Indicator flashing too fast

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christinii, Jul 3, 5:58am
96 Honda Odyssey failed its warrant because its left indicator flashing too fast.

We have checked bulbs which are all going and the same wattage, re-wired and re-earthed the wires AND changed the flasher unit.

What else could it be!

Our next option is to replace the whole main indicator arm inside the steering wheel.
morrisman1, Jul 3, 6:02am
Are all bulbs actually flashing!
andy61, Jul 3, 6:06am
Wont be indicator arm,where did you get that idea from!Have you checked all bulbs including repeaters on the sides of the front gaurds!
trader_84, Jul 3, 6:09am
From me . but I suggested the whole column . seeing it would be easier .
christinii, Jul 3, 6:10am
Yes, ALL lights are going. Have asked 4 mechanics including an auto electrician and they have no idea
christinii, Jul 3, 6:11am
Yeah, the wreckers have one at the moment. We just need to take old part down and collect other one
trader_84, Jul 3, 6:13am
Mate, generally when this occurs its due to a bulb going out on the side that is flashing faster. Have another look. If you have a bit of time and no money (like me) then try swapping all of the bulbs from the good side to the bad side and see if it makes a difference!
christinii, Jul 3, 6:15am
Ohk, lets try that. Off in the rain i go
trader_84, Jul 3, 6:19am
And before that suggestion . I suggested a front cut if the OP was mechanically minded. They were sorta keen but their local wreckers never had a good front half that was the right colour match for their rear, so ummm yeah. So thats why I suggested swapping the bulbs over from the good side then.
jason18, Jul 3, 6:49am
Yeah I would go new bulb route.
kazbanz, Jul 3, 7:17am
for gosh sakes -I suspect you were asking the wrong way OR the sparkies were taking the mickey.
there are only 3 options.
1) One indicator bulb is blown
2) the wattage of one or more bulb is wrong.
3) there is a bulb/holder completely missing-This happens when the car has had an accident and the Guard isreplaced with one which hasn't got a flasher in it.
So put the indicators on and have a look to see that EVERYindicator front side and back is flashing. If no then replace the non flashing bulb
If yes then remove the front and rear bulbs and check the wattage. Take the bulbs to an auto electical supplier see if you can get a higher wattage bulb/bulbswhich WILL have the effect of slowing the flasher down.
You may need to replace the front and rear bulb.

Just to explain the logic here.
The flasher isn't dual circuit -it flashes when you feed power to it-left or right.-so BOTH sides would be crook
If its the indicator stalk then it either will flash ,wont or will be really errattic. -Ie it doesn't make it flash fast or slow
wiring issues will stop it flashing or again make it erattic
So that takes us to bulbs.
trader_84, Jul 3, 7:49am
So no front cut then!
sr2, Jul 3, 8:37am
If the flasher unit uses a bi-metallic strip (I??
kazbanz, Jul 3, 8:49am
Sorry Sr2 you are wrong. Lowwer wattage faster speed higher wattage slower speed.
xpfairmont, Jul 3, 8:54am
indicator arm is just a switch. I think you've got a crappy bulb in the system. could even be the one in the dash!
xpfairmont, Jul 3, 9:20am
Just put a new flasher in one of my falcons last week. I hate the sound of the new one. grrrrr!
bwg11, Jul 3, 9:24am
Could I suggest you both may be right - depends if the bi-metaliic strip heats (bends) to open or complete the circuit, Both types exist. BUT I would have expected a vehicle this new to have an electronic flasher unit.
sr2, Jul 3, 9:41am
Very good point, I didn't realise they came in both configurations.
rover79, Jul 3, 10:05am
I had an issue like this years ago and it wasnt to do with indicators. One of the other lights was blown or the fuse to them, affected the indicators. Think it was the back lights, backing lights or numberplate light.
studio1, Jul 3, 10:12am
Indicator units in cars haven't used bi-metallic strips for a LONG time. They are electronic, and the flash rate is determined by the load presented to it - hence why they flash faster when a lamp is out.
Some motorbikes may still use the old bi-metallic units, but with technology being as cheap as it is now, it's more common to see electronic units.
kazbanz, Jul 3, 10:58am
easy way to check-go try it
I bet a chocky fish that I'm right
sr2, Jul 3, 11:14am
Betcha 2 chocky fish bwg11 is right.
Looks like our humble flasher unit may swing in both directions.
And I thought the motoring MB was the last bastion of hetro males!
bwg11, Jul 3, 11:39am
modie61, Jul 3, 11:54am
I had a car do this once,it had a 24v bulb in the front lamp.
hornnett, Jul 3, 3:32pm
Typical behaviour of a stupid time waster,they have the cheek to RING up and ask the poor mechanic/electrician who was in fact working on a PAYING customers car to diagnose a fault for FREE. And then wonder why the mechanic/electrician mysteriously doesnt know,and maybe a little rude as well.Wonder why as they are a free advice service after all.
And before all the do gooders say it could possible its a job they might get it never is the case.This is proven by the fact they have all ready asked several people.
But lucky for them this place is full of EXPERTS yea right.lol