I'm in the process of replacing all of my exterior bulbs with LEDs and it would be great to replace the Blinker/Flasher unit with electronic version that is not dependant on load to flash at the correct rate.
I know I can add load resisters, but that would defeat part of the purpose of switching to LEDs.
Check these folks. Your question got me searching. It was a quick find. I am thinking of the same problem for my vehicles and figured all these trucks on the highway with LED lights have solved the problem.
http://www.grote.com/prodcat/H.html I googled "solid state turn signal flasher"
Have you tried the LEDs without changing anything? From info I found, there are two relays, one each for the left and right turn-brake light circuit. If these relays that light the lamps and are run by a flasher circuit of some sort, then the load of the "lamp" doesn't matter. I am betting you might not need to change the "flasher". BTW where did you get the LEDS? Who made them? Thanks for any info.
Hey Ned,
I'm doing the same thing. The two flasher relays are located at the back of the SAM (fuse box).in a seperate harness. I have so far been unsuccessful in finding an electronic equivalent however and may have to resort to a load equalizer.
Have you looked at www.superbrightleds.com
They have some really nice products for interior lighting as well as a wide array of automotive bulbs and electronic flashers suitable for use with leds.
Permalink Reply by Tony on August 30, 2009 at 8:11pm
I've looked for LED's online but don't seem to find any that match the unusual bulb numbers in the Smart owners manual. Who is the source you've used to find the bulbs? I also would like to change out the ones in my dash, clock and tach.
Everyone in this thread needs to get more familiar with the smart's circuitry BEFORE futzing with it. I, for one, have not even found a good electrical diagram, have you? As far as I can determine from calling a dealer service guy, and observation in my car, the turn signal lamps are not "flashed" by a flasher as most of us think of it. It seems to get a flash signal from deep in the SAM which actuates a RELAY, which is not a "FLASHER". I have found out that most of the dash illumination is by LED already. The evilution site talks about them. I also wonder WHY regular bulbs need to be changed out if they aren't burned out. I have a 2001 Ford Focus which still has all of its original bulbs with the exception of the number plate lamp. Are you guys really "saving" anything?
I am all for the latest and greenest as well. That's why I would wait till the replacements were needed. It is not very green to just toss good stuff in favor of new things that take up resources to be made. Anyway by the time the stock bulbs burn out the LEDs will be more available AND cheaper. Call me old fashioned, "waste not, want not"
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