Motorcycle Turn Signal Switch Repair

Have you noticed that your turn signal switch on your Honda motorcycle has become harder and harder to use? Does it seem to get stuck when trying to use it? Here I show you exactly how to solve this problem. Step by step with no steps skipped.
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[@commonsurvivor]

After watching this video about 14 times. I finally took apart my turn signal switch. I started half hour ago I finished about 5 minutes ago. I took a bunch of pictures and follow the steps in the video It was super easy I went to put the power on and by golly my turn signals worked for the first time since I got the XR650L. Thanks motorcycle MD.

[@abrennhofer09]

Finally someone who points out the small things that go a long ways. Super detailed, shows before and after, and has solid quality videos. I am looking forward to doing this job after work today. Thanks mate.

[@gdesilva1111]

Your videos are excellent - clear, appropriately detailed, and great quality. Thanks for bringing your expertise to the rest of us!

[@BlekSheep_1]

I'm 54, riding my 6th street bike ('06 750 Shadow) and still like to learn new techniques. Thanks for showing the right way to do this 👍

[@warrenkettlety8018]

Thank you for taking the time to explain the details so completely!I had a turn switch assembly that required replacement because a previous ownerforced the switch arm when it was sticking and ended up twisting and fracturing it at the 90 degree bend. If all your videos are this informative I know where I will be looking when hopefully I won't need it!

[@kensmith3665]

Cory, I watch all you vids and you are a thorough and articulate pro. Today I received some used switches from an XR650L for my XR400R e-start conversion project and I followed along your switch videos and disassembled and cleaned and greased and put them back together. Just like new! Thanks! You electricity videos are the best!

[@tzampini]

I just did exactly what you did to my 2004 Sabre. It made a big improvement. While I was at it, I also cleaned and lightly greased the circular plastic ring that holds the choke cable. Moving my choke lever always sounded and felt chalky. Now it feels so smooth! Thanks for the video!

[@Bodalack]

This video is a life saver. My CB919 switch is nearly identical and I'd NEVER have fixed it without this perfect step by step video!

[@biancashousedotcom]

Great video, much appreciated. Gave me just enough confidence to take apart the switch of my 1998 ST100. I got scared as I opened it up and didn't go as far as cleaning the contacts, but I did eventually realise that the reason my switch wouldn't cancel (was locking in both left and right on positions), was because there was supposed to be a ball bearing at the end of the spring that cancels the wink. It had gone AWOL. I managed to find a ball that had dropped out of the runner of an old chest of drawers. With a dob of grease I managed to get it to stay in place. Managed to put it all back together and it is working ok. Took hours. Thanks, you saved me a small fortune. And very satisfying.

[@jasonrobertson216]

Thank you very much, my turn signals have been sticky (& almost non-existent under 55°F) since I bought the bike 2 years ago - my inspection was coming up tomorrow & I've been fretting over it... All fixed now, no more worries. Video made it so much easier to see & understand how, bless you.

[@nvbeav]

My old 2000 BMW F650 had pretty much the same principle in disassembly except for a wire attachment for the choke. One of the screws that the turn signal switch pivoted on was very loose; tightening and lubricating got it working like new again! Thanks for the video!

[@scraype4111]

My VTX 1800 turn signal was sticking and only functioning after several seconds of delay due to the old sticky grease!. Because of your helpful video, I was able to perform this cleaning/rebuild operation without having to take my VTX to the dealer, or order a whole new part! Saved me big $! So, thank you very much for this!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

BOOM!!! Great job man! Solid fix!

[@stevestark1985]

Thanks, what a difference! Some things I found helpful were, small wire brush for metal parts, small paint brushes for grease and cleaning parts. My oh sh*t moment was with the contacts but after looking at the back of the white plastic housing (3 indents for the bearing to click into) it can only go in one way. Thanks again for taking the time to do this, was a great help.

[@yveslegrand9826]

My turn switch was not really nice. On a 23 years old bike, it probably common. After looking at your video I decided to try and clean it... but it is was even worse. I ended up redoing it with a different lubricant (lithium grease) and it worked great. Choosing the right lubricant is CRITICAL.

[@calliesaunders333]

Much appreciation for posting this! My left blinker (and everyone else in the road) appreciates you too!

