Turn signal flasher

[aludden]

I'm replacing the flasher unit with a new LED-friendly one. In the process, the old flasher would not come out and the socket disintegrated, so I need to replace it.
The question is, there seems to be a non-standard piece of wiring put in by the PO. See picture:
6852
It's a black cylinder (a resistor?) that is connected from the Green/Dark green wire to the black wire, visible on the top of the picture. Any idea what it could be for? Is it necessary?
Thanks!
Alex

[DMCMW Dave]

These things are all over the car. Noise suppressors for switch contacts. If you leave it out, worst case you will hear clicking static in the radio on AM.

[aludden]

These things are all over the car. Noise suppressors for switch contacts. If you leave it out, worst case you will hear clicking static in the radio on AM.

Thank you! I appreciate your quick reply!

[jawn101]

I have the exact same bundle in the exact same spot, and discovered it in the exact same way - the socket holding my flasher utterly disintegrated. Turned to powder. I'd love to see what kind of solution you come up with for a replacement, I just used electrical tape and zip ties :)

[john 05141]

LED friendly???
I was thinking to get me one of those. I'd like to get my blinkers replace by LED.
Is thing working for sure? I'd love to see results on this thing working.

Where did you get that, and what does that cost?

John

[Bitsyncmaster]

LED friendly???
I was thinking to get me one of those. I'd like to get my blinkers replace by LED.
Is thing working for sure? I'd love to see results on this thing working.

Where did you get that, and what does that cost?

John

Since your comming to DCS-12, you should get a list of things to pickup over here and take back with you. These LED capable flashers cost $10-$15 at every auto parts store here. Even though the OEM flasher is electronic, they put in current sensing so it shows the driver a bulb is out by not flashing. The LED ones don't do that.

[john 05141]

So if I get it right, when I plug this in, I can replace my blinkers with LED's???
I want one of those. I have been thinking of this for a few years, but I tought this was impossible. I do not know if I wan wait until DCS12. Sounds like a nice winterjob.
My front sidemarkers are also blinking, but I do not like to add LED's in those. Would that be a problem?

Does anyone know which set of LED blinkers to get from Superbright LED's?

Indeed I need to get myself a list of things to take with me while in the US. (I'll bring an extra suitcase)

John

[Bitsyncmaster]

So if I get it right, when I plug this in, I can replace my blinkers with LED's???
I want one of those. I have been thinking of this for a few years, but I tought this was impossible. I do not know if I wan wait until DCS12. Sounds like a nice winterjob.
My front sidemarkers are also blinking, but I do not like to add LED's in those. Would that be a problem?

Does anyone know which set of LED blinkers to get from Superbright LED's?

Indeed I need to get myself a list of things to take with me while in the US. (I'll bring an extra suitcase)

John

Yes, it's just a plug and play. But I'm not sure how the sidemarkers blinking would work. I think you need to carry the sidemarker current though the front bulbs so LEDs in the front may be the problem.

[Nicholas R]

If you really want your turn signals shining bright, you need to replace your blinker fluid:
http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=6

http://kalecoauto.com/images/BlinkFluid.jpg :p

[dvonk]

haha, KaleCoAuto also sells Flux Capacitors:

The famed and fabled Flux Capacitor! Many flux capacitor designs have come and gone in the marketplace. Most have only been compatible with certain low production paintless cars. But now, KaleCoAuto has brought to you a modern Flux Capacitor fully compatible with any present day vehicle! This item may be expensive, but can you place a price on time travel? NOTE: Special return policy: If you are not 100% satisfied, you may return this product for a full refund, in no LESS than 30 days before you purchase it!

http://kalecoauto.com/images/fluxcap.jpg


:biggrin:

[john 05141]

Dave, is there a special brand for this thing? I should be able to find that here in Europe too.
Anyone has some experience doing this and installing LED blinkers? (I'd like to see a U-tube of this)

John

[Bitsyncmaster]

Our auto parts stores have them on a rack where you can look them over. There are 2 or three pin selections and also "LED" compatable selection. I think ours is the three pin but take your old one with you to be sure.

The old mechanical flashers were just a heating element where the bulb current caused the contacts to open, cool down then close. Those were two pin devices. When the current changed (one bulb was burned out) the flash rate would change or not flash at all. This alerted the driver to replace a bulb.

Now with electronic flashers they thought that was a good idea (alert driver) so they incorperated mesuring the current to change flash rate. LED current is to low to work with these.

So they make the flashers now without that current mesuring for use with LEDs.

[Ozzie]

Dave, is there a special brand for this thing? I should be able to find that here in Europe too.
Anyone has some experience doing this and installing LED blinkers? (I'd like to see a U-tube of this)


John,

I wrote about an LED conversion to our cars here: Blog posting on 100% LED conversion (http://delorean2109.blogspot.com/2011/07/going-100-leds-on-your-car-is-good-idea.html)

You will see there, that I used the flasher unit that Superbright sells. It works fine, but it is a bit quieter than the stock one.

