Rapidly flashing indicators

[Fast Eddie]

Can anyone shed some light on this?

I've replaced the front indicators on my S4 after an accident and the indicators now flash rapidly as they would if a bulb was out (but one isn't).

None of the indicators are LED, but I was wondering if maybe they are different voltages and maybe that's throwing a spanner in the works?

Has anyone had similar?

I'm guessing if i stick a new front on the rear wiring (ie on the same side as the one i left on the front) i should be able to test my theory or can anyone see a flaw there?

Thanks,

Ed

[NearOn]

If they had of been LED on the front I would of said change the relay for an aftermarket one that can cope with the differences, but as you said they arent, guess it could still be different voltages. The relays only cost around 5-6 quid, worth giving it a go, if anything least you know if ever do want LED's, they will work.

[Guest Hodgy]

It could be the new indies have lower wattage bulbs in, I think most oe ones have 21 watt bulbs, but some of the smaller aftermarket ones use 10 watt bulbs, worth a check

[Fast Eddie]

It could be the new indies have lower wattage bulbs in, I think most oe ones have 21 watt bulbs, but some of the smaller aftermarket ones use 10 watt bulbs, worth a check

This could be it. I didn't know what the originals are but i think the new ones are 12v.

Thanks.

[eastanglianbiker]

they will all be 12v but the wattage could be different you need to open up indicator front and rear to see if wattage on bulb is the same i.e 21w or 10w on both bulbs

[Fast Eddie]

Sorry, misread in a rush just before finishing lunch.

Still need to check.

[Fast Eddie]

So, I think the issueat have been loose connections, the previous owner did a bodge job on the front indicators to get round triumphs odd connections (bullets with odd casings). I only touched the standard ones nearest the indicators when replacing.

My unplugging and checking and rearranging.seems to have cured the problem and hopefully it won't be back!

[Guest Hodgy]

Excellent, glad you got it sorted

[Fast Eddie]

Excellent, glad you got it sorted

Cheers, Problem is i don't like the 'sorted by plugging/unplugging' I 'fixed' Gayles gsxr starting problem the same way, but it always leaves you wondering what the heck it was and will it come back. Would kind of have preferred to find out it was a difference in wattage and get a definite answer!

[Guest Hodgy]

Excellent, glad you got it sorted

Cheers, Problem is i don't like the 'sorted by plugging/unplugging' I 'fixed' Gayles gsxr starting problem the same way, but it always leaves you wondering what the heck it was and will it come back. Would kind of have preferred to find out it was a difference in wattage and get a definite answer!

 

Yep I know exactly what you mean, it's always in the back of your mind will it happen again, at least when you find something wrong and replace it, you know it's sorted

[Fast Eddie]

RIGHT!

turns out this problem isn't fixed:

lights flash properly (i.e. slowly) when engine is off, but rapidly when engine is running.

Anyone have any ideas?

[eastanglianbiker]

Check charging rate it could be over charging battery

[Fast Eddie]

Check charging rate it could be over charging battery

thanks, out of interest how the hell would that work? i can understand different bulbs (i.e. led) affecting the flashing, but not the battery charging rate.

also if i understand correctly, a bike doesn't charge until about 5k revs (i may have been misled on this)? this is happening even at idle.

[mattycoops43]

It might not be running at full efficiency at tickover, but basically a generator/alternator charges as long as the engine is turning. In fact, too fast can stop it charging at optimum rate.

Higher voltage can mess with flasher units, making them turn on and off faster

[Tango]

Yeah.....you need to check the voltage at the battery Ed. The Regulator/Rectifiers on a lot of bikes can give up and you can end up with a much higher voltage going to the battery.....which if not sorted can cook the battery and take out the stator also. So well worth checking first IMHO.

[Fast Eddie]

cheers guys, the reg/rec is about 18 months old iirc as it was replaced just after i got the bike. hopefully it's not gone again.

[pointblank0]

cheers guys, the reg/rec is about 18 months old iirc as it was replaced just after i got the bike. hopefully it's not gone again.

 

I would assume that the reg/ rec is fine after such a short life. Sounds like an alternator problem to be rather than a battery problem (but I may be wrong).

Are you sure the reg.rec is the right one? seems to be putting out a few more volts than required.

[Tango]

If the Reg/Rec is dead maybe check these out Ed as they seem to be a bit more robust than the originals:

http://www.electrexworld.co.uk/cgi-bin/ ... 155#aRR155

Hope it isn't this.....but just in case...

[Fast Eddie]

So i went out and checked the indicators/battery today. Interesting findings:

Volts - State - Indicators

12.4 - Bike off - Off

11.8 - Electrics on - Indicators on Flashing normally

13.1/2 - Bike running @ idle/choke - Off & On. Flashing quickly

12.9 - @5.5k revs - Off & On. Flashing normally

The most interesting thing i have learnt in this exercise is that the indicator flashing slows down as revs go up (and volts appear to go down). I'm not sure what this means.

[Guest Hodgy]

So i went out and checked the indicators/battery today. Interesting findings:

Volts - State - Indicators

12.4 - Bike off - Off

11.8 - Electrics on - Indicators on Flashing normally

13.1/2 - Bike running @ idle/choke - Off & On. Flashing quickly

12.9 - @5.5k revs - Off & On. Flashing normally

The most interesting thing i have learnt in this exercise is that the indicator flashing slows down as revs go up (and volts appear to go down). I'm not sure what this means.

 

It could just be a faulty flassher relay, have you got access to a known good one that you could swap with to check?

[Fast Eddie]

It could just be a faulty flassher relay, have you got access to a known good one that you could swap with to check?

 

Sadly not. Other than picking up one from triumph on the off chance that it's correct.

[rushwind]

may i just say, ifthere is nofault with other instruments,,,,,,,revcounter etc,,,,,,,its NOT the reg/rec.,

most likely a dodgy relay or earth, or other simple cause

[Fast Eddie]

Hmmm. maybe it is the flasher relay. I haven't noticed any other issues with the bike.

Reading another thread on a different forum it says voltage at all rpm should be above 13 where as mine is less than that at 5.5k (didn't look any higher up). would this indicate a dodgy charging system or is the other poster being too exacting?

Going to have to see if i can pick up something to check.

Thanks,

Ed

[eastanglianbiker]

you should see the voltage go up to at least 13 volts or slightly more at 5.5k,do another test turning headlight on see if it drops or increases as well

[Fast Eddie]

cheers, headlights always on as its a newish bike (06) i guess main beam would have the same effect?