Indicator problem

[brf]

Hi,

I've just bought my first GS, a '93 R1100. It came with non working hazard lights and inidcators which flashed at 20 Hz. I changed the flasher unit (at £47!!!!) which fixed both problems except that every so often when I indicate, the bulbs start flashing at the normal rate and then suddenly speed up to a ridiculous rate. If I cancel and then indicate again - they go back to normal rate (approx 2 Hz). All the bulbs are present and correct and its a new flasher unit.

Any ideas whats going on?

The only thing I can think of is maybe my regulator is playing up and the 12v is fluctuating wildly. Is this common on GSs?

Ben

 

[Captain Beaky]

Check that all the bulbs are of the correct wattage.

The fast flashing usually means that a bulb has gone.

If the lamps have been changed for lower wattage, or LED's then you will find this.

 

[MikeO]

Does this happen only when you indicate in one direction? This might help you track it down - I think you probably have a loose bulb or connection. When the connection breaks, your lights start flashing rapidly (your reference to Hz is far too dazzling for me ), when you re-set it, the lights flash normally. Take the lenses off each indicator in turn and ensure that the connections to the fittings are secure, then examine the bulbs and ensure that they fit snugly in the sockets. Check for chafed wires where they go into the stem of the indicators. Have the indicators been moved (to fit panniers etc)?

If it happens in whatever direction you turn, look at the connections to your new flasher unit. Remember that bad earths will have the same effect as bad live connections. Good luck!


Mike

 

[brf]

Given that no-one recognises this I'll assume its a dodgy wire somewhere - I'll check all the bulbs to check they're the right wattage & look over the wiring.

The bike came with BMW black plastic panniers - I've no idea if that means the original indicators were moved?

When the flash rate increases - both bulbs are flashing on whichever side is indicating - it happens on both sides.

What I don't get is the fact it's really intermitant - if a bulb was the wrong wattage or an earth connection was poor - I'd expect more consistent behaviour - but its fairly random and only happens when I'm riding it! Never when I've got my multi-meter out and want it to play up so I can track it down!

Ben

 

[MikeO]

Ben,

I'd agree with you. It's not going to be a wattage problem, or they'd never work right. I think the problem's probably more likely to be in the area of the relay (particularly as you've just replaced one - maybe the last one was knackered by this same fault?) - otherwise it would be more likely to affect just one side. Like I said - good luck

Mike

ps An afterthought - the fuse & relay box is under the seat - is it possible that there's a bad connection which is affected by the weight of you sitting on it?

 

[the civil one]

Somewhat off topic

Would you mind awfully teling me how much you paid for such a machine,thanks,.Maybe if you dont want it to be common knowledge you could P.M. ME thanks




URS CIVILITY HIMSELF
Curious

 

[John Armstrong]

I'd have a look at the connections to the bulbs. If these short each to each other you get the fast flashing. If it's intermittent when riding it might be vibration that makes / breaks the short.

BTW I've had the above scenario that caused me some head scratching when replacing the bulb didn't work!

 

[Squidbrain]

Ben

See my post below from a thread last year. I'd change the relay ASAP.

Mick


Spontaneous Combustion
Luke

I had similar. RH indicators on my '96 1100 decided to stay on despite much pushing of all related switchgear. LH ones joined them shortly afterwards. As I was only a couple of miles from my dealer I decided to ride there and buy (I imagined) a new flasher unit.

Parked up, wandered into the workshop and explained the prob to the mechanic. When we came back out smoke was pouring from under the saddle - eaaaaaaargh!. Got the LH pannier and saddle off in .03 of a second, mechanic reappears with pliers and rips out the molten blob that used to be the indicator relay.

Left the bike there for a new one to be fitted. When I got home Mr Haynes told me that a new type of relay was fitted from '96 (i.e. BMW knew that they were faulty). When I collected the bike the dealer had never heard of it. Thought about claiming my £100 back but decided that it would be a waste of time and effort, even though the dealer (BVM of Stroud) said that they would back me up.

Still, it could have been so much worse, it might have gone on the car deck of the Val de Loire half way to Santander the very next week. Bike Sinks Ferry. Not good for my no claims bonus.

So, owners of early 1100s, you have been warned.

Squidbrain

 

[brf]

Re: Somewhat off topic

Would you mind awfully teling me how much you paid for such a machine,thanks,.Maybe if you dont want it to be common knowledge you could P.M. ME thanks

For £3800 I got a 50000 mile L reg R1100 GS (actually 94, not 93), ABS, BMW panniers, H&B crash bars, FBMWSH, reasonably good condition body work (small tear in seat, scuffed rocker cover on one side and couple of chips in tank, plus slight rust on brake fixings - all of which I've fixed for about £100). Plus, of course, dodgy indicators - which I've still to sort!

It seemed a lot to me, but as they're few and far between I took the plunge. I also bought a set of brand new boxed Ohlins for £400 extra, which I've just fitted.