Turn signals not working

[bruce297]

I was out riding this afternoon and my turn signals stopped working. I have no idea what to do. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[red_phil]

check the turn signal relay and nearby wiring, it's the main component that is common to all 4 signal lights.

[Cal Price]

red_phil is right on the button, if you have a multimeter it's pretty simple to do, also check for power at the signals themselves. Recently on my old Yamaha I had all four bulbs blow in rapid succession ( some idiot - me! had put in 6v not 12v bulbs) so eliminate the obvious first.

If the dash indicator flasher is not working it is probably the relay, I don't think these are expensive. If the flasher is working on the dash but nothing happening then it is probably a bulb/wiring issue, relay is most likely.

[bruce297]

so i know this is a stupid question, but i'm new to bikes, i just got my first bike this summer, where do i find the relay on a 2004 gs500f,

Thanks

[red_phil]

It's under the right side rear body panel.
I think it's the middle thing, just in front of the regulator (the one with cooling fins on it)

[bruce297]

thanks i have found the relay, my next question would be is there anyway to check to see if it's bad, and if it's bad, where can i get a new one

[TadMC]

x

[starwalt]

thanks i have found the relay, my next question would be is there anyway to check to see if it's bad, and if it's bad, where can i get a new one

Your local Suz dealer/shop may have one in stock, but not likely. If you are well off the beaten path and have no dealer nearby, online mail order (payment via credit card) is a great way to purchase. Look HERE for various links to the parts dealers.

It is not that expensive an item, but shipping usually tilts the value the wrong way. If you do have a Suz dealer/shop nearby. They may want a little more, but you usually don't have to pay shipping.

I often buy from MRCycles because they are near where I live.

How can you determine if your turn signal relay (TSR) is bad? You have to duplicate the operation conditions of the relay. You can remove the cover of the TSR and inspect it. I have some photos of the insides of a circa 90 relay. CLICK HERE for a section of my webspace with shots of the relay work I've done.
I've found the "pinch" connector used for the resistor and capacitor inside the relay may be a problem. Soldering the connection has fixed several TSRs GSTwin members have sent me for post mortems/analysis.

I should petition for a Master's Degree in GS TSR theory. 

[sledge]

Before we assume its the relay at fault and spend money on a replacement that might not be needed I think its a good idea to check the wiring and switch and looking at my wiring diagram its not too difficult. There are 2 leads going to the relay, blue and orange. Firstly check the orange, it  should have 12v on it with the ignition switched on. Secondly pull the blue connector from the relay, there should be a circuit  between it and earth with the indicator switch in both the left and right hand positions, there should be no circuit in the off position. If these tests prove ok I think it safe to assume the relay is at fault.

[red_phil]

I checked my TSR by plugging in a different one (from an old Austin Mini), the signals flashed again, so I kept the mini one in there.
I believe most older cars used the same 21w indicator bulbs so their Turn Signal Relays ought to work.

[John Bates]

thanks i have found the relay, my next question would be is there anyway to check to see if it's bad, and if it's bad, where can i get a new one

You can test the ckt by unplugging the relay.  Temporarily connect the orange and blue wires together with a short piece of wire (paper clip?).  Don't let the orange wire touch the bike.

Turn on the ignition.

Then turn the left turn signal switch on.  The left turn signal lights and the indicator light should all come on.

Do the same for the right side.

If everything checks out then you know it's the relay that's bad.

[bruce297]

Ok, so hear is an update, It was the relay that was bad. I've replaced it with a new one and everything is working just fine, thanks for all the help guys