Random Behaviour of indicators/hazard system and

[ambrose78]

I just thought I share my experience with the indicators/hazard system on the BMW R65. It frustrated me. Hopefully saves others some time.

When I first got the bike the indicators would only function if the hazard light switch was pressed in (the on position for the hazard lights). The hazard system didn't work at all. No indicators would work with the hazard switch in the off position. Sometimes the indicators would work at random, even with the switch in hazard mode.

after checking everything turned out to be a...... yep a pesky diode housed in a small back cylinder that looks like this


I opened it up, unsoldered the old diode and soldered the new one in. Main trick is to make sure the direction of the diode is the same and not to use too much solder as the housing is difficult to get back together.

Hazards and indicators now work perfectly.

Next was fixing the nuetral light, which is also a diode. The local BMW dealer was very reluctant to sell me the proper BMW relay so I left in high dungeon and bought a regular automotive relay for $10 and a $3 flat fuse holder with 2 male connectors $3, pack of female 6mm connectors, a small amount of electrical wire and a $3 pack of 6mm female/male piggyback connectors to install an external diode.

This is what I did to mount the external diode

the parts


soldered


finished


Then rewired the relay socket to mimick the wiring diagram on the bmw relay. And presto the Nuetral light now behaves.

The good thing about the flat fuse holder apart from having the perfect slot for the diode is that if it doesn't work one way, just swap the wires for the correct polarity.

[Justin B.]

Cool!  I'm quite sure a 1N4001 (or whatever you used) was considerably cheaper than the dealer's item...

[ambrose78]

I'm quite sure a 1N4001 (or whatever you used) was considerably cheaper than the dealer's item...

Yes 1N4001 is what I used. It is the same diode for both the nuetral and the hazards. Cost about A$1 for a pack of 4. Got 2 spares now for the next time they need replacing in about 25 years or so  .

[Bob_Roller]

I had that diode in the hazard flasher system go bad about a year ago, it failed in the allowing power to flow in either direction mode, the final result was when I turned the key off, the engine continued to run, until I hit the kill switch.

BMW wanted about $12US for the diode, I replaced the diode itself for about $1US for two diodes.

[nhmaf]

Good job, Aussie !

The inventive ability of the typical Australian to get around most obstacles is highly regarded !

[Ed Miller]

Too many diodes on these bikes.  That's the problem.

[ambrose78]

Too many diodes on these bikes.That's the problem.

Totally agree. Until I bought this bike I thought they emmitted light. Apparently they act as a one way valve for electricity and after a period of time they just abruptly wear out!!?

Maybe that's why they only sell packs of many diodes. If one goes - replace every diode on the bike at the same time.

[ambrose78]

I had that diode in the hazard flasher system go bad about a year ago, it failed in the allowing power to flow in either direction mode, the final result was when I turned the key off, the engine continued to run, until I hit the kill switch.

What a mysterious symptom!! Must have been a real PIA to diagnose.

BMW wanted about $12US for the diode, I replaced the diode itself for about $1US for two diodes.

US$12 for a diode! Thats extortion!

At least your dealer was willing to sell you a part, even if it is overpriced. Mine is seemingly too lazy to turn their computer on to look the parts up, even after I gave them the part number from real oem - probably with the hope that less persistant people will just cave in and buy a new bike.

[nhmaf]

Somewhere I have some info for cross-reference/equivalent automotive relays for the  starter relay with the diode and other relays on these bikes - I downloaded a PDF of the the info from the airhead beemers club - I can email it to anyone who wants it.