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Replace Turn Signal Flasher
Turn Signal Flasher
Flashers are an important
electrical component that
allows yours
turn signals and hazard
lights to blink. The flasher is usually located in the power distribution center.
There are four main types of flashers for automotive use; turn signal flasher, hazard
warning flasher, two in one combination hazard light-
turn
signal and alternating flashers used in emergency vehicles. Flashers are designed
to alert both the driver and others outside the vehicle to see that the vehicle
intends to turn left or right and give early warning of such a move. The flasher
will also emit an audio clicking sound to alert the driver the turn signal has been
activated. The turn signal flasher will illuminate only the left or right turn signal
bulb while the hazard warning lights will illuminate front and back and left and
right bulbs. When blinkers fail it can mean that either you have a
bad bulb or a failed flasher.
One of the symptoms of a
failed bulb include
rapid blinking, no blinking or blink rapidly.
Thermally activated Flashers: Some are thermally activated by applying a current
when the blinker is turned on; a resistive wire that is wrapped around spring steel
expands in the flasher and completes the circuit triggering the turn signal light
bulb for an instant. Once contact is made in the flasher the spring steel cools
and returns to the off position awaiting another pulse of electricity to repeat
the process as long as the blinker is on. This usually lasts less than a second.
Instructions
Step 1 - Locate your power control center and identify the turn signal relay
by consulting your owner’s manual or a
repair manual
Step 2 - Remove the failed flasher by hand and compare with the replacement flasher
to ensure that they are identical.
Step 3 - The electrical connectors on the flasher can only be inserted one way
into the power distribution center so installation is a cinch.
Step 4 - Visually inspect that all the blinkers and emergency flashers work
If further technical assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians
are ready to
answer your car questions. For manufacturer
specific repair information visit -
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