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I asked for help on that subject several days ago, and I got some useful hints from you. Thanks. (see my first message at the end)
I have not yet solved the problem, but I have some feedback:
As recommended, I checked the ground connections (really I worked only on the two bulbs of the left side, since the problem is the same on both sides), I connected the negative side of the bulbs directly to a good ground, and things went not better.
Following some advice from you, I connected an additional bulb in parallel with the other two, and surprise, the flashing frequency changed to normal.
Things are so:
I have a 21-Watt bulb in the rear, and a 18-Watt one in the front (the reason for this lower power is just a matter of the size of bulb for the available space in the indicator ? but with a 21-Watt bulb the problem is the same). When I connect an additional 21-Watt bulb, either in the front or in the rear, the flashing unit works properly.
The obvious conclusion is that for working properly the flashing unit must be loaded with at least 21+18+21= 60 Watts. (combinations with lower power do not work). This is why the systems works when activating the hazard (warning) lights (2 times 21+18 = 78 Watts).
So, I have now a way of mending the problem: connecting an additional bulb at the rear in each side and benefiting from more intense light.
However, I would like to find an explanation for that behaviour, since I insist, the system worked fine until some days.
Anybody has a hint?
Thank you again.
Jesus in Spain.
My first message -------------------------------.
I have a problem with the flashing unit in my 1973 VW.
When activating the indicators, either left or right, the flashing unit works too fast, that is, the idle time between flashes is too short. However, when the warning light is operated (four indicators: left and right, front and rear), the system works properly.
In the past this happened not always, and only when the engine was not running.
I can imagine following cause-effect relationships:
The flashing unit seems to internally operate correctly. Otherwise, it would flash too fast always.
Perhaps the malfunction has to do with the current intensity across the flashing unit: when four bulbs are flashing, more current will go across. This could also explain why it used to work fine with the engine running, since the generator would increase the circuit voltage, and thus increase current.
I have checked the bulbs, and they seem to be ok. Also, when I remove one of the bulbs on one corner (front-left), the flashing frequency does not change at all (either too fast or normal, depending if the indicator or the warning switch is activated). This seems to contradict the above idea of the problem being caused by the different current intensity.
I am no t able to go farther in the identification of the cause. I know that one way to proceed would be to replace the flashing unit and see if that works. But, even if necessary, I would like to fix the problem before. It is just a matter of technical curiosity.
Anybody can help me?
Thanks for all the inputs.
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