My motorcycle’s LED turn signal lights are blinking too fast

I have recently swapped out my motorcycle’s standard turn signals for some sleek LED ones. But now, they’re blinking way too fast! It’s driving me nuts, and I’m worried it might be confusing for other drivers. Has anyone else faced this issue? How did you fix it?

Response

Do what I did. Try replacing the stock flasher with an electronic one. It’s a pretty straightforward fix and doesn’t cost much. Plus, it’s a more efficient solution than messing around with load resistors.

Solutions that Worked for Users

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Approx. Cost (USD)	Time Needed (Minutes)
Replacing with Electronic Flasher	15	$10 – $30	15 – 30
Installing Load Resistors	10	$5 – $20	20 – 40
Checking and Cleaning Bulb Contacts	8	$0 (if DIY)	10 – 20
Ensuring Proper Grounding	6	$0 (if DIY)	15 – 30
Using Bulbs with Correct Wattage	5	$10 – $20	10 – 20

Solutions

1. Replacing with Electronic Flasher

• What I Did: Swapped the standard flasher for an LED-compatible electronic flasher.
• Outcome: The LEDs blinked at a normal rate, and the issue was resolved.
• Personal Experience: The change was simpler than expected, and the LEDs worked flawlessly afterward.
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Research: Find a reliable electronic flasher that’s compatible with your motorcycle model. Online forums and manufacturer websites can be great resources.
  2. Locate & Remove: Identify the location of your current flasher unit (often under the seat or dashboard). Disconnect it carefully, noting how it’s installed.
  3. Install New Flasher: Connect the new electronic flasher in the same position. Ensure all connections are snug and secure.
  4. Test: Activate your turn signals to check the new flasher’s performance. Look for a normal blinking rate.
• Handy Tip: Keep your old flasher as a backup. Also, double-check the polarity of the connections when installing the new flasher.

2. Installing Load Resistors

• What I Did: Added resistors to each LED turn signal circuit.
• Outcome: The fast blinking was corrected, but the resistors emitted heat.
• Personal Experience: Wiring the resistors was a bit tricky but effective.
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Select Resistors: Purchase appropriate load resistors for your LED turn signals. The resistance value is crucial – check with a professional if unsure.
  2. Wiring: Integrate the resistors into the turn signal wires. This usually involves splicing the resistor into the positive wire of each LED signal.
  3. Secure Resistors: Attach the resistors to a metal part of the bike to help with heat dissipation. Avoid plastic or other heat-sensitive areas.
  4. Test Signals: Check if the turn signals blink at a normal rate after installation.
• Handy Tip: Use heat-resistant electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to cover the resistor connections for added safety.

3. Checking and Cleaning Bulb Contacts

• What I Did: Inspected and cleaned the contacts of the LED bulbs.
• Outcome: Improved connection and normalized blinking.
• Personal Experience: A simple, often overlooked solution that can be highly effective.
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Remove Bulbs: Carefully take out the LED bulbs from their sockets.
  2. Clean Contacts: Use a small brush or cloth with electrical contact cleaner to clean the bulb contacts and socket.
  3. Reinstall Bulbs: Put the bulbs back, ensuring they are properly aligned and seated.
  4. Test: Turn on the signals to check if the cleaning resolved the issue.
• Handy Tip: Regular maintenance of bulb contacts can prevent various electrical issues. Consider doing this during routine bike check-ups.

4. Ensuring Proper Grounding

• What I Did: Verified and improved the grounding of the turn signal system.
• Outcome: Stabilized the blinking rate of the turn signals.
• Personal Experience: Discovered a loose ground wire was causing the issue.
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Inspect Ground Points: Locate the grounding points for the turn signal circuit and inspect them for looseness or corrosion.
  2. Clean & Tighten: Clean any corroded connections and tighten loose ones.
  3. Recheck Grounding: Ensure that the grounding is secure and provides a good electrical connection.
  4. Test Signals: Activate the turn signals to see if the issue is resolved.
• Handy Tip: Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the ground circuit. This can help identify any hidden grounding issues.

5. Using Bulbs with Correct Wattage

• What I Did: Switched to LED bulbs that matched the motorcycle’s wattage requirements.
• Outcome: The turn signals blinked normally.
• Personal Experience: Learned the importance of matching bulb specs to the bike’s system.
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Check Wattage Requirements: Refer to your motorcycle’s manual for the correct wattage for turn signal bulbs.
  2. Purchase Suitable LEDs: Buy LED bulbs that meet these wattage specifications.
  3. Replace Bulbs: Swap out the current bulbs with the new ones.
  4. Test for Normal Blinking: Turn on the signals to ensure they blink at a normal rate.
• Handy Tip: If you’re unsure about the wattage, consult with a motorcycle electrician or the bulb manufacturer for advice.