How does a directional flasher work?
Once heated, it changes shape and flattens out. That’s when the contacts touch and full current flows to the turn signal bulbs causing them to light up. While they’re lit, current bypasses the heater and it shuts off, causing the bi-metallic strip to cool. As it cools, it “snap” back to its curved shape.
What does a flasher relay do?
The flasher is an electrical component that serves as the switch that allows the lights to flash on and off. When current is applied to the relay the circuit inside cuts on and off, which results in the clicking sound of the relay, as well as the flashing of the turn signal or hazard lights.
How does hazard relay work?
The relay is the electromechanical device that makes the operator switch-selections happen. Typically, a switch is engaged, which energizes the electromagnet in the relay. This electromagnet closes contacts that power the flasher and lighting circuit. Left, right or both sides can be selected.
Where is flasher relay?
Access the junction box where your flasher relay is located. The location of the junction box that holds the flasher relay will depend on the make and model of your vehicle. In some models, it is located in the engine compartment near the battery. On other models it is located near or in the steering wheel column.
What is a thermal flasher relay?
Tools. Flasher units are designed to control the flash rate of vehicle directional indicators; this is achieved by providing regular interruption of the electric current in the indicator circuit.
How can you tell if a turn signal flasher is bad?
The most common symptom of a bad or failing turn signal / hazard flasher is hazards or turn signal lights that do not function. If the flasher breaks or has any internal issues it can cause the lights to malfunction, or not respond at all when the turn signal lever or hazard light button are pressed.
How do you test a thermal flasher?
Testing the flasher unit Turn on the ignition . If the supply side of the unit is working, the bulb should light. If it does not, look for a break in the wiring between the unit and the fuse box. If the tester lights, test between the terminal marked L and the earth.
How does power flow through a turn signal Flasher?
When you operate your turn signals, power flows through the heater in the turn signal and through the turn signal bulbs. Since the heater is a very high resistance wire, the current flow to the bulbs isn’t enough to light them.
How does a thermal Flasher work on a switch?
When you push the turn-signal stalk down, the thermal flasher connects to the turn-signal bulbs by way of the turn-signal switch. This completes the circuit, allowing current to flow. Initially, the spring steel does not touch the contact, so the only thing that draws power is the resistor.
What do you need to know about LED flashers?
What is an LED Flasher? An LED (-compatible) Flasher is a turn-signal or hazard flasher relay that works properly with LED turn-signal bulbs. Generally, a stock automotive Turn Signal (or Hazard) Flasher Relay does not work with LED Bulbs unless it was designed for that.
Why do flashers need to be connected to ground?
This wire needs to be connected directly to ground. In the simplest case, that would be a piece of sheet-metal of the vehicle. The reason your flasher may have this is because none of the terminals of the flasher socket in the original vehicle design was grounded.