2000 xt350 - electrical question

[gene123]

I just bought this bike used with only 3,000 miles on it. So the overall condition of the bike is very good. The owner broke one of the rear turn signals. Now I am trying to figure out what's happening with it. Beyond the obvious needing to replace the light...here are additional symptoms...the remaing 3 signals (2 front, 1 rear) do not respond to the handlebar switch. The headlight runs fine. The tail light runs fine. When using the front brake, the brake light works all the time; however, when using the foot brake the stop light works intermittently. Do you think if I just put on a new rear signal, this will fix the "system" so all lights will work? I have already determined battery is OK and fuse is OK...I have taken it to a couple of local mechanics and they want to charge $$ for diagnosis. One of them suggested it could be the flash relay. I'd like to get some more feedback before I try putting money into an expensive part. I did some looking online for the part and came up with "flasher" and "flasher relay"....are these 2 different parts, or just the same thing? Do you know if a "universal" part would work in this case?

[fil77]

Can't be certain as I don't know the XT but on my Yamaha the universal flasher unit is fine and a $%@# load cheaper. The flasher and flasher relay do refer to the same thing. I would be looking at the earth wires in the tail light area for possible damage or loose connection as well. The flasher will not effect the brake light problem you describe but the earth could effect it and the rear flasher light but not the front lights. It sounds like 2 problems but not unlikely that the damage to the rear indicator light wiring may be the cause of damage to the wiring there and also caused a short which which could have taken out the flasher unit.