[@cadenpolkuzio8817]

Huzzah! This video saved my turn signals! Your step by step guidance helped me take the switch apart, clean, grease, and reassemble with no problem! Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[@carllemieux]

As an Investigator, I didn't touch any of the mechanics or electronics on my bike... that is before I discovered your videos... man, now I do everything on my own!!! Soooo much cooler to ride now (spending 90% of my time around my bike, than on it!!!) And all of this, without buying (almost) any new parts... my bike (1994 Virago 750) feels and runs like a new one.... K...!!! Thanks verrrry much to you, and your good explanations... (Thumbs up!) - Carl

[@idan1358]

Crazy, I mentioned JIS screwdrivers to a guy at work today and later that day asked how to do bar clamps as I heard you are meant to do the forward ones first - then I watch this because my switch is sticky and I get three answers in 1 vid. Your a legend man🤙

[@ricknelson4330]

I have had an issue with tis switch for the last few years. After watching this video I can't wait to pull it apart and fix it finally. A replacement switch is at least $100 which I don't want to pey. Thank you for the video! Great stuff! Keep them coming.

[@gofficjeebus5019]

This was exactly what I needed. Thank you for posting this. I thought it was the flasher relay and already sunk the $60 into that. I'm not so good at the electronics and this showed me what to do. My sluggish flashers work like new.

[@mb20and151]

The most I've ever tackled with my R6 is an oil change with someone helping me. My turn signal not working led me to searching online and this video. I was skeptical I could do it but gave it a try and it worked! Thanks so much!

[@waitaminute-vw9hf]

Nice! Detailed, clear and concise vid. You da man Cody. You know I'm going to do this to my old sticky switch.

[@justinmorse1263]

Great video! I followed his steps and now I have a working turn signal again. This guy rocks!

[@jimsnellen6222]

Well guy, you did it again. I just finished the clean and lube on the turn signal switch following the steps described in your video. Big difference! BTW, I ordered and received the JIS screwdrivers from GoFastInnovations. Well worth it, just like you said. Thanks dude, keep up the good work.

[@stuartb3502]

Your videos are really helpful, thanks. You don’t gloss over details like so many. I just did this on my 99 VFR. Some differences I’ll note for any one finding this. When you pull the whole switch out of the cluster with the wires attached, there is a spring which is then not held by anything. Its the spring which you reinsert at 16:24. On mine the spring is inserted from the back and is not held by anything. It is only compressed once the switch is put back inside the cluster. On reassembly this makes the process of installing the switch tricky. There is a moulding at the bottom of the cluster case in which the switch needs to sit. It will only go in if you compress the switch while installing (e.g. with a small flatblade screwdriver). There is only one u shaped copper contact rather than the two you had on that bike. There’s space for another but its just packed with grease. Brake cleaner and contact cleaner didn’t have much affect on the grease in mine strangely. The switch lever which pivots on the brass bearing comes away freely as it has a fork rather than a circular hole. Getting clearance for a screwdriver to undo and reinstall the screws holding the cluster to the bar was difficult. A stubby Philips would help here. I had to remove clutch switch from clutch lever and remove clutch lever from bars to get enough clearance. On the 99, the manual choke is an added complication as the cable needs to be detached.

[@monkeydude3987]

Literally jumped in and did this on my 2007 today. It actually "clicks" when canceling, and overall operation is much smoother. Thank you!!

[@arnokromdijk1897]

I was searching the Net for a new switch for my 1997 VT1100 C2, when I came across this video.. You saved me a lot of money, thanks!

[@ezraimespp4386]

Thank you! Did this on my '86 Elite CH80 and it works great now! Always appreciate a good part cleanup or rebuild!

[@user-sq7oz4zi9k]

Good afternoon. I've just finished refurbing my Fireblade turn switch after watching your brilliant and very clear instruction video.... It was set up slightly differently in terms of the retaining brackets and had an extra layer, but basically the same movement/switch and very similar clamps. It went well. The left hardly responded and the right occasionally worked before, BUT NOW, the movement is crisp and precise and it works every time. It now has a very positive response, so THANK YOU ;o)

[@dougsnyder8319]

Thank you for this video. I just followed your steps for the switch on my wife's 2003 VLX. It was totally non-functional but now works perfectly.

[@deweysmith2479]

This video was a perfect step by step for getting my switch working again. Thank you!

