Ran Francis wiring and Russ Thompson turn signal:

While reading the other threads, I didn't see my answer.

I have ordered both of these and have them (plugs for both, they are fantastic if you are on the fence about them).

1st: Can I wire the turn signal direct into the Ron Francis system as per the Ron Francis instructions? I believe it has the relays already in it, so I shouldn't need to add them as per the Russ Thompson instructions, correct? :confused:

2nd: I understand the turn stalk button is not rated for much power running through it and needs a relay for the horn, or high beams, etc... I was considering using it for my clutch position sensor that allows the car to start. Would I need to add a relay for the switch? And which one would work for that?


And finally, on a different note, I plugged the Ron Francis headlight connector to the FFR provided pull switch for dash and headlights. For high beams, I want it going through a switch and indicator light on the dash. That's as simple as running the Ron Francis HB wire through the switch and light at this point, correct?

Wiring is not my thing, and so thank you in advance!

The RT signal can be wired directly into the RF harness as the stalk is essentially a 3 position switch. The RF harness fuse block has 2 flasher relays built in for hazards & signals.

Using it for the clutch safety switch? I'm not sure that is a good idea IMO. The whole point is to make sure your clutch is engaged so you don't launch the car and potentially hurt someone.

Many have wired the stalk button for a "flash to pass" which requires 2 separate relays one for the FTP and other for brights when lights are activated. I wired for this method. It looks complicated at first but after some time studying it I had my "ah-ha" moment.

You need to clarify a few things in your understanding:

- The Russ Thompson turn signal assembly works exactly the same as the dash mounted turn signal switch that FFR supplies and is shown on the Ron Francis wiring diagram. Don't overcomplicate it. There are three wires for the turn signal function. One common. One left. One right. The Ron Francis turn signal power wire (grey) goes to the common wire. LH wires to one side. RH wires to the other. There are no relays in this circuit.

- The wiring diagrams that Russ provides are primarily to enable high and low beam switching using the momentary switch. Also flash to pass if you want to get fancy. Many want this option instead of the dash mounted switch that comes with the kit. This is where relays get added. Personally, I wouldn't use any of the provided diagrams. They depend on the VW/Bosch style latching relay which many including me find trouble prone. There are several other options if you don't want the dash switch and you don't want to tackle the wiring in those diagrams. I'm using this in my current build. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/idt-3100006040. Wires right into the Ron Francis harness and uses the pushbutton.

- The Ron Francis wiring diagram shows exactly how to wire the low and high beams using a dash mounted switch. Coming out of your headlight switch, there is just one +12V source for the headlights. The switch directs it to either low or high beam. The high beam indicator is wired in parallel to the high beam side of the switch.

- I wouldn't use the momentary switch on the turn signal stalk without a relay. If you want to use it for the horn (many do) the Ron Francis panel already has a relay on the horn circuit. So just wire it to the leads and don't use the kit provided dash pushbutton. No way it would handle the current of the starter circuit that goes through the clutch safety switch. Plus I wouldn't recommend it simply because I'm a big believer in having an actual clutch safety switch. No pedal down, no start. But that's me.

Here's what I used and it works perfectly and is an easy install. All wires connect to the RF harness. It's $80.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/IDT-3100006040Attachment 139346

The IDT electronic relay gives you the added power for flash-to-pass even if the head lights are off. With the IDT electronic switch there is just an extra power circuit wire. RF has a simple switch also designed to do all the basic high beam and low beam switching BUT does not have the extra power wire to provide flash-to-pass when the headlights are off. RP-3 Dimmer Switch Control-Ron Francis Wiring
Both systems work well and simplify the wiring when used with Russ Thompson's turn light switch. Just passing on options.

Just have to add one more time that there's no direct correlation between the Russ Thompson turn signal assembly and the headlight function. They're completely separate circuits. You can buy/install the Russ Thompson turn signal assembly and not use it for the headlights. Use the kit mounted dash high/low switch. Use a floor mounted high/low switch which some seem to like. Etc.

You can also wire the headlight high/low relay switching function without installing the Russ Thompson turn signal assembly. Using your own wiring with one of the VW/Bosch relay approaches. Or one of the now available pre-made relay packs from iDitit or Ron Francis as mentioned in the posts above. The pushbutton on the end of the Russ Thompson assembly certainly provides a good option for doing the switching. But you could put a similar switch anywhere.

I just see guys getting confused about the above and assuming there is some electrical correlation between the two. There isn't. FWIW.

Thank you for the replies. I could see they were different, and thought they had their own relays on the RF wiring. That's great to know for sure. Thank you!!


I have a carbon fiber dash and the RT system as a later addition. I had a good year and decided to throw some more parts at the car.
Since I already had the horn button on the dash cut out and installed, I figured why not do something different?
Well.. any ideas on what to do with a dash button?