LED indicators erratic flash rate.

[MarkB852]

I have a problem with my LED indicators where they will occasionally start to blink rapidly. I thought it might be a problem caused by a mis-match between the front and back indicators, I have Oxford on the front and some no-name Chinese ones on the rear, so I changed them to an all Oxford set-up... Which worked for a bit and then started doing the same old erratic blink rate.

I guess the next step is to get a replacement indicator relay and cut out all the resistors.

Any chance it's just a duff connector somewhere? I'm thinking probably not.

Thanks,

Mark

[Mauler]

As long as the resistors are securely connected up and doing their job it sounds like the indicator relay?

Is it all the indicators flinking fast or just one side? When they're playing up are all four working?

[MarkB852]

It started on the right hand side but only every now and again. Then it was always on the right hand side. I changed the rear indicators and everything was hunky-dory until I put the seat back on and then both sides started playing up. Moving stuff around whilst the indicators were going would occasionally change the blink rate but not consistently so I think it might just be the relay going weird. It's a PITA for sure.

Thanks,

Mark

[Bibio]

bad wiring.

[MarkB852]

Yeah. I said something like that...

Oddest thing was turning a resistor over and watching the blink rate change. Replaced that and no difference. Taking all the resistors out would at least give me an opportunity to cut down on the amount of connectors and replace those left with my spunky new crimp tool. It does a lovely job!

Thanks,

Mark

[NTECUK]

Removing the resivor might find the bad connection.
led compatible relays are not mega dosh .

[MarkB852]

Removing the resivor might find the bad connection.
led compatible relays are not mega dosh .

True. And duly ordered from sunny Hong Kong...

Thanks,

Mark

[keith_d]

Rapid blinking is probably due to a dud resistor or cruddy connection.

The blink rate for a regular flasher relay is determined by the current drawn by the bulbs. LED indicators draw much less current than regular bulbs so we install resistors in parallel with them to increase the current drawn.

If the resistor fails or isn't connected the current decreases and the flasher relay flashes faster.

For a permanent solution you need to replace the flasher relay with one suitable for LED lights and get rid of the resistors.

If you don't want to replace your relay you should check the resistors are connected securely.

Keith

[MarkB852]

Just have to wait for two weeks for the LED relay to arrive. Seems like a long while but then they're half the price.

And apparently just the same...

Mark

[Sid Squid]

As it doesn't happen all the time I'd first look for a poor/intermittent connection. As it's the flash rate that changes, it's most likely to be a resistor that's not connected securely. When the connection is good, the system is loaded correctly, flasher unit works right. When the connection is poor/missing there's not enough load - fast flash as the unit 'sees' a dud bulb.
Bin the resistors, fit a suitable flasher unit.

[DarrenSV650S]

Sounds like the resistors might be overheating. Working fine when cool then changing the flash rate as they heat up. Swapping the relay is always a better option

[MarkB852]

Sounds like the resistors might be overheating. Working fine when cool then changing the flash rate as they heat up. Swapping the relay is always a better option

New LED compatible indicator relay arrived and duly fitted. Out of interest I tried the indicators before taking out the resistors and they all worked perfectly. No amount of twiddling of connectors and resistors could replicate the erratic flash rate problems I was having so it seems that the relay was the problem.

I was tempted to leave the resistors in for a passing moment but got over it and took them all out which meant that I got to use my lovely crimp tool where I had to change from male to female and vice versa.

I guess my advice would be to forget fitting resistors and go straight to the LED compatible indicator relay from the start. Makes for a prettier installation as well!

Thanks all,

Mark

[NTECUK]

I got to use my lovely crimp tool where I had to change from male to female and vice versa.
:confused: hope you didnt snag your tights or break a nail ;)

I guess my advice would be to forget fitting resistors and go straight to the LED compatible indicator relay from the start.
Mark

[MarkB852]

:confused: hope you didnt snag your tights or break a nail ;)

Plays havoc with me acrylics!