LED Turn Signal Issues

[drh994]

I recently bought some LED turn signals at Cycle Gear. After installing them, when I use the right turn signal both of the signals turn on in the back. When I hit the left signal, only the left turns on. What is causing that problem and how do I fix it? The other issue at hand is that none of the signals will blink. All four will come on but none of them blink. Why is that? Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[jelloelstone]

with them not flashing... do you have an operating flasher relay?

 

[locOleoN]

sounds like you need a new Flasher relay.... go splurge and buy an elecronic one..

 

[Staffy]

If they worked fine it'll be how you wired them up. Because the signals are switch through the earth circuit, my guess would be your right side earth is running to both and you left is running only to the left. Recheck your connections and see how you go.

 

[Staffy]

Or what Leon said...

 

[Sonreir]

Also, pull the idiot light for the indicators. LEDs often experience crossover through the bulb if you haven't included diodes into your circuit.

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

none of them blink. Why is that?

Sounds like you still have the original thermal type flasher. Those require a certain load in order to activate the flash. One way of doing it is parallel load resistors so that more power is drawn to make the flasher work. I don't much care for this solution, as it deletes one of the reasons for using LED's. (less power draw being that reason.)

You can get an electronic flasher. I think they run about $12. It won't be a direct replacement, as most thermal flashers are two wire. Electronic flashers are usually three wire. The extra wire simply being a connection to ground. There will be a wiring diagram with the flasher.

 

[drh994]

Alright, I made a trip to Pepboys and bought an electronic flasher relay. I hooked it up and now the right flashes like a champ but the left won't do a thing. It doesn't light up or anything. Did I not get a good connection on that left rear blinker or is it something else now?

 

[Sonreir]

Sounds like it might be time to break out the multimeter and start tracing it down.

 

[drh994]

Yeah, I think I will. I was bouncing between working on that last night and open up the carbs a couple of times. I have a leak I'm trying to resolve so that took up more of my time last night. Thanks for all the help guys.

 

[BriMed1983]

+ 1 on the multimeter

 

[crazypj]

Swap the live and ground leads on the one that isn't working.
They are 'directional' with LED

 

[Staffy]

Well, I missed the bit about them not blinking. I should read the post mor thoroughly next time shouldn't I

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

Good call, PJ. LED means light emitting diode, the operative word being "diode." <G>

Yeah, they only work in one polarity.