2 prong vrs 3 prong signal flasher

Ed ke6bnl · April 02, 2004, 10:03:03 PM

Hi, I have a two prong flasher that I temporarily hooked up to flash a 12 volt bulb works ok. The old style add on signal system I just got shows a flasher with 3 terminals +, L, P, Maybe someone can explain the differance and what the extra terminal is for ??. + is the hot lead and what is the L and P as compared to the two prong flasher. Thanks for your help Ed ke6bl

enjenjo · April 02, 2004, 10:35:58 PM

The L terminal is for the Load, this goes to the turn signal switch. The P terminal, or Pilot is for the indicator light, if you switch is so equiped. Most newer switches used a tap off the front turn signal wires to run two indicators, left and right. The older systems used one indicator for both, powered by the P terminal on the flasher. Some of the old switches had the light built in, either in the handle, or the body of the switch.

Ed ke6bnl · April 03, 2004, 10:03:16 AM

Quote from: "enjenjo"The L terminal is for the Load, this goes to the turn signal switch. The P terminal, or Pilot is for the indicator light, if you switch is so equiped. Most newer switches used a tap off the front turn signal wires to run two indicators, left and right. The older systems used one indicator for both, powered by the P terminal on the flasher. Some of the old switches had the light built in, either in the handle, or the body of the switch.

Thanks enjenjo, that is exactly what I needed to know this is a reproduction of an older turn signal unit and it seems to have the flasher in the handle that will use by the p terminal. At least I will be able to wire it up today and when I get to town will purchase a three terminal one that will fire the light in the signal arm. Great site and thanks for all the help as always Ed ke6bnl

Skip · April 11, 2004, 09:15:36 PM

One of the problems I have run into lately si that the opld standby, the 550 flasher, no longer works properly, regardless of whose name is on the box.

the pilot light comes on as soon as power is applied and blinks only when the signals are activated.

I've switched over to electronic (heavy duty truck application) units.

Don't have the part number handy but I can get them at my local NAPA store any time I need one as our town DPW uses them all the time so they're always in stock.

Ed ke6bnl · April 12, 2004, 03:47:08 AM

Quote from: "Skip"One of the problems I have run into lately si that the opld standby, the 550 flasher, no longer works properly, regardless of whose name is on the box.

the pilot light comes on as soon as power is applied and blinks only when the signals are activated.

I've switched over to electronic (heavy duty truck application) units.

Don't have the part number handy but I can get them at my local NAPA store any time I need one as our town DPW uses them all the time so they're always in stock.

That is exactly what I did, all the flashers with the pilot were in previously open packages and looked used, so I went with an electronic one that will fire even if you were to loose two bulbs, I figure I then can go with LED later with out spending any more money and so far is working great. Ed ke6bnl