Ken the electrical guy Q n A

do you want both bulbs to flash when you turn the turn signal on or just one ?

 

lol ugh (just one).. i want them to act as turn signals (right side as right turn signal, left side as left turn signal) looking for a more simple solution than running two relays.

 

i understand you want them to flash left and right depending on the switch position lol. I meant do you want both bulbs to flash as turns or one lol.

When it comes to custom electrical circuits some times there isn’t a easy solution. I’ll think about it while I’m in class and see if I can come up with something for you

 

Doing this without relays is a real head scratcher. Most ideas I’ve come up with include a relay. Getting the lights to flash isn’t the issue. It’s getting the constant circuit to discontinue simultaneously that’s hard without the use of a relay.

I mean flashers are either relays or bi metallic strips which will require 12v to alternate positions and or continuity.

Im sure there’s something out there that can be used to break and bridge the ground. But In that case you’ll probably need two of those lol.

@Cudgel or anybody have any ideas?

 

Relay - that's all I got.

 

Ok so I got it sorted out. Here is the updated diagram...


Now the only issue I need to sort out is the climate control panel is VERY dim. Could this be because I am pulling a load for the switches from the back of the control panel? I took the climate controls apart to see if there were any bulbs burnt out.... they are chip LEDs that are flood soldered into the board... so no replacing. Any suggestions for fixing dim lights on the climate control board? Short of parts slamming and buying a new one that "could" fix it?

 

I can use the pulse of the OEM turn signal power/ground but i am unfamiliar with available relays, i know they have more than one switch inside of some... i think breaking the ground to the running lights will interrupt the signal and flash it... I am just hunting for a better COTS item that can do this than a single relay... i dont have a lot of experience in available electrical switches and was taking a shot at seeing if you did.

 

Greetings Kens04Taco-

My '13 with 60K.

The left front DRL/turn signal stopped working. Replaced bulb, worked briefly, then went out again, still out. Closer examination of the new and old bulbs looks like both filaments are intact in both bulbs. All other lights functioning normally. Line from fuse box to light short and completely encased- hard to see how a short could develop in it.


Left front (not working)




Right front (still working)



Notice that the left front (out) has more browning on the socket than the right. Is the socket (or what ever it's called) bad?

Is this browning normal from use?

thanks in advance

 

excess heat will cause that browning. I would suspect of a grounding issue. Poor grounds can cause heat. Pull the bulb out and look inside the connector for debris or anything out of the norm. Check your grounds. There’s probably one on the fender or body. After you check those get back to me and we’ll move forward

 

Might be worth checking what relays are used for the normal turn signals. If they have a unused normally closed contact you can hook up to, you might be in business.

 

will do, mucho appreciado

 

There is an electronics device known as a "TRIAC" that would possibly be better suited for this task. However, my electronics skills are week at best. So you will need to do your own research for correct sizing of the device.
Also, the signal lights are switched directly from the ECM (probably using TRIACS). So there are no real world relays to look at. ALSO, I would not recommend breaking the OE ground. I would advise to tap the OE (+) conductor to use as a trigger for the relay (or TRIAC). Just simply take precautions by using diodes as a back-flow preventer along with low current fuses.

 

This device is what currently controls the flashing..

https://www.diodedynamics.com/smarttap-cf18-led-flasher-module.html

 

A triac is only helpful if you're working with AC. They only shut off once the current going through them drops to a certain level - such as with a zero crossing you get in an AC circuit.

A solid state relay or a fet might work, but I suspect they're looking for something easier.

 

Hmmm. They don't really provide a pinout do they.

 

no, but it replaces an oem unit that is identical.. this is a relay of some sort as it clicks.

 

I was going by this \/ \/ \/


I didn't try to find the configuration of the Combination Meter itself. I just assumed that everything is soldered though.

 

De nada mano

 

Thank you for posting about this. I get to learn something new tonight . Begin google search...annnnnnd go

 

Hi,

I am just reading this snippet.
To reiterate your goal, you want to flash the parking lights in conjunction with the corresponding sides blinker.

Question 1: did you state there are two filaments in each? If so do you have any inclination as to why, are there three wires in the harness, or do both filaments always light? Or did I misunderstand on the two filament bulbs.

Question 2: why are relays not allowed? There are electronic solutions but they are harder to build and waterproof.

Question 3: why do you want to do this in the first place? To improve visibility? Where are the regular blinker lights located?