[@EdSchneeebly]

Loving your videos man! Just got back from my garage sorting up my 2008 Trannie's indicators, thanks for the tutorial! You're easily one of the best channels for these types of videos, and my new favourite, keep the good work up!

[@nimrod10036]

Great help thanks had you on pause on my TV for the step by step fixed my indicators on my 2001 Honda blackbird. Thanks Kevin from the United kingdom

[@mvktc]

Last night I was ready to order a new switch and then I saw this video. Now, the switch is cleaned, greased and works like a charm. Thanks!!!

[@crmixman]

Great video! I had a sticky switch on my Shadow 600 - wouldn't cancel the turn signal no matter how hard I pressed. Watched your video, spent 30 minutes in the garage and have it working great now. Thanks!!

[@NashProductions]

Thanks man your video totally saved me! Took apart the turn signal switch on my DR650 because my left-side turn signals weren't working. Gave it a good cleaning and forgot to take reference photos and didn't remember how to put it back together. Luckily the one in your video was pretty similar and helped a ton for re-assembling mine. And my signals are working again 👍

[@HansLooman]

ST1300 - 2004 turn signals working like new, thanks to your video! Had no idea where to start, was already preparing to get a new assembly, but this step by step cleaning process you explained so well did the job. Thanks again! Happy riding

[@osumoni]

This was the most helpful how-to video I've ever watched. Worked like a charm on my 2011 Shadow Phantom 750. Can't believe I've let it go like this for years. Now I cleaned it up and it works great just so I can sell the bike haha.

[@williamburnett700]

Just fixed my wife’s R6 switch. Thanks! Saved me some money. Perfect video. Glad I found it.

[@stevefletcher2334]

followed your instructions and my switch cleaned up and works beautifully! Thank you! (26 year old Honda scooter )

[@raythomas2133]

easy to follow, loved the "watch out for" comments (like take a picture of the switch before taking it apart). Took my laptop to the garage, put it on my workbench with the parts and paused/played/paused played and like promised, it works like brand new! Pretty good for a 13 year old Honda!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Love hearing this! Great job man!!!

[@PatH902101]

I just ordered the JIS Screwdriver set from Go Fast Innovations. Love these videos! Love my VT1100C2 as well.

[@paulgirling4405]

Your video gave me the confidence to strip the indicator switch on my 1997 VFR750FV that was not always lighing up. It now works as good as new following your guidance. This is great news because I can no longer buy a new replacement and anyway it was much cheaper to buy a can of degreaser and a tube of lube.

[@ethalthefrog]

G'day there Cody. Thanks for your great videos. I am a complete novice when it comes to things like this. You have help me solve a few of issues today with you helpful videos. First you help me locate an electrical gremlin where my indicators weren't working. You showed me how to pull apart, clean and rebuild my indicator switch. Although that wasn't where the gremlin was hiding. Then you showed me how to check the switch to see if its getting power...that's where i located the little bugger :) The loom plug was a little loose and not making proper contact. Then i was cleaning my rims and noticed that one of the rear brake pads was down to bare metal. A couple of quick phone calls to get new pads and then back to your channel to find out how to replace them. Without your help and simple to follow instructions...my 89 VFR750 would be a huge paper weight LOL :D

[@LifeOfMikeChannel]

Awesome tutorial! Currently doing this for a 2005 CBR600RR that I’m restoring. Thanks for the tips, and great work!

[@pridebullyz9893]

Yesterday I came into this problem with my vt750. Today I fixed it with the help of this video. Thanks bro am blessings from Wales (u.k) 🤙

[@brimest0ne]

I had the same problem on my 1984 Honda V65 Saber, I did the exact fix you posted, and I did it without "KZbin"... Manly cause there wasn't KZbin in the late 80's. But a great video, and you refreshed my interest in doing this to my 04 ST1300 before any problems pop up. Cheers

[@fast071]

That’s a great video. I followed it exactly and now my switch is smooth and not sticky. Thank you!

[@trevorcooper5876]

Just completed the task works like new on a 2003 CB900f Thanks for the information on your video will be back to this channel again

[@acerider2005]

great work Cody. I have own Hondas most of my life and now own a Goldwing gl1800. I had to clean and lube the four way flasher switch and up and down volume controls. the Goldwing is a little more complicated as you mentioned. I previously owned a 750 shadow ace 1999 and so far I have seen 2 of your videos that showed how to correct 2 problems that I had with it. one the turn signal switch and the other the creaky crunch brake master cylinder. Keep the videos coming you sure do know your Honda.

