TOPIC:

OK what kind of flasher do I need with my 1157 LED's. I know I read it here but don't remember where.
Steve

I switched over to a Tridon/Stant 552 2 prong flasher unit to keep my blinkers flashing at a steady rate even though I do not use LEDs. It is an electronic unit rather than the old style that needed a certain resistance. I have been told that others have used that same unit for LED's with success. Auto parts stores carry it. Ed

Thanks Ed.
Steve

Well it doesn't work. When I put in all four LED's they are dim and won't flash. The 552 is for old style lights so I got a electronic 232 at OR. The kid behind the counter acted like I was speaking German. Ifound a thread saying I should get a LED flasher at OR, part # EFC 212RL 2P 12v. They sell LED 1157's there for $25 a piece but they don't know about the flashers? I'd be more pissed if spent that kind of money and they don't have the flasher to go with them.
Steve

Interesting. It makes me wonder why other folks were able to use the 552 with LED's; maybe they were using some other type of LED bulbs? In any case, thanks for the follow-up info. I'll be sure not to give out that bum advice again! Ed

Get a 3 prong, fully electronic-controlled, flasher.

There are really three types. That 2 prong 552 looks like the intermediate level. It probably just uses a capacitor circuit. This type still relies on current to some extent.

The three-prong ones that have an actual IC chip inside are far less load-dependent.
15 years ago I used to use the Wagner 7060. But they have probably been bought out so under a different name.

I have some notes on the three flasher types here, about 1/2 way down the page:
home.comcast.net/~loudgpz/GPZweb/Lighting/GPZturnSigInteg.html

Bum advice? May not be. The kid I was talking to had no idea what I was asking. I'll check it out before making any decisions.
Steve

So the three prong has a ground. Makes sense. I'll let you know. Thanks.
Steve

Yes. You just have to find a good diagram for the flasher, and add a ground wire. Sometimes the diagram will be on the package.

After thinking about it, I have to say this; all too often I will go to a specialty store, yes OR, AZ and the like were that and I come across young people that have no idea how to figure out things on their own. Throughout my working career and working on my own things I've had to figure it out. I was on my own. Sometimes I'd have to sleep on it. The next morning, I'd have a idea and most of the time it would work out. My employers would see this capability and send me as lead man or (and I always liked this), send me on my own to take care of a problem. I'm afraid with the progress of computers and the like, we are losing a valuable commodity, reasoning.
Just my opinion.
Steve

We use to call it book learned bulls**t.

Yup.
Steve