Those are simply resistors to fool the flasher into thinking there is more load than just the LED (which creates very little load), which keeps them flashing at a normal rate. Electronic flashers eliminate the need for the load equalizers.
PROBLEM SOLVED:
Had a stroke of (rare) genius - "wonder what would happen if I switched the flashers?" I said to myself - hazards worked just fine, turn signals dim (or inoperable with headlights on) - just a bad electronic flasher. Who'd a thunk it? An electronic part bad outta the box ? nah, . . . never . . .
