Fixing rapid indicator flash?

[kemicalx]

G'day guys,

The indicators on my mz21 flash stupidly fast, kind of like when one of the globes is blown, but none are, and both sides flash fast. However they slow down to a more acceptable speed when the hazards are turned on. Does anyone know what would likely cause this problem, or where abouts i should start looking

Cheers guys,
Ashlin.

[gianttomato]

Incorrect wattage bulbs.

[SillyCarS]

Hi,

The rapid flashing may be caused by a partial break in the circuit, this usually happens when one indicator blows and it is wired in parralel to the other, this provides less current drain in the circuit and allows the other to flash faster. its a simple prob to fix, just do a walk around the carand check all lights, if that fails buy a circuit tester for about $5


hope that helps

craig

[cri_ag]

i always thought fast flashes were caused by your flasher unit being almost dead?

[Dale]

Usually a missing or broken bulb, or wrong wattage as GT said.

[hemi twofifteen turbo]

or blown reg on alternator and your getting heaps of voltage.
but you'd notice other things being a bit funny too if that were the case..
go with the flasher can replacement?

[kemicalx]

yer voltage is ok, i suspected incorrect wattage bulbs but have nfi what the correct wattage would be. i'm guessing as they slow down when the hazards are on, it is more likely the flasher can

[Dale]

Hazards work differently to the blinkers, even with a globe out their speed is still that of what the flasher unit supplies.. someone else can likely shed a more technical answer to why that is.

As for what the correct wattage should be, I think certain blinkers have it written on them somewhere inside them? As in cast into the plastic. Else maybe a haynes manual or something.

[BradW]

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

[Mos]

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.

[kemicalx]

excellent infomation there mate, cheers.

[kemicalx]

edit - Actually, where abouts is the flasher can usually located? I'm guessing in the drivers side kick panel along with all the other relays and fuses. Is it distinguishable from the other relays?

[kemicalx]

I found the flasher box, it doesn't look like a typical one. It's about 80x50x40mm is stamped with Toyota and has a propper female plug in on the side of it. Can anyone with a a70, or z20 take a look at theres and see if they are similar.. i have a feeling it might be a unique mz21 thing.. as when i unplugged it, and tried to use the indicators being unpugged effected the beep it normally makes when pressing the soft touch stalks.

Thanks guys,
Ashlin.

[Aust162]

most flasher can's look like your standard size automotive relay.Usually 3pin. or it could be a metal cylinder canister like on older model cars. SH10.bosch.

[Dale]

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;

as when i unplugged it, and tried to use the indicators being unpugged effected the beep it normally makes when pressing the soft touch stalks.

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