2-wire aftermarket turn signals

[nilsthenomad]

First off forgive me for beating a dead horse. There's a lot of discussion on this forum about aftermarket turn signals, but I couldn't seem to find the info I'm looking for. I'm also really a novice when it comes to electrical.

I just purchased some aftermarket 2-wire turn signals to replace my stock ones. By purchasing these I knew I would be eliminating my running lights because they only have two wires. I'm ok with that. So, I hooked them up and flipped my signal switch but all I got was steady light, no flashing. Is this a grounding issue or do I need to purchase some sort of new flasher? Any advice or explanation would be great.

[shultz_1978]

I maybe Stupid, But did you try switching the wire around. 1) ground 1) running and 1) turn . Right.

Check to see that you do not have the running wires hooked up.

[nilsthenomad]

I have the two wires connected correctly as far as I know. I've tried every combination. The light doesn't turn on unless I flip the blinker switch to the correct signal so it's not hooked up for running lights. It's just not flashing, only staying on constant when I toggle the signal switch.  

[TOOLS1]

Your new lights may not be drawing enough current to trip the blinker switch. Are the new lights LED?
TOOLS

[nilsthenomad]

They're not LED's, they are bulbs. They are much smaller than the stock ones though and probably smaller bulbs (bullet size). Not positive on the specifics. These are them: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0057PX86Q/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[nilsthenomad]

yeah, just popped one open, they are 10W 12V bulbs

[shultz_1978]

Tools is probably right. Try unplugging your flacher and plugging it back in. ( With the turn signal on) Maybe just maybe your flasher is stuck.

[nilsthenomad]

i pulled out the flasher twice with no result. Could upgrading the flasher form stock to and electric one fix the problem? Any ideas?

[kandrtech]

You most likely need a new flasher.

The flasher is a electro-mechanical device that depends on the current draw to produce heat inside the flasher - I've seen them called "thermal flashers".  There are newer flashers that work differently - I've seen these called "electronic flashers".

Your new bulbs don't draw enough current for your old thermal flasher.  Time to upgrade.  Fortunately, they are cheap.  Just make sure you get the right kind (two prong or three prong).

[nilsthenomad]

Killer, that sounds good. Can you recommend an electric flasher model type? 550? 552?

[kandrtech]

What brand are you considering?  550 and 552 - based on a quick search are Bussman thermal flashers.  Just a quick look at Advance Auto revealed a Wells brand for about $12.

For me - when it comes to flashers, I've never been brand specific - the generic parts store electronic flasher has just always worked.

[shultz_1978]

Looks like you got this one. Post your finding with the new flasher.

[nilsthenomad]

Ok cool, thanks for all the help! I'll hit up the autozone tomorrow and let you guys know what works.

[shinyribs]

Im late to the game,but a 10 watt bulb should be plenty to activate the flasher relay. Thats what I have on my bike.

[barelycompetent]

I too am curious about this as well as I switched to smaller bullet signals as well, bulbs, and Im having the same problem.  Definitely let me know what you come up with!

[LukeM]

I recall, when the turn signal is active, the front running light gets tied to the turn signal, and both the turn and running light elements flash.  This doubles the brightness and electrical load.  I agree: there may not be enough load on the front bulb to load the flasher properly.  The flasher was designed with a certain load in mind.

Are you running rear turn signals also?  If it's not all there, it may not work properly. I'm running stock signals up front and little 10W bullet lights for the rear signals.  Mine work fine.

I'm sure you'll figure it out, and the LED type flasher unit may be your best bet.  Good luck, and let us know what works. Then you can be the subject matter expert (SME) for the next guy.

Luke M

[nilsthenomad]

After a quick trip to Autozone and a new electric flasher, my problem is solved. I'm sure now that by eliminating my running lights, the new signals weren't (as most of you pointed out) drawing enough power. $13 later with the new flasher in, they are clicking just fine. Thanks for your help everyone.

Here's a pic of the packaging for the new flasher for your reference:

[barelycompetent]

Sweet!  Glad you got it figured out and working, looks like Im headed to autozone as well!  Thanks for the pick, and the info now I can get my signals going as well!

[barelycompetent]

Whelp I just got back from autozone myself and bam my lights are working properly as well!  Thanks to the OP for the info, Im getting so close to my project being done, and the weather is supposed to be in the 60's this weekend!!!

[shultz_1978]

Nice congrat on the lights. Hope the Weather holda out for you.