Turn signals problem - inconsistent clicking noise

Since a few days I've had this problem with the turn signals. I've checked all the individual bulbs and sockets, which appear to be fine. 
No corrosion and wires seem to be connected fine.

First of all, the turn signal button seems to be a bit stiff. The left signals work most of the time but the right signals aren't as cooperative.
In either direction, moving the button makes the relay make a inconsistent clicking noise for a second. The left signal will work fine after
that, but the right signal only works if I hold the button to the right. When I push the button to the right and release it, the relay will continue
producing the clicking sound, but the signals won't light.

I've read the extensive manual, and it said that it's most likely a bulb problem if one signal works and the other doesn't. Then again all the
lights work and after checking they appear fine. I'm planning on taking the panels off and checking on the relay, but the problem might have
something to do with just the turn signal button as it isn't operating smooth. What do you guys think?

Dutchie wrote:
First of all, the turn signal button seems to be a bit stiff. The left signals work most of the time but the right signals aren't as cooperative?

I think that the switch is trying to tell you something! The switch can get gummed up over time and this has caused similar problems for other people.

If you are lucky you might be able to get away with spraying some switch cleaner (or at a pinch WD-40/GT85 - switch cleaner or IPA is better) through the 'slot' in the switch and moving it left and right a fair few times - this may fix the problem and is certainly the first thing to try.

If that fails you will need to take the switch apart and clean out the inside properly using switch cleaner and (possibly) cotton buds. I suspect that there are springs and stuff in there so you probably want to do this carefully such that you don't loose any bits and can see how to put it back together.

Have a look at the Haynes manual (pages 9.15 an 9.16) - it tell you how to remove the handlebar switches, sadly it doesn't mention how to fix them!

Having the same issue with my right turn signals. It's this horrible road salt for me, gets in everything!

eternally_troubled wrote:
I think that the switch is trying to tell you something!  The switch can get gummed up over time and this has caused similar problems for other people.

If you are lucky you might be able to get away with spraying some switch cleaner (or at a pinch WD-40/GT85 - switch cleaner or IPA is better) through the 'slot' in the switch and moving it left and right a fair few times - this may fix the problem and is certainly the first thing to try.

If that fails you will need to take the switch apart and clean out the inside properly using switch cleaner and (possibly) cotton buds.  I suspect that there are springs and stuff in there so you probably want to do this carefully such that you don't loose any bits and can see how to put it back together.

Have a look at the Haynes manual (pages 9.15 an 9.16) - it tell you how to remove the handlebar switches, sadly it doesn't mention how to fix them!

Thanks a lot eternally_troubled! Will try that  
When it gets more sunny I'll make some pictures of the bike and post in the Water Coolor, I think it has a really unique color.

Vardypeeps wrote:Having the same issue with my right turn signals. It's this horrible road salt for me, gets in everything!

Yeah the salt.. it drives me crazy! Had no problems prior to riding on salty roads.. I'll keep you posted how eternally_troubled's tips work out

I had the same problem due to excessive greasing by previous owners. The grease would harden in cold weather and the switch will not function properly.

Disassembly and cleaning fixed it for me.

As eternally_troubled suggested you have to be careful with the springs and tiny balls inside the switch if you take it apart. Also be careful not to brake any plastic parts (quite easy, and what I did while working on the lights side switch) .Not a cheap mistake as you'll have to get another pair of switchgear for just a small broken bit.

hh_12345 wrote:I had the same problem due to excessive greasing by previous owners. The grease would harden in cold weather and the switch will not function properly.

Disassembly and cleaning fixed it for me.

In addition to this excessive grease has a tendency to attract dirt and fluff which never does any good...

I had a problem last week with the same rapid clicking sound coming from the indicator relay and the indicators not working, then suddenly they would start working properly.

I was about to replace the relay, but then the weather warmed up this week and the problem has gone!

So, it may be a problem with the handlbar switch, but could also be the relay acting up in the very cold weather, or a combination of both.

Jim