The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay new turn signal woes - flasher?

Wired in a new aftermarket turn signal switch (such as United Pacific style from Summit Racing) and strange things are afoot.

The quick specs:

1951 chevy 3600
headlights were re-wired to to hi/lo relay circuits and work great.
all the wiring is per original coming off the headlight switch for stop, tail, flasher, etc.
I have checked and re-checked connections, wiring diagrams, and even changed fixtures thinking a faulty product.
Original parking lights, new 12v headlights, new front and rear directional signals that are capable of stop/tail/directional functionsu.

With headlights OFF everything works except the right front blinker. (the bulb may have burnt out but I can't tell). ts brand new set so that would be strange.
With headlights ON the RF blinker still does not work. The LR blinker works but does not stay illuminated during the unlit part of the blinking cycle as you would expect to show the running lights on when the headlights are on. The RR blinker works and in stays illuminated during the unlit part of the blink cycle. When it blinks with the headlight on it just blinks brighter like its supposed to. But the LR goes dark when its not blinking.
With headlights ON and brake applies still no RF, and NOTHING - not even a blink on the LR.

Could it be the flasher?

Other ideas? I'm not sure how to test this?
Thnks
Rog

Make sure that the flasher is matched to the type of bulbs you are using. LED bulbs require a LED flasher and incandescent require a flasher made for incandescent bulbs.

I had the same problem only my lights were incandescent and the flasher was for LED.

Good reply from Phil.

I'll add, because it was not explicitly stated in the first post:

You need a different flasher for 6v or 12 systems and for incandescent bulbs (and/or mixed incandescent/LED bulbs, maybe).

Do you have a VOM meter to check your wiring?

Ed

Any recommendations for a 6V LED flasher?

Check Chevs of the 40s.

I got one from them and I got one off eBay.

3-prong LED flasher.

I would disconnect wires from the turn signal switch and start over with each light, checking running light function. Make sure each one is on when parking lights are pulled on. Once that is good, run hot to the bright element in each bulb one at a time and make sure all the other lights stay on. If not, you probably have a bad ground somewhere. If that all checks out good, then re-visit the turn signal switch.

Bad grounds can do crazy stuff, like feedback to any path it can find even through a bulb.

Still can't seem to find a part number for a 6V LED flasher. Lots of 12V, no 6V.

Try this. https://www.ledlight.com/flasher-cf...425PE5QIVlJOzCh0tIgcVEAQYAiABEgJwzvD_BwE

In case you are interested, I am almost certain that the flasher that you linked-to makes a "clicking noise".
Many electronic flashers are silent.

Thanks Phil and Tim. Guess I missed that site in my search! Ed

I second the ground. My gmc did something similar. I simply ran a couple new ground wires from both turn signal housings to the frame. Problem solved.

I agree that the poor grounds will can cause strange behavior but I chased poor grounds for weeks before I found the LED flasher in my truck with all incandescent bulbs. The flasher is cheep and easy to change. It may not be the problem but you need to match LED flashers to LED bulbs and vice versa. Logically that is the place to start.

Did everything work fine before installing the turn signal switch?
don

Thanks for the input thus far. I have a new flasher on the way and will check the grounding. The old turn signal switch did work all for primary lights but the rears were directional only. I'll keep you posted.