[VTX Cowgirl]

2005 1300 R/S with 107,000 miles. We replaced the relay, but my turn signals still don't work when the air temp is under 55 degrees or so. Sometimes they will work after I press the switch several times, sometimes not. They work fine when the air temps warm up. I take 3 freeways to work in Phoenix every day and some mornings are in the 40 degree range, so this is not only frustrating but dangerous as well!

 

[chuck_vtx F]

the switches on "X"s have issues with age.
you could disassemble the switch and clean it. I think there is a post on here about doing it.

or you could order a complete switch assembly.

 

[Spoiler]

Switch is dirty would be my guess....

 

[trkrJeff]

ride when it's 60 degrees and above.

 

[VTX Cowgirl]

Thanks, guys. I tried to tell the men in my life it was probably a dirty switch...but what do I know, I am a woman! If someone can tell me how to check the switch, or give me a link to instructions, I would really appreciate any help I can get.

Riding when it's warm is not an option for me, I leave at 6AM to go to work and it's a 50 mile round trip, so I really don't want to have to drive the car...nice thought tho! lol

 

[Charlie D]

All you need to do is open that clam shell housing the switch is in then get out your cotton swabs and nail polish remover then clean all the grit and grime that is packed around it.

Once done I use dielectric grease on the contact area.

 

[Donut]

Common problem - Gummed UP! - dissemble the switch and clean it with WD40 then lubricate with common Vaseline.
Other switches that have this problem are.
Starter switch.
Clutch switch
handle lever brake switch.

Do not replace any of these switches $$ no need to. Just clean them with WD40 and lube them with Vaseline.

Donut/Doug

 

[Gonzo1970]

The Temperature thing intrigues me...

If cleaning the switches doesnt work, replace the flasher relay.

It is a small, round, black cylinder with two wires coming off a harness plug at the other end. It is marked "flasher" on the top of it.

Honda Part # 38301-MBW-D21

But try the switch first.. Honda's are notorious for dirty switches causing all kinds of Weird Problems... (and the flasher relay is $30)

Be sure to let us know how it goes!

-Gonz

 

[VTX Cowgirl]

Thank you for the info. Should have known WD40 would do the trick...either that or duct tape! The relay was already replaced...thanks to a mechanic my hubby uses for his HD...but he is going to refund the labor so all I had to pay for was the relay. This shouldn't be an issue now until I head to MT this summer. Temps will not drop much below 50-60 in the mornings until next winter sometime.

 

[Nam]

I have that problem too,just cleaned it up like mentioned in above posts.Works just fine now.

 

[Donut]

I have cleaned many over the years with WD40 and also got a couple bikes running that were stalled on the side of the road. One time I cleaned one switch and soaked the inside of the switch while working it manually and boy did the black **** poured out of the switch and as of today it is still working fine. Owner was going to replace the switch$$ and now he says no way lol

Donut/Dougatriot:

 

[VTX Cowgirl]

Cleaned the switch with contact cleaner and lubed it with dielectric grease. My mechanic said don't use vasoline. The switch definately moves nice and smooth now. Thanks again for the advice!:choppersm