Hazard Flasher 24x7

[Theshandman]

I'm adding three LED indicators on my dash, one of each will show:

1. Hi-Beams (blue),
2. Turn signal operation (green),
3. Flasher (red).

The Hi beam and Turn Signal (w/ diodes) wiring is simple.
The flasher led is a bit confusing. The F5 diagram (rev T) suggests there is no specific feed for a flasher LED. In fact, the Hazard Switch feeds the Turn Signal Switch (which in turn lights both the speedo L and R LEDs in a Hazard scenario).

But... In doing some simple signal tracing, I find that the Hazard Flasher assembly (which is plugged in to the fuse box) is doing its job 24x7. That is, regardless of ignition power, the pink wire feeding the HAZARD SWITCH (Rev T diagram) is constantly alternating between + and - voltage, sufficient to trigger an LED (or an O-scope, or analog VOM, etc.) that might be connected in line with that signal. Wow. That's a bit of non-stop 'strain' put on that Flasher device. Is anyone seeing an early failure of the Hazard Flasher device?

Regardless, anyone have a clever circuit that will allow an led (red in my case) to illuminate ONLY when the flasher is enabled but not when the turn signal switch is active?

I've thought of designing a circuit that will examine both L and R turn signal LEDs in the speedo display such that if and only if both L and R LEDs are on, (the case when the Flasher switch is enabled) then the new single red flashing LED is similarly active.

Am I way over thinking this issue?

Art

[i.e.427]

Just curious why you would put the lamp (LED) before the switch to turn the hazard lights on? In the Ron Francis harness for example, the dash feed wires for the signal/flasher indicators are in line after both switches. Easy peasy.

Frank

[F500guy]

Just because the emergency flasher circuit is "flashing" it will not light an LED until the current can flow thru the LED to ground. Seems to me that if you put the LED in series with the the input side of the switch, it will not light until the actual blinkers are activated. You can test that out really easy with a couple temporary jumpers, I do not believe the LED in the circuit path will impact the flashing function, but the current thru the LED could be a problem for driving the lights? Not sure about that part.

[Papa]

I'm wondering if you could tap off the flasher relay used by the hazards since it is separate from the turn signals.

Edit: isn't that what the pink hazard feed wire already does? I know the old-style relays required a load to function, but suspect even the new LED compatible flasher relays have some sort of similar function. If so, you may need a diode between the indicator and the feed wire.

[weendoggy]

Over thinking? Yes, imo. You already have your T/S signals wired, so are you trying to have the Hazard lights separate? Most are connected in the T/S system and if so, will light (flash) the "green" dash light when activated. The Hazard system is made (normally) to activate without key, so you could lock your car, and leave the flashers on. That's why they have a 12v. signal to the flasher all the time, unless you disconnect the battery. Just trying to understand what you wish to happen.

[Theshandman]

Ok, so I'll be the first one to admit it, at least publicly: I'm an idiot.
I simply overlooked the fact there is a turn signal flasher that feeds the turn switch. Geez. How many times did I look at that RF harness diagram and just didn't see that turn flasher unit feeds a grey wire to the turn switch? Any way, thanks to a few diodes strategically placed, I have all my new adjunct LEDs (blue- high beams, green- turns, red- 4way flashers) working as required. Thanks all for the feedback to this idiot.
:o