12v LED Turn Signals Do Not Flash

[fordhistory]

I installed a new set of LED turn signals on my '40 sedan delivery, but they don't work. Well, they work part-time. With the engine off and ignition on, the turn signals work just fine--they flash on and off nice and bright. When I start the engine, however, the turn signals will turn on, but will not blink.

I called the original manufacturer, got in touch with their technical assistance staff, and they told me I needed to install a load resistor in parallel with each corner of the car. They gave me the part number for the load resistor. I bought four, installed one at the left front corner to test the new arrangement, but the LED light still did not flash with the engine running. (Note: the load resistor is supposed to replicate the higher resistance of a normal 12v bulb.)

Anybody have any ideas as to how to get my LED turn signals to work? Has any of you overcome this same problem?
Henry Dominguez

[40cpe]

You are installing the load IN PARALLEL (not series) with the led light? Try installing the left rear load, too. The flasher reads front and rear at the same time.

There are electronic flashers designed for the LED lights.

[fordhistory]

Yes, I installed it in parallel, but I only hooked up ONE resistor. I'll try hooking up both on the left side and see what happens. Thanks for the good advice.

[JSeery]

Something doesn't sound right about this. The same no load condition exist both with and without the engine running/ignition on-off. See if the additional load corrects it, but sounds like something is wired up wrong to me.

[Randy in ca]

As 40cpe suggested there are special no-load flashers available to use with LED lights. Easier than using resisters.

Links in this old thread:

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142198

[40cpe]

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Originally Posted by JSeery

Something doesn't sound right about this. The same no load condition exist both with and without the engine running/ignition on-off. See if the additional load corrects it, but sounds like something is wired up wrong to me.

I'm no electrical guru, but I think it has something to do with the voltage being higher/less amps drawn when the car is charging. If that were the case, seems as if only one of the added load resister would correct it, though.

I'm anxiously awaiting the outcome.

[Displayman]

You need a heavy duty flasher.
That is what worked when I installed LED's
in our Merc.
Good Luck ,
Bob-Hampshire, Ill.

[fordhistory]

You guys gave me some good ideas. Let me work on it, and I'll let you know what happens.

[TJ]

Change the flasher to one that is compatible with the LEDs. You can get the correct flasher at any auto parts store. It solved the problem on a friends car.

[NealinCA]

I installed an LED flasher unit and still have the same problem as described above. They work fine when key on, but not when the engine is running.

Here are the lights I have, they go in 36 Ford style tail lights, like this.



I bought an Electronic flasher unit like this...



Turn signals work fine with the key on, but once you start the engine, they don't flash. I just get a solid light, no flash.
I have a universal turn signal switch like this...



and a 12V system, using a 57-64 Ford 30A generator.

Thanks,

Neal

[Brooks]

Fordhistory, superbrightled.com has what you need . FL3 red flasher will solve your problem.

[Brooks]

Superbrightled.com has a FL 3 red flasher that will solve your problem.

[JSeery]

"I installed an LED flasher unit and still have the same problem as described above. They work fine when key on, but not when the engine is running."

There about has to be an issue with the way they are getting wired up. The only difference with the engine running is the generator is in the system. Where is the power wire for you turn signal wired in? Does the 36 have a stock type wiring harness? Do you have a copy of the signal wiring diagram?

All the flash canister wants to see is a load, very simple device.

[325w]

Tha even you scared in an extra ground. Maybe alligator clips. Sometimes you can check by adding a regular light bulb it adds load.

[Brooks]

Nealinca, that electronic flasher will not work with LED ,get a FL 3 RED flasher from superbrightled.com. I have fixed this problem with this flasher.

[V8COOPMAN]

This one.......click the link! DD

https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...c-flasher/780/

[NealinCA]

Originally Posted by Brooks

Nealinca, that electronic flasher will not work with LED ,get a FL 3 RED flasher from superbrightled.com. I have fixed this problem with this flasher.

OK, just ordered one from the link above. I will report back.

Thanks,

Neal

[flatheadmurre]

The load resistors add the load needed for the flasher to heat up, to little load and it flash to fast or solid light.
You can add all resistors in one place parallel to bulb.
When starting up the engine you raise the voltage making the circuit draw less amps so not heating up the flasher as before...try adding more load to the circuit(another resistor).
Up to 3 resistors is normal load for a flasher relay (car+trailer)

[TJ]

Be sure all your grounds are clean. For LED ,grounding is critical.

[NealinCA]

The Superbright LED FL3 Red flasher solved the problem. Thanks!