip that controls the solenoid that makes the relay function.

 

Makes sense. So when you turn the signals on, the current through the strip heats up and causes it to bend away opening the circuit, once it cools it bends back and closes the circuit? Cycle repeats and gives us blinkers? Makes sense then why it does it on the initial activation only.

 

k-moe, I understand what you are saying and I can visualize how the warm up of the strip will result in proper operation.
I did not change out the relay, only the fuse box.
So, if it started after I added the new fuse box (battery is very new and trickle charging), then the lack of voltage to the relay has to do with my work adding the wires for the new fuse box?
If that is right, then I guess I need to redo the fuse box connections to the relay. Looking at the paperwork for the fuse box, it appears to be the tan wire. I will start there.

 

I thought the click was for visually impaired riders to know they have the blinkers on.

 

I didn't think the XJ flasher relay had a bi-metal strip. It works using two coils, a capacitor, a resistor, and a set of normally closed contacts.

Try disconnecting the auto cancel assembly to see if it gets rid of the initial rapid clicking. The 12V on power up that appears at the C pin of the flasher relay from the auto cancel assembly might be affecting the internal time constant of the flasher relay.

Does this mean turn the key off and back on or depress the turn signal switch to initiate cancel?

 

You're correct. I had thought the OP used an aftermarket relay, but upon re-reading I'm incorrect.

 

Oh my, if they can't see the turn signal light, I don't think they should be driving lol

 

So back to a solution. Remove the relay, pop the cover off, and clean the contact points with emery cloth. Also remove any rust that you find. I usually use an electrolytic dip, but something like CLR would also do the job.