[@anthonydixon6024]

Dude... You have no idea how much I appreciate this video... Thanks brother.!!! 💯😎

[@1960bluebug]

Great video ! An old one but still very informative. Fixed my 2002 Magna switch problem with this video. Step by step is great!

[@Timetonut]

Between the perfect information and your amazing choice of paper towel patterns, I am happy to subscribe.

[@zacherybaer6827]

Yesterday Feb 29th 2020 this video saved me so much money. I followed it step by step and my turn signals work like new.

[@notsteve1475]

You sure make me feel more comfortable about tackling some jobs on the bike. Top notch bro!

[@hangtenboy]

Just bought an 2003 VTX1800 that has this EXACT issue. I was planning on trying to fix it and your video was just what I was looking for!

[@e36payne]

Thank you , this worked on a 05 fmx 650 and a lot easier than even trying to locate replacement switch gear for the bike , great video

[@dalebennett9949]

Fantastic! I'it's suppose to be a rainy day here in NJ tomorrow, I plan to tackle my blinker issue thanks to this video.

[@beardedkiwi3352]

This is awesome. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for your enthusiasm

[@berlinassociates8088]

THANK YOU!! Thank you! Video is 5 years old and worked awesome on my 2009 Shadow Spirit. The thinner contact was stuck with thick black grease. The one you did in the video was WAY cleaner than mine. Thanks for the video and you added a subscriber.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

😎😎 Great job!

[@PLANET_BRUNO]

4yrs later this video still works Thank you so much sir my vf45 switches are working and feel like a dream

[@addy600]

Great video. Followed you instructions, and now I have a perfectly working CBR600 FW (F3).... Thank you.

[@arty7542]

I have an 01 f4i that's long overdue. Glad it worked. Makes me wanna try it now. (:

[@harlyamy4195]

I did this to mine this morning-works like a champ now Thanks for the help!

[@exanimisrex3808]

I know what I will be doing sometime next week, thanks for this video I know I'll be watching it multiple times.

[@JDnBeastlet]

Great tutorial. I will check mine when the weather warms up. I'll be checking the front brake lever action too.

[@gloves1212]

This same idea fixed the headlight on my 85 Nighthawk 650, the switch contacts were not getting connection and loosing my headlight on a dark road was not a fun surprise. My blinkers never come on like they are supposed to when I'm not signaling, so I'm doing that switch tonight! New to me bike, tuning him up. Thanks!!

[@MrSeveSeve]

Thanks for making this video! I was able to successfully refurbish my 04 Honda 599's turn signal after it stopped activating the right side. The switch operates like a dream now.

[@SlyBlunt]

Hey. Thanks so much for this guide. Just cleaned out my vt750 indicator switch today as it was starting to go and now it feels like brand new! Your guide is very good, pitched at a great level that I could follow. You get a like and a sub for this vid! Thanks again!!

[@SpyderTom1]

Best video I have seen. I almost spent the 80 bucks for a new one, thanks again!

[@Mikielike]

You just saved me over $100 bucks and I feel like a stud fixing it myself, thanks for a great video.

[@kc6tyd]

your video is still helping folks out. My switch is now working a lot better!

[@Anonymouseops]

This video reminded me to do this quick fix for my old man's bike. Night and day difference. How he could stand to ride with the sticky switch is beyond me. Cheers Cody.

[@ashleywoods4724]

That's a great video. Will get my varadero switches sorted out now.

[@huyked]

Got a Honda Shadow VLX 600 (exactly with the symptoms you mentioned about the signals) and Shadow Aero 750 that both need this. Thank you SO much for the step-by-step tutorial!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

My pleasure! 🤙🤙

[@januaryman169]

Great video! I will be doing this in the Spring on my 94 V4 Magna.

[@xaraxania]

thank you, Ive been learning a few maintenance tips to save on garage bills, im doing ok so far thanks to people like you that take time to show us how, you'd be amazed how many guys laugh at the idea of a woman doing their own bike jobs, ps, i like the humour its always good to keep it light :D

[@uxthcman]

thx to ur vid i was able to repeat this process and get my Phantoms blinkers working again u rock MC MD thx

[@TheChrisCCole]

Thank you for this video. I was apprehensive at first but you talked me through it.

