Today's newbie question: hi/lo beam switch and turn signal

[skiri251]

'82 GL1100A

The question:

I noticed that if the left handlebar hi/lo switch is in hi position, the turn signal switch won't click and stay on. It behaves as other bikes I know (clicks and stays on) if hi/lo is in lo. Is this a normal behavior on GWs?

The background:

I just installed an used HID head light bulb. It uses existing H4 connection to turn on/off and switch hi/lo. Hi/lo switching is via solenoid which moves the bulb relative to the globe. The solenoid appears to be tired and won't move by +/-5V supplied by the controller so I added my own hi/lo switch which gives +/-12V. Now I can use stock hi/lo switch to turn on/off the head light, not like always on type deal on bikes made after '79(?). I only conencted stock hi cable to HID controller. This way the head light is off when stock hi/lo switch @ left handlebar control is in lo. (Due to the above discovery (to me), now I connected the other way around, so that lo turns on the head light.)

 

[mcgovern61]

To answer the question, no, GW's do not have this issue normally (that I am aware). I do not have self cancelling turn signals, mine are from an '81. I can put my hi/lo in either position and the turn signal switch works fine.

 

[Emil]

Is this a normal behavior on GWs?

No it is not normal.
82 Aspencade

 

[skiri251]

Oh!
It is not normal.

Okay so it's either broken or modified by PO.
I don't need it now but good to know.

Thanks.

 

[dan filipi]

If you have self cancelling turn signals (I do and love 'em) there is a solenoid in there which holds the signal to the on position.
It works totally independent of the headlight switch so if the self cancel isn't working in either headlight position then maybe power to that solenoid or the self cancel circuit is being cut off somehow. Ground maybe?

 

[skiri251]

How can I tell if I have self canceling turn signals?
Are they standard on Aspencades?
Mine got somethins altered by PO. No radio, speakers.

I did notice there was a angle sensor at the bottom of steering head. The self canceling apears not working.

If the hi/lo is in hi, I need to hold the turn signal switch in order for the lights to keep blinking. If the hi/lo is in lo, it clicks and stays there so I don't have to hold it but I need to move it back to the center to stop the blinking.

What did the PO do? Really strange.

 

[dan filipi]

It sounds like you do have the self cancel.

The problem is a tough one.

I would first look for any wire connections or mods that look out of the ordinary and make sure all the parts are there and plugged in.
There are 4 parts to the system.

1. Turn signal control switch with the solenoid actuator.
2. Lean indicator.
3. Control module
4. Speedo sensor.

The wiring diagram would help to locate these parts. There's a color diagram in the gallery.