Turn Signal Gremlins

[Whiskerfish]

Yea I have had multiple surgeries. The double hernia laid me up the longest. Probably 2 weeks before I could roll off the couch without having to stop to breath due to the pain. Getting in and out of the bed was not remotely possible. I could roll off the couch onto all 4's then crawl my way to my feet. That was 30 odd years ago so repair methods may have changed some since

[leonardhcross]

Although the topic is "turn signal gremlins", I will post this reply as a Public Service Announcement directed at old motorcycle mechanics who may need hernia repair surgery. I am now one week out from left inguinal hernia repair. I am fully active, went bushwacking for trout for six hours yesterday and can even cough and sneeze without wincing. (The procedure was "open" not arthroscopic). To be sure, I am fairly fit and active which must help a ton with response to any abdominal surgery. Mostly what I want to report is that part of my surgery included the taping of a small pouch of "pain killer" to my stomach with a very small catheter that slowly dripped meds onto the repaired tissues. It is exciting to report that this was not an opioid or narcotic but rather some form of local anesthetic like novocaine. Although I was issued a prescription for hydrocodone, I did not need it and did not get it filled. It was a little bit disconcerting. For the first two days, I had to keep reminding myself that I had had surgery. There was no pain. I could "carefully" swing my legs on to and off of the bed. I could "carefully" cough. It was really strange. The drip bag ran out by day three and then I could feel that I had had surgery. On day three, my wife and I biked into town and back. All I have needed is some extra strength Tylenol but I take that most days for backache anyway. The device is called "On-Q" and it is included as part of my doctor's standard operating procedures. BTW, I am still puzzling with my turn signal gremlins and will keep you posted.

[gltriker]

Hello Len.
If the turn signals mystery problem hasn't been solved yet... I wondered if the rear turn signals are both illuminated when the key switch is turned on, (they should not be on) but the rear running light lens is not illuminated (should always be on) at the same time. Or any other deviation from normal operation
Yes?
Check the rear lights' sub-harness wire connections.
2 different circuits plug together wire connections may be mismatched

[Sidecar Bob]

It sure seems like a ground issue to me too.

The "ground" wire you added is next to useless because it connects to parts that are rubber mounted. Try again but this time connect your ground wire to a green wire in the wiring harness and let us know what happens.

Honda knew at least as far back as the '70s that using the chassis as the return current path for electrical circuits was a bad idea, if only because chassis grounds are unreliable. And on top of that any time you ground a circuit to any part of the bike that is ahead of the steering head you shorten the life of your steering head bearings. When the current has to flow back to the electrical system via those bearings it will cause tiny arcs every time the steering is moved even slightly while current is flowing in that circuit, not to mention when you turn it on or off. Those arcs will cause the bearings & races to become pitted so that they no longer roll smoothly.
This is why Honda always includes a green (ground circuit) wire for the current return path.


BTW, later model turn signals came with a proper ground wire that runs through the stem with the wire(s) that power the filament(s).
I can't say for 100% sure about early GoldWings but most Hondas made before the signals had proper ground wires came with Turn Signal Ground Wires, green wires with a large ring lug on one end to fit under the nut that attaches the turn signal stem and a bullet connector on the other end to plug into the wiring harness green wire. If your bike does not have these I recommend adding them.

[leonardhcross]

Thanks Cliff and Bob. I tried Whiskerfish's suggestion and ran a long jumper from the negative battery post to each of the lights while the turn signal switch was activated. I even touched the ground to the flasher. None of that made any difference. Does that conclude that the issue is not a bad ground? I will next ty Cliff's idea and try reconfiguring the wire connections to the rear end under the seat.

[redglbx]

One of the easiest checks it to get a hunk of wire strip both ends and attach one end to the neg battery terminal. Walk around the bike while the signals are active and touch each signal housing. See if that changes anything

What a truly great idea Steve !

[gltriker]

*
Hello Len,
This is a screenshot from your video.
That encircled green wire, is connected to a highly corroded spot-welded spade terminal inside your bike's headlight shell.
*
My bike came to me with a Pacifico fairing installed and the original turn signals removed so I don't know whether that screenshot's encircled connection has any relevance...

Screenshot 2024-09-29 052120 inside Len's headlight shell.jpg

[leonardhcross]

Resolution! Hooray! I am not comfortable reading wiring diagrams. After hours of checking connections, checking grounds, checking the turn signal switch, checking the flasher, checking bulb sockets, I have resolved the problem Thanks to everyone for your input. Here is a short video showing the fix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crvJ_510--I

[jimbonaut]

I've been watching this thread Len and rooting for you...glad you found the fix

[redglbx]

Len, good news

[gltriker]

Perfect

[Fred Camper]

Agree a tricky wiring situation. Been there. Glad you found it, but sorry it took so very much effort.