Fixing rapid indicator flash?

[RT104GT]

What makes you think it's the flasher unit anyway? Normally they stop flashing all together rather than go too fast in my experience.

What do you mean by this;

With the flasher unit unplugged the indicators wouldn't work at all..

Flashing fast means wrong current globes if they are all on or one out somewhere if not. 2c.

[Dale]

Well yes, that's what has already been established in this thread. I can't figure out why he's wanting to replace the flasher unit when it doesn't sound like that's what's at fault..

[kemicalx]

i don't think i'm going to be able to replace the flasher anyway, it's definatly not a typical one. Would i be able to add a couple of resistors or something into the circuit to increase the load and slow down the lights?

[CrUZida]

Have you checked all the bulbs are the correct wattage?

Blacksupra was telling me that his MZ21 is supposed to have 2 bulbs in the front indicators.
Maybe you have the same problem?

[gianttomato]

The flasher relays operation is based on the current load. It's designed to flash at a higher rate when the current draw is insufficient due to a blown globe - hence possible incorrect wattage globes.

Above a certain current threshold it will flash at the same rate regardless of extra current draw - ie when you have hazards on you have double the current normally present during indicating, and with a trailer hooked up the flash rate remains constant.

Hazards and indicators use the same flasher and most of the same circuit. While indicating, power to the bulbs is diverted to either side through the switch in the steering column. The power supply is usually ignition switched TURN fuse. The layout may differ depending on the use of a 2 or 3 wire flasher.
When hazards are selected, both indicator circuits are tied together and connected to the flasher. The power comes directly from the battery, usually through the HAZard fuse. The hazard switch switches over all the connections, including the power supply (hence the large number of wires).

Mos.

Incorrect wattage bulbs.

Usually the blinker globes are 21w. Side repeaters (the ones on the side of the front gaurd) are usually 5w.

kemicalx, have you read these posts? Chock full of good advice. Now turn off the computer, go to supercheap and buy some globes. There's a good lad.

[BrianRA23]

Early electronic flashers were designed to change speed when a globe blows to comply with ADR requirements but with the introduction of LEDs you can now buy a flasher which is no longer load dependent.

This will get you out of trouble but brighter bulbs in the indicators and brakes might help someone to see you next time you go to change lanes thus preventing an accident.

[kemicalx]

kemicalx, have you read these posts? Chock full of good advice. Now turn off the computer, go to supercheap and buy some globes. There's a good lad.

if the flashing was load dependant to a certain threshold at which the flashing gets no slower. wouldn't using 23w globes as oposed to 21w globes make no diference? if i was using lower wattage globes than 21w globes i presumed it would cause the indicators to flash quicker.

Regaurdless, if you think that's all the problem is i'll pick up some 21watters tomorrow

[kemicalx]

well i've found the problem (thanks cruz) it seems the car originally had rear lights with 2 indicator globes, but they had been replaced with ones that only have a single indicator globe in the corner, where the second indicator globe would have been, there was another brake light instead, so i just wired up a couple more indicator globes and just stuffed them behind the boot trim not exactly professional, but it does the job

[Dimmy]

from experience, they flash faster when you have a blown bulb or there's no bulb in one of the indicators.

As for flasher unit, when mine was on its way out my indicator would flash normally but then randomnly cut out until it wouldn't turn on anymore