Turn Signal Flasher

vortec4800 · September 19, 2003

I just recently put LED Turn Signals in my truck, and now my blilnkers go double time - ricer style. This drives me crazy and must be fixed. Will a heavy duty relay bring back my sanity, or do I need to do something else to bring the speed back to normal? Also, where is the flasher located and what is the part number on a heavy duty one?

robsawatsky · September 19, 2003

The double-time flasher means it thinks there is a burnt out bulb. The LED flasher probably doesn't draw enough current compared to the old lamp. The flasher is solid state, but it could vary with different suppliers as far as current draw calibration for good lamps indication.

vortec4800 · September 19, 2003

I know why it goes uber fast, has to do with either the current or the resistance of the bulb. All I'm asking is if a heavy duty flasher unit will do the same thing, or if it will just go normal speed anyway. Or if I need something extra to put on the circuit to make it think there are bulbs there.

robsawatsky · September 19, 2003

The problem is that some of these companies that sell LED lamps suggest changing to solid-state (Electronic) flashers. Well, GM's already are equipped with heavy duty, electronic flashers.

I did find a reference from one-site that recommended TRIDON EL or EP series flashers to restore proper operation. They do make various models to fit GM format connectors.

MCourson · September 19, 2003

http://www.gm-trucks.com/IAR_ElectronicFlasher.shtml

vortec4800 · September 19, 2003

http://www.gm-trucks.com/IAR_ElectronicFlasher.shtml

I checked out that guide but it was written mainly for older trucks that have the older style thermal flashers. The flasher location was also different in my truck than the guide, I forgot I had my Chiltons manual lying around and checked that for the location. I don't know what the model number is, however.

I'm pretty sure if I buy some bigger wattage 6 ohm or so resisters and throw those on just before my LEDs it will make the flasher unit "think" there are regular bulbs there and go back to normal. I'll let you know when this fails and blows things up.

stlmaj · September 22, 2003

http://www.gm-trucks.com/IAR_ElectronicFlasher.shtml

I checked out that guide but it was written mainly for older trucks that have the older style thermal flashers. The flasher location was also different in my truck than the guide, I forgot I had my Chiltons manual lying around and checked that for the location. I don't know what the model number is, however.

I'm pretty sure if I buy some bigger wattage 6 ohm or so resisters and throw those on just before my LEDs it will make the flasher unit "think" there are regular bulbs there and go back to normal. I'll let you know when this fails and blows things up.

I am interested in the LED turn signals let me know how things turn out. Got any pictures of the new bulbs and how much brighter did it make them??

Thanks,

Matt

vortec4800 · September 22, 2003

And fixed.

Went to Fry's Electronics last night and bought a couple 5.something ohm resistors (the 25 watt ones, don't want them to burn up ) and just put em right before the lights. I really like the LED turn signals, as they turn on and off instantly and look really cool at night, or so my friends say. Aparently they're not quite as easy to see from a distance, but nobody cares if you're turning if they're that far away anyway so... If you guys are interested I'll post pictures and stuff of the resistors, but it was a really simple operation.

Taaaaaaahoe? · September 22, 2003

Pics and all the info would be awesome!

DO your flashers have the side LEDs also? Or just all face forward int he socket. I bout some, but thel look super dim, and well I was not impressed, even rapid blinking aside. Id like to see what you got!

MIke

vortec4800 · September 22, 2003

I got mine off of ebay, here's the auction I got em off of - I'm sure he has more:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...item=2431901032

They're nice and bright, although I don't have the stock tail lights. I'll go outside later today and get some pictures to post in a while.

Taaaaaaahoe? · September 23, 2003

I got mine off of ebay, here's the auction I got em off of - I'm sure he has more:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...item=2431901032

They're nice and bright, although I don't have the stock tail lights. I'll go outside later today and get some pictures to post in a while.

So your talking about the red ones....for the rear

I bought some amber ones on e-bay and they were just not bright enough.... MUCH dimmer than OEM bulbs

Taaaaaaahoe? · September 23, 2003

Also,

Check this place out...

http://www.jamstrait.com/products.html#aluminum

They even sell a resistor... to do what it is you prob did but im sure its much more $$ their way.

Worth the look

Mike

vortec4800 · September 23, 2003

I actually have the amber ones for my turn signals but with my tail lights they still light up red. I wanted em to light up orange through the red lens, but my lenses are too dense and it didn't work out the way I had hoped. Still nice though.

Also about the resistors, I bought mine for a buck a peice and used some wire I had lying around, much more economical