jmd_forest
Bldg 1980 XS400 Cafe Bike
I have been having a few problems converting to LED turn signals in that the LEDs would not flash and all 4 LED turn signals would light at the same time. The flash failure is a well known problem cause by the high resistance of the LEDs not drawing enough current to activate the stock flasher. The problem with all 4 LED turn signals lighting at once is due to feedback between the left and right turn signal circuits thru the dash turn signal indicator bulb. My solution was to use the superbrites.com LSF-1 "no draw motorcycle LED flasher" and modify the dash indicator bulb circuit.
Note that much of this post is also in my final post in the "LED Turn Signal Problems" thread but I thought enough people would be interested in a successful LED installation that it deserved its own thread.
I installed the superbrites LFS-1 flasher 12V lead to original flasher brown wire and Load lead to original flasher brown/white wire and all 4 signal LEDs flashed whenever the turn signal switch was activated in either direction; as I expected it would due to feedback thru the dash indicator bulb.
Took a run to Radio Shack and picked up 2 rectifier diodes (100V/3A) for $1.69. In the headlight I unplugged the dash connector and pulled the 2 metal fittings (dark green and dark brown wires ) for the turn signal indicator bulb from the connector attached to the main wiring harness and clipped off the metal fittings with about an inch of wire attached. To the fitting with the dark green wire I soldered the ends of both diodes. To the other end of one diode I soldered the dark green wire just cut from the fitting and going into the main wire harness. Then I cut the fitting off the dark brown wire leaving about an inch of wire on the fitting. Next I soldered the dark brown wire just cut from the fitting and going into the main harness to the other diode.
The fitting with the green wire is reinserted into the connector where it came. I then soldered a black wire to the inch long dark brown wire attached to the other fitting and installed the fitting into the connector from where it was removed. The other end of the black wire is connected to ground.
Reconnect the 2 ends of the dash connector pulled apart earlier and test the turn signals.
Note that all soldered fittings were pre fitted with shrink wrap prior to soldering to cover all splices.
Viola! Each side blinks independently and the dash turn signal indicator bulb is bright and clear.
For an added bonus I disconnected the FS1 flasher and reinstalled the original flasher and then wired in the FS1 flasher in series after the original flasher and now I have auto cancel with no ballast resisters. (wire the 12V lead of the FS1 to the L terminal of the original flasher and then the L terminal of the FS1 to the brown/white wire that was originally attached to the original flasher L terminal.
Note that much of this post is also in my final post in the "LED Turn Signal Problems" thread but I thought enough people would be interested in a successful LED installation that it deserved its own thread.
I installed the superbrites LFS-1 flasher 12V lead to original flasher brown wire and Load lead to original flasher brown/white wire and all 4 signal LEDs flashed whenever the turn signal switch was activated in either direction; as I expected it would due to feedback thru the dash indicator bulb.
Took a run to Radio Shack and picked up 2 rectifier diodes (100V/3A) for $1.69. In the headlight I unplugged the dash connector and pulled the 2 metal fittings (dark green and dark brown wires ) for the turn signal indicator bulb from the connector attached to the main wiring harness and clipped off the metal fittings with about an inch of wire attached. To the fitting with the dark green wire I soldered the ends of both diodes. To the other end of one diode I soldered the dark green wire just cut from the fitting and going into the main wire harness. Then I cut the fitting off the dark brown wire leaving about an inch of wire on the fitting. Next I soldered the dark brown wire just cut from the fitting and going into the main harness to the other diode.
The fitting with the green wire is reinserted into the connector where it came. I then soldered a black wire to the inch long dark brown wire attached to the other fitting and installed the fitting into the connector from where it was removed. The other end of the black wire is connected to ground.
Reconnect the 2 ends of the dash connector pulled apart earlier and test the turn signals.
Note that all soldered fittings were pre fitted with shrink wrap prior to soldering to cover all splices.
Viola! Each side blinks independently and the dash turn signal indicator bulb is bright and clear.
For an added bonus I disconnected the FS1 flasher and reinstalled the original flasher and then wired in the FS1 flasher in series after the original flasher and now I have auto cancel with no ballast resisters. (wire the 12V lead of the FS1 to the L terminal of the original flasher and then the L terminal of the FS1 to the brown/white wire that was originally attached to the original flasher L terminal.