major indicator problem....

[xivlia]

okay, so ive had this issue EVER since i bought my bike, and still not managed to fix it... my indicators dont work sometimes. and works sometimes.... for example, i switch on right indicator..it wont work... but when i press the front or rear brake... the indicator works... and when i let go of the brake.. the indicator switches off....even tho the indicator switch is still turned on to right... this ONLY happens with the right indicators.... and wen i use the left indicator... it wont start at all.. even when i press the brakes.... the left indicator only works after 20 seconds of pushing the left indicator button.... now, i have checked all my indicator wires etc, and they all seem fine and properly fitted on etc.. no corrosion in the contacts points either.... i have no idea what else to check... this is causing major problems for me during roundabouts... i hate using my arms as a signal... it looks stupid.. can someone please help me? oh and IF and WHEN they work.. they just shut off automatically after a few seconds....

[magg]

Do the stop lights function correctly?

[xivlia]

yeah, the stop lights working perfectly fine. why did you ask? would that cause indicator problems?

[magg]

Even allowing for a earth fault, I cannot see a plausible connection between the brake light switches and you indicator problem.

Do you have a multimeter?

[xivlia]

hmm yeah, i dont understand either, and yes i do have a multimeter, what shall i test with it ?

[magg]

I notice from your other thread that you appear to be having ignition trouble too. Might be that you have a significant earth problem that is affecting various parts of the electrical system including the turn indicators.

Set your multimeter to the lowest ohms range. At one of the front turn indicators disconnect the bullet plugs that lead to the indicator (2). Place one lead of the multimeter on a clean metal contact on the chassis and with the other multimeter lead probe one at a time each of the two connectors leading back into the wiring loom. One of the connectors should show a reading of no more than 1-2 ohms, the other connector should have a resistance to the chassis approaching infinity. I suggest the front indicators as they are easily accessible.

If you cannot find a connector with 1-2 ohm resistance to the chassis try the other indicator connection, just to be sure. If still no success then you have an earthing issue. You will need to locate and check the wiring loom to chassis earth connection/s.

It is possible also that the green colour earth wire that runs throughout the loom to various electrical parts may be faulty at some point.

As you may be having earth related ignition problems might be worthwhile to check for continuity to chassis of the green wire at the ignition unit connector. Again you should see only 1-2 ohms resistance between the green wire connection and chassis.

Another test to try if the resistance reading look suspicious is to set the multimeter to 2 volt dc range, connect the +ve (red) probe to any green wire connector in the loom and connect the -ve (black) probe to the chassis. Press the starter button. While the engine is cranking the voltmeter should read no more than 1-2 volts. Large voltage readings would confirm an earthing problem.

As confusion, please ask and I will try clarifying.

[thunderace]

Simple answer - take the indicators off. You don't have to have them for an MOT.

Might make night riding a little scary but therein lies a challenge

[xivlia]

thanks magg, i will try those steps when i have some free time. and thunderace ive passed my MOT on it anyway, i just dont like using the bike with faulty indicators..

[Neosophist]

It's probably a dirty indicator switch contacts.

When your indicators arn't working.. if you move the switch about do they work then?

Take the switch apart and clean it with contact cleaner

[xivlia]

i have cleaned it, many many times before. ive tried pretty much everything.. i just dont see how my brake light can affect the indicators.. its defiantly something else than the switch. because this is what happens.... indicator switch on... no signal... press the brake... the indicator lights up.. let go off the brake... the indicator stops.. and so forth. does that sound like a switch issue? :\