turn signal flasher hyper

[theguywiththelongestname]

this morning, the right hand turn signal behaves in a hyper manner.
turning left, everything is a normal even rate. turning right, the flasher seems to be blinking at a hyper double-speed...fast blinking!

has this happened to anyone else? mine's a 2008 passion.

[Padawan]

Check your turn signal bulbs (front and rear) to make sure that none of them are burnt out.

[theguywiththelongestname]

will do...thanks for the tip...

[John_H]

Originally Posted by Padawan

Check your turn signal bulbs (front and rear) to make sure that none of them are burnt out.

More specifically, to find out which one is burnt out.

Flashers are designed to turn hyperactive when the load is less than expected. This is why LED lights either need a load resistor (defeating any power savings without reducing reliability) or special flasher relays to work with non-incandescent current levels.

Don't forget the side signal!

[theguywiththelongestname]

thanks for all the insight re: hyper flasher.

it turns out it's the passenger side rear lamp: seems to be a combo brake and turn signal lamp. I found the access panel on the passenger side of the cargo area...but...I think I'll have to poke around all the wires and foam sound deadening to see it there is bulb access through the rear of the tail light lens housing...

...anyone replaced a rear brake/ turn signal bulb? is this a DIY project like on any other vehicle? or will this require Mercedes tech help? will removal of rear body panels be required?

[Padawan]

Originally Posted by theguywiththelongestname

...anyone replaced a rear brake/ turn signal bulb? is this a DIY project like on any other vehicle? or will this require Mercedes tech help? will removal of rear body panels be required?

It's very simple. Just remove the square plastic access panel, move the foam out of the way, and you'll see the black plastic bulb holder. This has clip that you simple bend slightly to release, and the whole bulb holder will pull out.

[jefferios]

Has anyone found out out to replace the door's turn signal bulb? Is that an easy task???

[theguywiththelongestname]

Originally Posted by Padawan

It's very simple. Just remove the square plastic access panel, move the foam out of the way, and you'll see the black plastic bulb holder. This has clip that you simple bend slightly to release, and the whole bulb holder will pull out.

thanks Padawan!..I will have to take a peek in that access area when I have some time after work...

[mvaldes]

Originally Posted by jefferios

Has anyone found out out to replace the door's turn signal bulb? Is that an easy task???

I've never actually changed it, only disconnected it when taking off the front. But just changing the bulb (Page 258 in the manual) looks pretty simple.

[a2jack]

BTW the exact replacement bulb is available at Wal-Mart. A2Jack

#13 (permalink)
Smart Enuf

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Location: Elk Grove, CA
Drive: 2008 smart fortwo cabrio
My SCOA Gallery

Sure enough, wifey noticed my left tail light was out today, and my left turn signal was having a seizure. Kragen's -- no luck. Went to Walmart, and what do ya know? Both sets of lights were there (GE Standard series P21/5W for the rear tail/brake, P21W for the reverse light). The P21/5W were available at $2.48 a pair. I decided to buy the reverse lights ($2.98 a pair) at the same time even though I didn't need them yet; no sense making a return trip to Walmart if I can help it.

P21/5W was a perfect fit. Happiness returns...

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