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Turn Indicator Flashing Issue
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samstrader
Posted 2020-06-13 12:13 AM (#599602)
Subject: Turn Indicator Flashing Issue


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Location: Beaumont TX
I have a 6 volt 1955 Plymouth. I've got the turn signals working. I rebuilt the switch and linkages on the steering column. All lights flash at a normal number of flashes per minute but the flash time is very short. The time the bulb is lit is so short that I don't get a good and bright light indicating a turn. It is not fast flashing like when a bulb is out. The flash rate is OK. It's just that the time the light is on during the flash is very short. When I unplug the bulb from the tail light, the flash on that whole side is a lot better. It flashes on for a bout a two seconds and then off for two seconds and repeat.

I can figure out what is wrong. Are there any experts on blinker lights that would know what I need to do to fix this?

Thanks,

Sam
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56D500boy
Posted 2020-06-13 2:01 AM (#599606 - in reply to #599602)
Subject: RE: Turn Indicator Flashing Issue



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Not an expert but perhaps a good guesser (?? LOL).

If I remember correctly, the flashing happens because of the current going through the bi-metal spring in the flasher can heats it up and opens the contact momentarily. Then the bi-metal spring cools down and the contact is made again and current flows to the bulb(s) and the process is repeated until the original source of the current is deleted, i.e. cancelled mechanically in the signal switch.

On that basis, I have to suspect that either the flasher is not correct or the bulbs are not correct or both. Taking that bulb out of the taillight = flash is better is a strong indication of the current/response issue.

Check that the flasher is for 6V and not 12V and the bulbs are the correct wattage seems to be the path that I would use to find the solution.

I had flasher issues with my 56 Dodge with 12V when I changed the taillight bulbs to LED (and added more taillights to the game). My solution was to switch to an electronic flasher that did not rely on the current going through a bi-metal spring to work.

Good luck.



Edited by 56D500boy 2020-06-13 2:03 AM
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57plymouth
Posted 2020-06-13 7:33 AM (#599612 - in reply to #599602)
Subject: Re: Turn Indicator Flashing Issue



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Bad bulbs make the flasher blink faster. Replace both turn indicator bulbs on that side of the car, front and rear.
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samstrader
Posted 2020-06-13 6:36 PM (#599633 - in reply to #599602)
Subject: Re: Turn Indicator Flashing Issue


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Location: Beaumont TX
Thanks to you both for the advice. I'll try replacing the bulbs on one side and see how that works out. It sure is hard to get to the wires under the dash. I hate that work. But it looks like I have good contact everywhere. I understand the flasher works just like you said. It is really like a fast resetting circuit breaker. So more current will make the lights stay on for a shorter period of time. Or I have some small short somewhere that is robbing the current. Seems funny to me that pulling the bulb out of the light makes the lights work a lot better. I'll check here and see if there is a current draw when the bulb socket is installed. Maybe I have a bad wire that is tricking me.

Thanks again.
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51coronet
Posted 2020-06-13 9:58 PM (#599637 - in reply to #599602)
Subject: Re: Turn Indicator Flashing Issue


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Good contact is super important. More so on a 6 volt car. You need really good contact on the light bases and the base to the car for the ground side. Its not a bad idea to try another flasher either. The electronic type might work on 6 volt they are cheap enough 10 to 15 dollars so wont break the bank. First thing I would do is clean all the contact points and make sure the bases have good ground contact. I wouldn't mess with dash wiring yet until I can confirm 100% good contact them the flasher. If the problem is still there then look into the dash. If you don't have a meter or know how to use one now is a good time to do a little learning. It can save you a ton of headache and hassle.
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samstrader
Posted 2020-06-14 1:08 PM (#599657 - in reply to #599602)
Subject: Re: Turn Indicator Flashing Issue


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Location: Beaumont TX
Thanks 51 Coronet. I'll clean all the contacts on the bulb holders and connections. And I might try an electronic flasher. It's not that hard to change out.

I do have a volt/Ohm meter and use it often but have not done any checks with it yet so I'll do this also.

Edited by samstrader 2020-06-14 6:01 PM
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samstrader
Posted 2020-06-14 5:59 PM (#599662 - in reply to #599602)
Subject: Re: Turn Indicator Flashing Issue


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Location: Beaumont TX
I have studied these electronic flasher and it sure looks like a much better way to go than the thermo flashers to me. I have found this one, which is a volt, and would like to know what you think.

https://www.ledlight.com/shoppingcart.aspx?WebID=360f5220-2f49-4e38-...

Do you think it will work and where do you hook up the ground wire on a positive ground system. Or can anyone recommend a good 6V electronic flasher.

Also, I saw LED lights, which I have not considered before and they look like they would be great. The regular bulbs I have don't last very long and are not as bright as I would like. Are there any thoughts on how good the LED lights work and can someone recommend a good bulb based on their experiences?

Thanks,

Sam
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samstrader
Posted 2020-06-14 7:06 PM (#599664 - in reply to #599602)
Subject: Re: Turn Indicator Flashing Issue


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I found this very interesting article about how flashers work. Worth sharing I thought...

Sam

http://www.tetrix.com/Flasher%20Primer.pdf
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ronbo97
Posted 2020-06-14 7:34 PM (#599665 - in reply to #599664)
Subject: Re: Turn Indicator Flashing Issue


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How is your wiring harness ? Old, corroded wiring will cause a slow flash.

Ron

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samstrader
Posted 2020-06-15 12:13 AM (#599680 - in reply to #599602)
Subject: Re: Turn Indicator Flashing Issue


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Location: Beaumont TX
Thanks Ron, My wiring harness is original but I think in good shape. I can see how corroded wire would add resistance. My blinkers contact and start just fine. They just go off real fast after coming on. It's like the flasher switch cools off too fast and breaks contact too fast. I'll peel back the wires and look.
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