auto cancel ?

I have been reading a couple of posts about LEDs, most talk about auto cancel turn signals. My '81 xj650 doesn't seem to have that quility, is something amiss or did it just not come with that option? If it is supposed to have that option, where should I start to look to correct the problem?

 

81's most definately do have the auto cancel function.
It cancels the turn signal after approx 300 meters. There's two main pieces that effect how it works - the pulser to count distance (it's a reed switch in the speedo), and a special flasher unit. If either of these are broken, or if the flasher had been replaced with a normal unit - the auto-cancel won't work.
Also - if your bulbs have been replaced with low current draw ones (hence the LED discussions) then the stock special flasher won't work at all. Or if it does, it most likely won't trip the auto-canceller.
So there ya go - a quick primer on auto-cancelling signals.

 

You might be able to tell if the necessary relay is still in place. Look under the fuel tank (yours was an H model if I remember right) and along/between the upper main brace and the aux. brace, you should see what looks like a black relay a little less than 3 inches long by a little more than 1 inch square with three blades sticking out of it (plug pins). If this has been replaced with the more common two blade flasher, you are S.O.L. for the self canceling dohicky. If it is still there, you might be able to clean it up, clean the contacts and reinstall the sucker. I've had both units on both of my 81's fail and I just replaced them with the cheap auto store relay, which, if you think about it, is just fine because you'll still have self canceling turnsignals, you cancel 'em yourself! If you are already in the habit (and a good one at that) of turning them off yourself, no big deal. I hear it is a little more than $60 to replace that luxury. No thanks for me, I'm fine. But they are nice. As for the 300 meters, I recall somewhere reading about a 6 second delay from acceleration before cancelation. I'll try to find the source (I read it years ago somewhere). Good luck and if you can, post pictures so we can collectively tell you what you have!

 

Robert;
Here are the #'s straight out of the xjcd.
The turn signal will shut itself off after 10 seconds or 150 meters(490 feet) whichever comes first.

 

Thanks everyone, I'll start looking for the little black box.