Turn signal issue???

[Magnum Force]

My wife's 2009 RS SE5 left turn signal front and back quit working. Initially I thought it was just the rear one and after a long search for a new bulb (takes a special small one with offset pins) I replaced it only to find it still doesn't work. Then I noticed the left front also didn't work so I checked that bulb. Bulb is good. Any ideas what would allow the right side front and back to function ok but the left side both front and back to quit. Any and all help would be appreciated. Turn signal fuse is good but that would affect both sides I am pretty sure.

 

[billybovine]

The signals are run by the gage cluster. Both front and rear, on the same side are hard wire together, with a splice in the harness from one common output on the cluster. According to the wiring diagram it is output 4. The only connectors are the main connector on the the cluster and one on each pigtail for each of the 2 bulbs. The right and left share the same ground points so I assume the grounds are ok since the rights work.

I would pull out the cluster and disconnect the harness and look for a problem there, because it is the only common connector for the 2 bulbs. You could use a ohm meter there and check the continuity from there if you can find out which terminal is output 4.

 

[Chupaca]

Don't know..!!

assuming the signature is the unit in question, what wiring mods were made with those rear bags if any. I would check there first. Make sure no wiring has been damaged cut or rubbing somewhere. Are there any LED lights involved..?? Do all work with the four way (emergency) flasher on..?? This will help to see if it is the cluster (instrument panel)...:thumbup:

 

[MikeinGA]

Check the wire connections. Remove the splash pan panel above the rear wheel and you can trace the wires coming from the turn signal. I read where mice had ate part of the wiring or the wire broke from vibration.


Mike

 

[Magnum Force]

Actually have to remove the bag just to replace rear bulb. No, neither front or back signal lights work with the 4-way flashers either. I will look for wire issues but not sure I want to start pulling instrument cluster yet anyway. Sounds like that could be quite a job.

 

[Magnum Force]

This may also be a result from me having dealership install a set of Can am fog lights this spring. She hasn't put a lot of miles on it since and not absolutely sure the turn signals have worked since. Every since her accident she insists on following me instead of leading so I don't get to see her signals.

 

[billybovine]

Actually have to remove the bag just to replace rear bulb. No, neither front or back signal lights work with the 4-way flashers either. I will look for wire issues but not sure I want to start pulling instrument cluster yet anyway. Sounds like that could be quite a job.

Pull the cluster. It takes less than 15 minutes the first time. 5 minutes after that. Take the windshield off. There are 2 holes for a small screwdriver to release the locking tabs. Tip the top of the cluster out and remove.

 

[Magnum Force]

I removed wind screen and instrument cluster. Like you said very simple. Checked connection to instruments, and two small connecters that go to each front turn signal. All seem to be tight and not corroded or damaged in any way. I will pull rear tire pan next to check wire and connections to rear turn signal. Oh, i didn't mention before that when the rt side turn or 4-way is on they flash really fast. Still nothing on left side front or back.

 

[billybovine]

I removed wind screen and instrument cluster. Like you said very simple. Checked connection to instruments, and two small connecters that go to each front turn signal. All seem to be tight and not corroded or damaged in any way. I will pull rear tire pan next to check wire and connections to rear turn signal. Oh, i didn't mention before that when the rt side turn or 4-way is on they flash really fast. Still nothing on left side front or back.

The rights flashing fast in hazard mode is to be expected. That is a warning that something is wrong. Too much or too little current being drawn. But you already know that. That should go back to normal when you fix the lights.
Do you have access to an Ohm meter? It would be good to know if you are looking for a short or a break. A short in that part of the wiring will not blow a fuse.

 

[Magnum Force]

Yes, I do have a volt ohm meter and know how to check voltage and continuity.

 

[Magnum Force]

How would I go about testing this for short or break?

 

[billybovine]

What I would do is disconnect the harness at the cluster and the pigtails at the front, rear turn signals. Set the meter to Ohms and probe one of the turn signal connectors, harness side. It should be an open circuit, if not there is a short in the harness. Take out the bulbs on both turn signals and test the pigtails. They should be an open circuit as well. To test the continuity. Connect the ohmmeter to the power wire of the the front and rear connectors and there should be continuity. Now here I am guessing, but the 4th pin from the right, on the top row of the cluster connector, should be the left turn circuit. You should have continuity between that pin and the front or rear connector.

I hope that helps.

 

[Magnum Force]

My wife is now a HAPPY Spyder rider once more! After removing instrument cluster and checking connections, wires, and continuity to the front turn signals and finding nothing wrong I put everything back and moved to the dreaded rear of the bike. I say dreaded because to do anything the bags have to be removed and it is even a pain to remove the side panel with the bag mounts in place. Sure enough where the top bag support goes through side panel I had pinched the hot wire to the rear left turn signal. It was a direct short. After repair and carefully putting it all back together everything works again.

Thanks for all of the help on this forum and especially Billybovine.