[@knhuff2]

Great video! I di both of my bikes this weekend and your video helped immensely!

[@brianfowlkes6389]

Thank you so much! Wow it's so nice to have a smoothly functioning turn signal! Did this on my VTX 1300 and I'm so glad I did.

[@garryermoloff1890]

Thanks, awesome help with motorcycle repairs and maintenance that is hard to find and even if you find it its usually not so easy to follow without video and good directions. Thanks a lot!

[@russellclark7699]

This video was awesome.....thank you so much. Turn signal works like it’s supposed to now!!!!

[@magnuscarlsson7045]

Thank you!!! Well explained tutorial. Keep up the good work

[@OrionKarlDaleyIst]

Just got an CB750 81 Custom for my wife. I determined the short between the run lights and the right turn signal is in the switch. I ordered a ebay replacement. In discovering your vid this morning ( never too late ) , In looking at the harness on your shadow, I noticed the blue ( right turn signal) and brown ( Running Lights ) Wires are adjacent. Thanks for your vid !

[@shirleysmith3652]

So, 45 yo woman here, been riding for 35 years, never worked on my own scooters. My bike has been sitting for 8 years :-(, took to Honda shop, they were "three weeks out", great, "just fix it, whatever it needs". 8 weeks later, and to the tune of only $1300, finally got it, very excited, jumped on it and took off for home and thought, "HTF am I supposed to ride this with the blinker switch all gummy and sticking???" But, I want to ride it this week, not 16 weeks from now, so I thought, "surely this cant be that hard..." Found your video right off. Loved it. Gonna try the easy fix FIRST and then if/when that fails, I'll take a chance on losing all those screws and springs! LOL Seriously, thanks for the vid, I subscribed before I even finished watching.

[@doomedronin1148]

Excellent video. Thank you for putting this together.

[@du315h0k]

This is so helpful. Had a sticly left switch on a used bike I got and today all signals quit working. Will try this method as a first step repair.

[@jetmelt]

Thanks for being so thorough, absolute foolproof instruction.

[@epbandgeek2007]

Awesome video, turn signal is good as new now. Thank you very much!!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

This is great to hear! Share it with a friend who can use it!

[@harryw9598]

top vid thanks, i had it apart but not all. saw your vid. and did it again. it was the copper plate with sticky old grease, and the spring under there was sideways. cleaned and greased it now works great again.

[@roger2276]

Bro you helped me out !! My Honda Shadow turn signal switch with sticking like crazy took it all apart followed your instructions which were great because I got lost taking it apart but eventually I got it all back together all greased up good as new great video and I got those GIS screwdrivers from your link a long time ago

[@LenAdams]

Great video, I just fixed my honda rebel turn signal because of the way you showed how to open the switch housing.

[@ChrisDaugherty-hf1wo]

I have a 1985 Honda XL 600r that is pretty much mint stock but had some things missing like turn signals, which I am trying to find add back on. This video was super helpful on how to clean and lube the inside of my switch! Thank you!

[@gizzync1525]

I've been looking for a set of those. thanks I'll be bookmarking it for purchase later.

[@mrs_artsyfart_ford2550]

Thank you!!!!! Getting ready to dive into this project!

[@swich.69]

Hoping my attempt at this fix will go smoothly. I’ve a 2017 Triumph Tiger Sport and the turn signal switch is very stiff. It has an automatic cancel function that is only intermittently working too. Have had the bike for only three weeks and put 2,500km on it in that time. Switch and cancel function was working perfectly when I purchased it. The bike has done 60,000km. I was going to spray lube inside the housing, then decided to check YT. Thanks for the vid Cody. Will let y’all know how it “turns” out!

[@jonathanmoore1868]

Thanks for the video, I bought a 1985 Yamaha SRX600 super single a week ago. The turn signals have developed a problem: When right turn is selected all four flash. When left turn is selected, the two left signals light very dimly with no flashing. Watching you video helps me understand what to look for in the switch. I have already been over some of the other wiring.

[@chrisdull84]

Thanks for the help worked great and functions like new!

[@user-vm3yd2rp7f]

Love the step by step. continue on!

[@bluejacketwarrior2457]

Awesome info here. I actually just started noticing that the switch is sticky before I watched this. I am just paranoid as all hell of losing something. Almost lost a high beam spring trying to replace my choke cable.