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Turn signal indicator problem

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by chazmati, Oct 8, 2014.

  1. chazmati

    chazmati Member

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    My Maxim-X had a weird electrical symptom... when I would turn the ignition key to "On" the left turn signal indicator on the dash would light up. It might flicker after a few seconds. The light would go out and start behaving normally if I used the signals, or started the bike.

    Looking at the wiring diagram, that bulb shouldn't be getting any power except through the left hand control switch, so I disassembled/cleaned the turn left hand control switch, checked the cable/wiring, pulled the headlight and examined the wiring in the bucket, etc. The condition persisted. In fact, I completely disconnected the left hand control switch and turned the ignition to ON, and the dash indicator for the left turn signal still came on. Anyone want to guess what I found that was causing this?

    I won't keep you in suspense. It was the front turn signal bulb. I thought "Aha, a filament broken and is bridging the running light power to the signal circuit!" but the filaments looked fine. I'm not sure what the issue was, but swapping the left/right turn signal bulbs moved the issue from the left signal lamp to the right signal lamp. New bulb installed and all is well. I guess it's a bonus that my turn signal switch is crisp and clean.

    Posting this in case anyone is pulling their hair out trying to troubleshoot an issue like this. As onenerdyguy said recently, "If it's something stupid like a bulb, I shall mock myself mercilessly." http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/index.php?threads/headlight-indicators-not-working.47238/
     
    chazmati, Oct 8, 2014
    #1
  2. TIMEtoRIDE

    TIMEtoRIDE Active Member

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    A sketchy ground connection is all it takes to throw the running light ground energy into the turn signal - enough to light the 8W dash lamp.

    You should see what goes on with trailer lights !! The ground is either a little corroded white wire, or the hitch itself.
     
    TIMEtoRIDE, Oct 8, 2014
    #2
  3. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    did you put some grease on the base of the bulb when you put it in?
    sometimes the bulb can vibrate in the socket and ware on the nubs, next thing you know a good bulb doesn't work because the contacts are worn off.
    helps with corrosion too
     
    Polock, Oct 8, 2014
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