Indicator (turn signal) problems.

[Ossiary]

Hi everyone, I wonder if you'd be able to help me out. I've had a problem with the left side indicators (turn signals) on my '02 R1150R for the past couple of days and I've got a horrible feeling it's going to be a complex to identify and costly one!
On a long, but slow and traffic filled, commute home from work (35 miles) on Tuesday night after a period of about 10 mins in stop/go traffic the left side indicators came on by themselves...I cancelled and all was well for a few minutes, then it happened again..and I cancelled...OK for a minute or so, same again and again until they wouldn't cancel at all. Since I was on the freeway I couldn't exit for a while and had to ride with my thumb on the cancel button to prevent misleading signals till I got home.

I've had a look through the forum and so far consider the cause to be:
1) Faulty flasher unit in relay box (expensive I think)
2) Broken wire somewhere...probably where overly tight cable ties have been factory fitted?
3) Earth fault? (not sure on this one...)
4) Other unthought of electrical gremlin

This is not a constant fault on start up, but once it happens (after between 5 and 10 minutes) is reoccurring at shorter time intervals until it is constant. I rely on this bike for my daily commute and so have resorted to pulling the left side bulbs to allow me to ride, allbeit with hand signals, till the weekend. Incidentally, when I pulled the bulbs the right side signals worked a couple of times and now nothing too.

I'm a real novice at this type of thing, but willing to give it a go myself. Got a manual and prepared to use it with a bit of guidance from more experienced and wiser heads on the site!

Thanks again,
Colin.

[Sunbeemer]

My first inclination would be to inspect the overly-tightened cable-ties under the steering-head for broken or grounded wires, but since you mentioned it happens after 5-10 mins, suggests instead an electronic component is failing after warming up, which would most likely be in the turn-signal module in the fuse-box under the seat.

If possible, after first inspecting (and releasing, if necessary) those cable ties, I would try to get a loaner turn-signal module to swap out for a test. It is easy to replace if you know how! Best I can remember is there is a quirky multi-wire plug on the bottom of it end with a "U"-shaped release-lever that needs to be swung open to unlatch the multi-wire plug-harness. Maybe someone else has a better recollection of exactly how to do this...

If you find your turn-signal module is faulty, I can recommend a Kisan SignalMinder for a replacement. It does more (including self-cancelling and providing an option for running-lights) and is probably cheaper than an OEM replacement!

[sweatmark]

Most likely the signal control module. If you've got a nearby friend with R1150** bike, you can switch out your module for known working unit and easily test.

As mentioned, upgrade from OE signal module to Kisan SignalMinder is recommended for advanced functions. But find out the cost of OE replacement and compare to the SignalMinder.

Broken wire(s) would result in no power to circuit, and thus no lamp illumination.

For peace of mind, you might want to check the known wire harness rub points when fuel tank is removed: http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18580

The wiring harness check (and addition of cushioning material as preventive maintenance) should be on your Must Do list if bike is ridden as primary transportation.

[Ossiary]

Hi again and thanks for the valuable information. I don't know anyone else with an r1150r so have ordered a used indicator relay to swap out and test...if it turns out not to be that I'll stick it on Ebay and at least I'll know for sure!

Cheers!

[Ossiary]

Hey again...got in the replacement unit, installed it and unfortunately it doesn't fix the problem. Any other ideas much appreciated!!!

Colin.

[towerworker]

The overly tight zip ties on the wiring harness have caused a multitude of problems over the years. Have you checked and removed yours? There are numerous posts here concerning which ones are generally the culprit.

Wayne

[sweatmark]

Colin,

When you refer to left-side turn indicators activating independently:

On a long, but slow and traffic filled, commute home from work (35 miles) on Tuesday night after a period of about 10 mins in stop/go traffic the left side indicators came on by themselves

Do you mean the turn signals start flashing on-off, both front & rear?

Hey again...got in the replacement unit, installed it and unfortunately it doesn't fix the problem.

So, you reinstalled all the bulbs, plugged in the second BMW signal module, and experienced exactly the same symptoms?

Does the emergency switch work, causing both left & right side blinkers to flash?

With the left side bulbs in place, does the left hand turn switch cause the signals to flash?

With all bulbs in place, does the right hand switch work?

Depending on your answers, I think the solution could be straightforward.

[NoRRmad]

From his previous description, an intermittent short in the left-hand signal switch wiring woud explain it all. Look at those headstock wiring ties, and at the wires themselves, which will require stripping the covers and examining them closely. Fix, unfortunately, is a replacement of the left switch assembly (something like $180,) or splicing, soldering and re-covering the wires. (The switch assembly wiring included with the replacement unit extends past the ties and to a plug under the tank.)

[sweatmark]

From his previous description, an intermittent short in the left-hand signal switch wiring woud explain it all.

Agree, or a rare fault within the switch itself.

With only two wires in question, the potential fix is easy.

http://www.beemerboneyard.com/61317659325.html

[Ossiary]

Hi all, once again thanks for your input into this. It turned out that it was the switch unit on the left turn signal switch which was faulty. Disassembled the unit, soldered in a switch from a scrapyard and all works again!

[sjbmw]

Hi all, once again thanks for your input into this. It turned out that it was the switch unit on the left turn signal switch which was faulty. Disassembled the unit, soldered in a switch from a scrapyard and all works again!

Any details on the the parts and process for this fix?