Indicator problem

[reggyrat]

Hi,I am a newly registered BCF member and wondered if any of you knowledgeable owners could help.My scooter is a Yamaha Majesty YP400
The right indicator works ok,but none of the lights work when switching to the left position.I assumed that one of the bulbs on the left side had failed.However,when I activated the emergency switch,all the indicator lights work fine.Obviously then it isn`t a defective bulb to the left side.
Has anyone any idea please?

[Nobby the Bastard]

[reggyrat]

Thanks,I will look into it when I get the chance

[steve the grease]

The last guy is absolutely right. It could be as simple as a connector unplugged/dirty connection. One of those cheap testers ( Lidls had them on last week) with loads of LEDs is really useful for tracing a fault like this, theyre only a fiver ( you can get a full multimeter for a tenner) which will buy you about 10-20 minutes of a mechanics time .
find out the indicator feed wire colours ( Hondas use orange and light blue, dunno about other makes. ) Trace back as near as possible to the switch .
____________________
All the above is my personal opinion, you can see my lips move, but I'm talking out of my arse.
I've been riding, and fixing , bikes for 50 years, in that time the more I learn, the less I am absolutely sure of.....

[reggyrat]

Much obliged for your reply.I have a multimeter,so I will take your advice when I can access the scooter(it`s staying with a neighbour at the moment,don`ask,it`s complicated!!!!)I have time as the MOT isn`t due for a month or so and I am very busy,but will have a go as soon as.
Thanks

[droog]

All good advice from the folks above - I have done a lot of winter riding in the past and the salt water and damp conditions can lead to electrical switch problems - switch contacts can become furred up (verdigris) and start to work intermittently and eventually fail or the wiring itself can become frayed or break (this can happen with wiring that interacts with the handlebars as the constant right to left movement can fray and break wires over time).

If a handlebar switch is not working then personally I would open up the switchgear clamshell and physically inspect the switch - if it looks furred up and dirty then give the switch a squirt of electrical contact cleaner and remove the dirt/virdigris gently with a small jewelers file/pick toothbrush - or whatever does the job.

If this does not fix the problem then as mentioned take a look at the connector block - if the wiring here looks dirty or corroded then it might be necessary to remove the wiring from the connector block (again you will need a small pick to remove the connector from the block) - assess the condition of the terminal and clean/replace as necessary.

If the work above is not necessary or does not fix the problem then as mentioned you will need to get the multimeter out and do more extensive checking of the electrical system for breaks in the wiring or problems further down the line - but it is probably just a dirty switch or connector that is causing the problem.

[reggyrat]

Thanks Droog,
what a helpful group BCF is turning out to be.You have given me some points (no pun intended!) to look at,when I get the chance.Obviously a strip down of the switch is a must,but I was wondering if you have found WD40 to be suitable for lubrication and contact cleaning in this situation.
Anyway,thanks for your thoughts on the problem

[Nobby the Bastard]

Wd40 is an oil. It wont clean or get rid of corrosion.

Switch cleaner is your friend but won't get rid of corfosialon.
____________________
trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[droog]

[reggyrat]

Thanks Droog,I will bear that in mind.