LED Turn Signals - 86 ZL600

[Steve C]

Hey guys,

Now I know many of you would cringe at the idea of replacing away from OEM, but please help me out if you can. I've had my ZL for a couple years now and I finally got tired of my huge Mickey mouse ear turn signals. So I bought a cheap set of LED mini stalks to try out in their place. Now I have already determined that I need some new electronic blinker relays so they are on order...but does anyone know where to find the old one's on my 86 so I can replace? Even better, does anyone have a DIY of this project?

 

[gosupes]

The issue is you need more resistance to get the old style bi-metal flasher to work. Or as you discovered, you need to replace the mechanical flasher with an electronic one. I forgot the terminal configuration. Your best bet is to remove the stock flasher and take it to the auto parts store and match it up. It should be a 3 blade, but it looks like there might be a couple different configurations.

Here is some reading on difference cases and configurations: http://www.ledlight.com/electronic-led-flasher-ep29.aspx

 

[kawboy]

The issue is you need more resistance to get the old style bi-metal flasher to work.

LESS resistance, more current.

I don't know off-hand which flasher I bought, but I didn't need any load resistors to get the proper flash rate. Worked right out of the box.

 

[gosupes]

When LEDs are used in a flashing circuit, the resistance drops sending more current to the flasher which will cause the flasher to cycle extremely fast or not at all. The bimetal strip will heat and cycle depending on the current provided. Usually when running LEDs the manufacturer will provided load resistors to increase resistance and drop the current. I think I added 100 ohms total for all 4 signals if memory serves me right. That's why I said you need more resistance to get the flasher to operate normally. Wasn't trying to confuse anyone. I just didn't state it very clearly.

 

[Steve C]

Thanks for all the input guys. I ended up ordering an electronic flasher relay through some input on Reddit (before I saw your guys replies). This one https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...f13jl-02-led-bulb-electronic-flasher/783/837/ in hopes that it will detect the lower current the LEDs draw instead of the stock halogens.

New relay should be in in the next couple days...so we'll see how it goes.