Replace Your Flasher Unit For Use With LED Turn Signals

Replace Your Flasher Unit For Use With LED Turn Signals

Performed on a 1982 Yamaha Virago XV920

When I removed and replaced my stock incandescent turn
signal fixtures with LED units, I found that I had a
problem in that my newly installed LED signals went
bright but did not blink at all. I've also read that
a symptom can be seen as the signals operating at a
non-standard blink rate.

Once I replaced my stock turn signal flasher unit with
a non-load sensitive unit, my flashers operate just as
intended. I've included a couple of pictures to
illustrate the process of connecting the new flasher
for clarity.

Note: I do not now have flasher cancelers but to be
honest, I never have so I'm not missing anything.

Thanks,
Brent
Portland, Oregon
<brent_weide@yahoo.com>

Great artical Matthew. Very complete step by step and with photos.
Now, has any one done this on an 1984 or newer?

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 5:56 pm Post subject

Howdy Duke. Welcome to VT.

http://viragotechforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=7082&highlight=

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 6:00 pm Post subject

Welcome Duke, I did it on my 84 750, but think it might be a little different to the average 84 as I only had a 2 connector flasher and it was adirect replacement plugin. Works well too.

My '84 1000, '85 700 and '97 1100 all use the same flasher relay module. The '83 920 uses the simple 3 prong plug type that can easily be changed out with a standard 2 prong automotive type flasher with some simple wiring mods. I have read on this forum, "erue"?, has changed out the multifunction flasher relay with a no load electronic type, but his instructions are not very clear. erue, if you are out there, can you help out on this?
I have changed to clear signal and brake light lens, replaced the brake lights with red leds from Superbrightleds.com and have the amber leds to replace my signals but need to replace the flasher relay so that they flash correctly; I really don't want to add a load resistor to the circuit. I also plan on changing my rear signals to red running lights/turn signals using red leds and a set of front turn signals with the appropriate wiring mods of course.

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:19 am Post subject

Ditto to that, I have the clear front lenses already and are just about to set up the front using white leds for running lights and amber for indicators. Same for the rear, but red with dual intensity for running/brake and amber for indicators.

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:27 am Post subject

Oh, and I forgot to mention, on the 2 connector load independant flasher units there will be one labled Load or L, and one labled Power, or 12v, or IN or similar. The input connects to the solid brown wire, the Load connects to the brown/white wire, the yellow/green wire connects to nothing and was the control for the auto cancel function, which will no longer work.

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 10:00 am Post subject

Actually it was e-rue and zbiker who were discussing replacing the multi function flasher relay with the electronic type. zbiker has the same type relay on his '84 1000 as mine.