Hope that helps, good luck.

[john 05141]

Hi Ozzie,


super info, thanks a lot!!!

I have LED's already in the console, binnacle, bonnet, engine bay and stoplights. I did not put them in the sidemarkers becasue LED's are not bright enough and the dome light, I had one in there but I liked the original one better...

Pardon me a couple extra questions however. I am only into this for the blinkers.
I am correct the blinkers will go like LED's are supposed to be, immediately on- of and not dimming on and off like regular bulBs?
You have this and it works well?
Am I correct that I need just one flasher unit? (Found that on Superbright leds) Also they work just as well with regular bulp blinkers?
The blinker lights are not recognized at Superbright leds, could that be? You did mark Premier tek. I will try to get just one shipment, expensive enough to ship to Belgium.

The front indicator lights on when the lights are on is typical for the US, and are not allowed in Belgium. The police will not stop me becasue of it, but the yearly technical inspection will give me a red card. So I should be able to simply replace a simple blinker light in those for one day without replacing the flasher unit.

But your info was great, thanks a lot.

John

[Ozzie]

Thanks, glad you found it useful.
I'll try to answer your questions below.


Pardon me a couple extra questions however. I am only into this for the blinkers. I am correct the blinkers will go like LED's are supposed to be, immediately on- of and not dimming on and off like regular bulBs?
You have this and it works well?

That's a good question. I did follow my Son while he was driving the D once, after the LED conversion, and I really did not notice a difference in the dimming on and off of LEDs versus incandescent, blinkers.

Yes, it does work well with the LED rated flasher relay, my only compliant as I said is that the inside click-click of that particular relay was much quieter than the the stock unit. Otherwise it all works well, as turn signals and in hazard switch mode.



Am I correct that I need just one flasher unit? (Found that on Superbright leds) Also they work just as well with regular bulp blinkers?


Yes that is the one that I used, and yes it works with incandescent bulbs as well.



The blinker lights are not recognized at Superbright leds, could that be? You did mark Premier tek. I will try to get just one shipment, expensive enough to ship to Belgium.

I used the non Superbright versions from an ebay vendor, just to reduce costs, but you could use the Superbright 1156 LED versions for the amber indicators.





The front indicator lights on when the lights are on is typical for the US, and are not allowed in Belgium. The police will not stop me becasue of it, but the yearly technical inspection will give me a red card. So I should be able to simply replace a simple blinker light in those for one day without replacing the flasher unit.


That's interesting. So they are only suppose to be on to blink for a turn indicator, and dark if the headlights are on?

[john 05141]

Hi Ozzie,

You're helping a lot, thanks.

Yes you are right, they are to remain dark the whole time. Amber color light is supposed be for blinkers only. Older US cars with red rear light blinkers were however allowed. (My father had a chevy Suburban in the early 80's, very unique back then)

But my motivation was just the LED like blinking, not dimming on and off... :frown:
My blinkers work well, and I have no issues by the power consumption. Not quite sure what I should do now.

Is there someone who has a utube of this?


John

[john 05141]

I went to large store for automotive parts. The first one I went to was not able to get me a LED flasher.
The store yesterday said they can order it, costs nearly 60€ (75$) and no guarantee it will work. And if it will, only with Hella.:pitty:

So I think I will order a set with Superbright leds. It will be cheaper and more a guarantee it will work.

[ccurzio]

Is there an easy guide somewhere on how to get at the relay? I spent ten minutes looking up from underneath my steering wheel and I don't see this thing.

[Ozzie]

Is there an easy guide somewhere on how to get at the relay? I spent ten minutes looking up from underneath my steering wheel and I don't see this thing.

Tips to find it it:
It's above the steering column.
Look for black, 1 inch cube, with while lettering on top.
Use a good flashlight.
Turn on your hazards, and you may be able to locate it by sound.

When you find it:
It just doesn't pull loosely out of it's socket, you'll have to hold the socket, and tug it out.
Said socket will disintegrate in your hands - seems to be brittle plastic, has happened to a lot of us.

When you go to reinstall it:
Make sure you know which color wire goes to what terminal position, because the socket will not be keyed anymore, it will most likely be broken apart.


Good luck.

EDIT: Oh, PS: Don't be surprised if you blow a fuse in the process. So check for that, if it should not work at first.

[john 05141]

I bought 2 complete sets (For Welmoed and myself) at Superbrightleds yesterday. Looks like Welmoed comes over so we can install them both at the same time.
I am very much looking forward to see the result.
One more question Ozzy, The LEd's are available in 18° or 100° beam. I took the 100° beam I hope that is correct?

Welmoed when you come over, I turn on the heater in the garage, and have the coffee ready. (He's Dutch, they love coffee more than anyone..:smile: )


John

[Bitsyncmaster]

Narrow beam LEDs are brighter if looking directly at them. But if you want to illuminate a lens more evenly you want the wide angle beams. Also helps to get the LEDs as far from the lens as possible.