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Bulb or relay?

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italianmotor View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote italianmotor Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Bulb or relay?
    Posted: 21 Aug 2017 at 09:32
Is it possible for a relay to 'blow'? Am working on a bike where the indicator lens screws are all rusted in so I can't easily change bulbs until I sort that, but they were working, but now not - how can I tell if it's just a relay that's stopped working, rather than a bulb? They would work even with a bulb down anyway wouldn't they?
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Dave P. View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dave P. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Aug 2017 at 10:44
First check would be for voltage at the supply terminal on the relay.It seems unlikely that the system would cease to function altogether if one bulb had blown.If you have voltage then check between the output terminal and earth.If the relay is ok your multimeter should indicate on/off etc.
If this fails then Iwould suspect the relay/flasher unit.And check the fuse supplying the indicators of course.Oh! and the switch itself.

Edited by Dave P. - 21 Aug 2017 at 13:17
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magwa View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote magwa Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Aug 2017 at 11:42
Not to mention ' a bad earth!' If there is rust everywhere, WD40 works wonders
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jim Mac Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Aug 2017 at 11:52
normally if one bulb goes the relay flashes the rest at a faster speed.  i had a cheapo plastic relay on the T% and when the flashers failed i took the plastic cover off it and the internals were corroded to hell.
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Brian UK View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brian UK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Aug 2017 at 13:59
Go through it methodically. Can you get to the wiring to the bulb? Connect 12v to that and see if it lights. If it doesn't check the earth is good.
If it does, check there is 12v on the feed from the flasher relay.
 
Are all the bulbs not lighting at all? That would suggest either the feed to the flasher relay is dead or the relay itself has gone.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ken-Guzzibear Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Aug 2017 at 19:44
usually the relay on V1000 they used 2 tin relays way better to get a caravan towing they are more robust. relay EVERY time ALL my indicators failed it has always been the relay ...Both on one side was an earth OR the 12/15 way block .......rarely do 2 bulbs fail as has been said one bulb out often makes a faster flasher ...Swap out the flasher relay, Usually behind right hand side panel Old ones were round tin things, utter rubbish
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote italianmotor Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Aug 2017 at 12:38
Thanks for all the tips, I'll get another relay in anyway as there is power to the relay - and yes Brian, I keep forgetting that I could actually connect 12v directly to the indicator wire too so thanks for the hint!


Edited by italianmotor - 22 Aug 2017 at 14:13
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