The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: welshman on June 13, 2017, 02:50:30 PM
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Evening all. I have an electrical problem with the indicators on my 1985 R65 twin-shock. On switching left or right neither front or rear light up and all I've got is a continuous buzzing from the relay which stops on returning to the off/neutral position.I've tried a new relay, no change, also sprayed the connector blocks with electrical degreaser after splitting them. Checked earths on all indicator light connections.All bulbs ok. Grateful for any suggestions gentlemen, thank you. Glyn.
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apply that spray to the handlebar switch and your problems will go away.
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'fraid not. Although I didn't say so it was the first thing I did. Thanks anyway. Glyn.
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'fraid not. Although I didn't say so it was the first thing I did. Thanks anyway. Glyn.
I mis-read what you wrote in any event. i mistakenly assumed that you had replaced the flasher unit (any cheap 3pin flasher will work).
The fault of 'nothing but a loud buzz" is a well known one. In decreasing order of likelihood the cause is nearly always one of the following:-
High resistance in the rear sub-frame connector block or the handlebar connector block.
Loss of earth in one blinker light and high resistance in the other (one high resistance or loss of earth on its own won't do it as if the the remaining light on that side is in OK condition it will usually be enough to allow the flasher to operate
Failure of flasher unit itself
High resistance in the handlebar switch (these two group about equally)
wiring damage (remote unless the bike has been in an accident or the harness butchered -BMW make a pretty good harness).
If you replace the flasher and the fault remains then I would still suspect the handlebar switch. you can test the lights/wiring/flasher unit by breaking the handlebar cable connector and using paperclips to emulate the effect of the handlebar switch.
I'd suggest taking the switch apart as an absolute last resort as it is a PITA to both get apart and put back together. I would buy a cheap can of brake cleaner (or contact cleaner if your budget allows) and spray the sucker out thoroughly, followed by WD-40 or CRC.
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Thanks for replying,Tony. All lights are working fine.Head,side,brake front and rear. Everything is as it should be apart from the complete loss of indicators. I've split and sprayed all the relevant connector blocks and take your point about the rear one as that's played up previously. The current!sorry,switch assembly was bought second-hand 9years ago from M'works and I've also had to change my R60/6 a while back so stripping them isn't a problem, although it will be done in a large transparent bag.Yes,ball-bearing still on garage floor. I'll see what I find when the switch is apart and report back.Probably for more help. Thanks again, Glyn.
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One other question - you didn't by chance, change one or more of the turn signal bulbs with LED replacements, did you?
If not, it could well be still int he handlebar switch, or possibly the terminal connections in the socket that the flash relay plugs into... I'd pull the relay out and clean the snoggers out of the relay block in case there is corrosion in there.
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Thanks for reply but I've had all possible connections apart including replacing the original relay with a new substitute.The bike is completely standard as far as electrical spec.with no mods.
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you can test the lights/wiring/flasher unit by breaking the handlebar cable connector and using paperclips to emulate the effect of the handlebar switch.
That test Tony suggested, would have put you toward the switch or toward the lights. Eliminating half circuitry
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Sorted! Took all the under-tank relays and ignition module off and cleaned surfaces and connectors where possible including the mare's nest underneath the module.Reassembled and tested and got the two front indicators working but not the rear. Stripped the two rears again and found the nearside earth clip on the plastic bulb housing broken.Soldered back together and Eureka! four indicators working exactly as they should. Many thanks to everyone for your support, much appreciated and what our forum is for. Diolch yn fawr as the Welsh say. Glyn Jones.
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Good to hear you didn't have to go into the switch !!!
I'm on my second replacement switch .
I opened up the switches that I removed, but the plastic was crumbling inside .
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Good to hear you didn't have to go into the switch !!!
I'm on my second replacement switch .
I opened up the switches that I removed, but the plastic was crumbling inside .
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I was happy not to go into the switch but have done them on the R65 and the R60/6. Very tricky but at least they are mendable unlike much in our plastic age. Glyn.