Turn Signal Indicators Not Flashing

[pc12cvs]

I've got the Ron Francis Harness that came with the kit. Russ Thompson Turn Signal setup and I've wired it exactly like the diagram in the RF book says too (I think). When I hit the left of right turn signal via the RT turn signal column, the respective indicator light stays on steady, no flashing. I've also wired the hazard switch. When I turn that on both lights come on steady, no flashing. I don't have any external turn signal lights hooked up yet, but I'm assuming the indicators should flash just like the turn signals themselves.

Anybody got an idea of what I did wrong? Has anybody seen this before? I was under the impression the RT turn signal setup didn't need any extra relays other than what's already in the harness if you're using the Ron Francis setup. Maybe the flasher relay "failed" in the closed position?

I have zero experience with wiring other than this car build, so any help is appreciated.

Noel

[Jeff Kleiner]

Without the exterior lamps/bulbs in the system there is not enough resistance to cycle the flasher units. Install them and you should be golden.

Cheers,
jeff

[pc12cvs]

Sounds good Jeff. Thanks!

Noel

[Gumball]

Also, if you're using LED bulbs, those may not be pulling enough amperage through the flasher relay to make them flash. Try standard 1157 bulbs if you don't have those in already.

[pc12cvs]

Thanks Chris, I'll keep that in mind. I am using LEDs for the signal indicators and the highbeam indicator. I've noticed the blue light is extremely bright in the dark, so I might have to swap that one out, but the green ones aren't that bad. They're the same type mentioned in Carl's build thread. We'll see how it goes with the turn signals hooked up.

Noel

[Gumball]

Noel - since you're using LED bulbs for the turn lamps, make sure that you have a flasher relay that is compliant with those (one designed to blink electronically or with a much lower amperage threshold). Should work fine after you make that change.

[pc12cvs]

Hey Chris, if I'm using the turn signals (the ones that go on the body) that came with the kit, but using LEDs for the indicator lights on the dash only, will I still need to swap the relay out?

[Gumball]

Hey Chris, if I'm using the turn signals (the ones that go on the body) that came with the kit, but using LEDs for the indicator lights on the dash only, will I still need to swap the relay out?

The relay and bulbs have to be matched - if you're using standard (1157) incandescent bulbs for the actual lights at the front and rear of the car, then the standard relay will work. If you have LED bulbs in those fixtures, then you have to have an electronic, LED flasher relay.

I don't believe it matters whether you have an LED or standard indicator lamp on the dash, as in both cases those draw such little amperage.

[edwardb]

I don't believe it matters whether you have an LED or standard indicator lamp on the dash, as in both cases those draw such little amperage.

Nope, doesn't matter. Switched out the FF supplied incandescent indicator lights in my Mk4 build with LED indicators, and the flash circuits work just fine. The LED's are BRIGHT though. I will hopefully have no excuse for leaving on the turn signals like I occasionally do. Got them from Del City.

[pc12cvs]

Thanks for all the info fellas. "So you're sayin there's a chance?!" ...that I actually wired this thing correctly? That's always good news.

Noel

[Gumball]

Wellllllll, one other thing to consider. Did you include diodes in the system to keep the power from backflowing through the hazard switch and the turn signal indicator? If not, you may find that after you fix the flashing part that you now have all four lamps flashing no matter what switch you throw.

Keep us posted!

[edwardb]

Thanks for all the info fellas. "So you're sayin there's a chance?!" ...that I actually wired this thing correctly? That's always good news. Noel

Nothing better than a good Dumb and Dumber reference. A classic... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCFB2akLh4s

[pc12cvs]

Nothing better than a good Dumb and Dumber reference. A classic... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCFB2akLh4s

Ha! Glad some folks caught that. I'll keep you posted on the outcome with the wiring.