Right side blinker light flashing faster than left

[bighealeysource]

Hey all,
Read the recent thread on an intermittent blinker ( Ok Reid I know that is redundant !)but I have the right side blinker that flashes quickly versus the left side that flashes along with the turn signal relay clicking with it. Turn signal relay on the firewall does not click when the right side is switched on via the trafficator switch but as said above it does flash but rapidly. I have checked all the connections and made sure they are tight, etc, did not check flasher relay yet. Does this sound like simply the turn signal relay unit ( small one) on the firewall? Running light functions fine on both sides and fast blinking is same front and back on right side. Any suggestions or might just let it go since it does work. This is on 56 BN2.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[RAC68]

Hi Mike,

As you probably know, the flasher is a bimetallic heat switch that works by distorting its metal strip to brake contacts when heat resistance builds sufficiently. Since the same flasher is utilized when activating the left or right signal circuits, any deviation in signal flashing rate or illumination duration between the two sides is the result of circuit resistance differences.

When activated, current passes through the flasher bimetallic element until sufficient heat builds to deform the element and break contacts. Upon cooling, the metal strip regains its original form and reestablishes connection. Since starting in a lights-on state, a burned out bulb would cause the remaining lights to stay on longer (less current draw) and a grounded circuit would cause the lights to turn of quicker.

Since power would flow equally to the trafficator switch from the flasher, I would trace the circuit you feel is not responding correctly from the switch to the bulbs. As a result of having some really odd things happen from failing bulbs, I would try replacing all the bulbs in the faulty circuit first and then continue if not resolved.

Good luck,
Ray (64BJ8P1)

 

[bighealeysource]

Thanks for posting your advice Ray ! Before I did anything else other than the double checking of all wires and connectors, I tried replacing the flasher unit on the firewall. SUCCESS, that was it as now both sides blink properly and new unit makes a nice faint clicking versus the old one a very loud clicking.
Regards,
Mike

 

[RAC68]

Hi Mike,

I’m glad you have everything working the way you want. However, I am a little confused as the flasher services both left and right signals equally. I am wondering if the new flasher provided more power to the circuits than the old and overcame the additional resistance in your faster circuit. This added power along with the fresh bimetallic switch could be what made the difference.

Well, now we have another answer to provide others who encounter the same problem.

All the best,
Ray (64BJ8P1)

 

[Legal Bill]

Mike,

watch it closely and let us know if the new flasher starts acting the same as the old one. I've seen that happen. I have the same problem with my car at the moment. I have not delved into the diagnosis yet.

 

[terp83]

Mike,

I had a similar problem with my Tri-Carb, except that the symptom was on both sides. I found that the two wires to the poles (not the ground wire) to the stop/tail lamp unit were reversed on each side.
To check this, turn your headlights on and stand behind the car. If one of the tail lamps is noticeably brighter than the other, it is possible that the tail lamp wires to the bright side are reversed. This is better checked in the dim light, as it is harder to spot the difference in lamp brightness during the day.

Jerry

 

[bighealeysource]

Hey y'all,
Thanks for the additional comments. I did notice that the right side running light was brighter than the left side although it is blinking correctly. Looks like I better do some more checking ! I'll double check the rear lights to make sure I don't have the situation Jerry described on his tri carb.
Thanks,
Mike