Indicator problems with electronic relay

[Bernie-the-Bolt]

Thinking led bulbs for the indicators would be an improvement for my 1971 traveller, after changing the fronts to led , the flash rate was a lot faster , so purchased an electronic type from ESM . This corrected the flash rate but , I found the buzzer installed by the previous owner was sounding continuously ( wired to the central relay terminal with the stalk bulb ) so I had to remove the buzzer. Also I have noticed the stalk indicator bulb stays alight ( although dimmed ) when in the off position. Thinking this could only be a faulty flasher relay , after speaking to ESM , they kindly sent a replacement FOC. However after changing this the same fault remains.
Reading related posts here , I gather the new electronic relays ( Chinesium ? ) are rubbish , so I think I may change back to the original Lucas eltromechanical relay FL5, and fit load resistors so it will work with led bulbs . Then I can refit the buzzer which I think is an aid to driving safely .
- old and new flasher relay pic attached.

[svenedin]

Although the relay you have bought is electronic inside rather than working electromechanically it is still not a suitable flasher unit to use with LED bulbs because it is designed to work with the resistance of incandescent bulbs. Yours is working (albeit not with the pilot lamp flashing) because there is still enough resistance having only replaced the front bulbs with LEDs.

You need to buy a flasher unit specifically for LED bulbs. Various units are available with more choice if you have converted to negative earth. Unfortunately most of them do not look like the original Lucas FL5 flasher unit so if the appearance on the bulkhead is important to you, you might like to do a workaround like I did. See this thread: viewtopic.php?p=723312&hilit=led+flasher#p723312

Using one of the electronic LED flasher units that make a tick-tick sound and mounting it under the dashboard would probably eliminate any need for a buzzer. Note that these units are polarity sensitive and you need to buy the correct polarity unit. The mounting bracket may need the hole for a bolt enlarged with a small rat's tail file. It needs an earth connection which you can do to the bracket mounting bolt or anywhere convenient.

Lots of other options though. You can use this type (which does not click) and connect your buzzer: https://www.classicbulbs.co.uk/products ... nals-l-p-x

or this type: https://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/ ... asher-unit

The type I used was this (and the bracket) but note polarity: https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/produc ... -p-2-3-pin

If you have a hazard light system this will need its flasher unit changed as well in order to flash LEDs unless specifically designed to flash LEDs.

Over the years there have been posts from people having trouble with the change to LED indicator bulbs. The only flasher unit that I know from personal experience works perfectly is this one: https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/produc ... -p-2-3-pin The reason this type has an earth connection is so that the timing circuit and speaker that makes the tick-tick sound is powered independently of the circuit that makes and breaks the connection to the indicator bulb.

Others may be able to recommend flasher units that have worked well on their cars.


Stephen

[Bernie-the-Bolt]

Many thanks , that makes sense.