Motorbike indicator problem aggghhh please help

[maxwonga]

1997 BMW f650 Motorcycle

Out of the blue the front right indicator stays on, even when not switched on and its not flashing !!! rear right doesnt light up when switch off but does when switched on but doesnt flash !!!

Only one relay on this model

Both front and rear, right bulbs ok
Tried another handlebar switch no different.
Unplug handlebar switch from loom right front indicator still on
Unplug relay right front still on
Left indicators both work+++


Got me stumped, any genius out there??

 

[maxwonga]

 

[buzzlightyear]

Got me stumped

me too. next,

 

[Rpa07]

Connections and wet connections cause havoc and sometimes are the last thing checked because you split them to check continuity and power route and don’t suspect the connections themselves. Cut and reterminate with new connectors.
It happened to me!

 

[SparkyChick]

If I'm reading it right, it's the negative which is switched. I assume (because a lot of vehicles are) it's a negative ground (i.e. the frame is connected to the negative of the battery terminal).

If those two conditions are true, then it could be a cable that has been damaged and is touching the frame (earthing it - and turning on the lamp). If one is working and the other not, possibly around the point where the sable splits to go to the front and back.

 

[Strima]

I'm with SC on this, check the loom for signs of wear especially around the headstock area, inside the headlight etc.

Luckily all three of my bikes don't legally require indicators o they have been removed and I don't have first world problems such as this...

 

[maxwonga]

Connections and wet connections cause havoc and sometimes are the last thing checked because you split them to check continuity and power route and don’t suspect the connections themselves. Cut and reterminate with new connectors.
It happened to me!

Thank you for the reply, the bike hasn't been out in the rain this summer, so will rule that out.. cheers

 

[maxwonga]

If I'm reading it right, it's the negative which is switched. I assume (because a lot of vehicles are) it's a negative ground (i.e. the frame is connected to the negative of the battery terminal).

If those two conditions are true, then it could be a cable that has been damaged and is touching the frame (earthing it - and turning on the lamp). If one is working and the other not, possibly around the point where the sable splits to go to the front and back.

Thanks for your reply, it certainly is negative earth, will check what u suggest tomorrow, cheers

 

[maxwonga]

I'm with SC on this, check the loom for signs of wear especially around the headstock area, inside the headlight etc.

Luckily all three of my bikes don't legally require indicators o they have been removed and I don't have first world problems such as this...

Thanks for your reply, will check tomorrow, sure I could take indicators off legally, but like using, cheers

 

[diyterry]

View attachment 43806 View attachment 43804 View attachment 43805

Are the heated grips fitted?

 

[maxwonga]

Are the heated grips fitted?

Thanks for reply, no heated grps fitted

cheers

 

[adonis2]

I have seen problems with motorbikes like that in the past, it has always been an earthing problem,
try running a separate earth to various places while it is doing it.

 

[Rpa07]

I have seen problems with motorbikes like that in the past, it has always been an earthing problem,
try running a separate earth to various places while it is doing it.

Make it a 4mm if not mechanically protected! Where’s that smiley face emoji when I need it!

 

[gnuuser]

any conductor near the engine is subject to vibration and possibly insulation wear. heat damages can cause insulation cracks and possible shorts whenever in contact to the frame (had a similar problem with my old lorry, a supply cable to the starter was making intermittent contact to the manifold when the motor was running)
it didn't while motor was off
only way i found it was when the headlamps went out I opened the hood to check the connector and saw some sparking against the manifold. (old retainer clip had broken off)
put in new cable and secured it well away from the manifold