84 XJ650 signal confusions

Hey gang! Working a bit on this buddy's bike to get it certified road worthy and I'm not familiar with these turn signals. My other bikes are traditional left/right push to turn off. When I push the turn signal switch left or right I need to hold it in order for the signal to blink. As soon as I let go the switch returns to center and the signal turns off. Is this the operation of the self cancelling? We cannot ride the bike as it's not legal yet. Do I need to be mobile for it to function? I've looked inside the switch housing and everything looks good. At least to me. Need a little 101 here! Thanks in advance.

 

That would be a good try. You can just unplug the self cancelling assembly and the turn signals should still function with the exception of no longer having the self cancelling feature.

Normally, the self cancelling unit provides a signal to disable the flasher relay at power up or after counting a predetermined number of pulses from the reed switch in the speedometer. When you push the turn signal switch left or right, the momentary contacts in the switch preset the self cancelling assembly, which then enables the flasher relay.

 

Thanks. I took it for a spin around the block and when I push the signal switch to the left it returns to it's original position in the middle and the signal does not stay on. I looked inside the housing and I see when the lever is engaged, it touches an arm making contact and engaging the signal light. Again when I release it, contact is broken and the signal light turns off. I don't understand the concept of this one......

 

This is the correct operation.

This too is correct.

This isn't correct.


It may be that self-canceller is bad (and like Rooster noted, it can be disconnected from the system and the signals should still operate), or, the flasher relay has an issue with it. Does the bike still have the stock flasher unit (rectangular black plastic "box")? Is the self-canceller still hooked up?

 

Thanks so much for the heads up! I can't get at the bike until Sunday but I will disconnect the self-canceller first and see if that does the trick. The signals do flash when I hold the switch so I assume the flasher is functional. Are these items what I see under the tank? I have yet to pull the tank off. Have a great weekend!

 

Yes, both should be under the tank. Disconnect the Auto Cancel Assembly only and see if it restores the turn signals.

 

Thanks for those pics Rooster! Will do!

 

BINGO! I was able to raise the back of the gas tank and remove the assembly to drape the connection so I could see it. A flat screwdriver pops it off. Signals work as expected. Told my buddy to just go that route. Read too many finicky things about these and besides, I don't have them on my other 2 bikes. I've always said, these types of forums and contributors like you all gives one the confidence and drive to get the job done. Thanks and have a fantastic weekend! I know I am.

 

The auto canceler is only finicky when it is broken, or when you need to use a non-OEM flasher relay. Personally I like having them, but riding without is no bg deal either.
I suggest that you either de-pin the female connector from the self-canceler, or clip the wires short (since the unit is faulty), fill the backside with clear RTV(not enough to keep the connector from being able to fit the male connector) and let it cure. Then fill the front with dielectric grease and plug it back into the harness to protect the harness from moisture intrusion.

 

Thanks k-moe great suggestion!