The LED indicator bulbs in my 6v beetle wont flash.I Have replaced the flasher unit.... but, are they not flashing as they are not drawing enough current?.. or am i completely off track?!?
Steven
VWCOOL ·
I reckon LEDs have not enough current to 'trigger' the system... but I might be off-track too
blutopless2 ·
LED's draw much less current than normal globes. Not sure if this would effect the flasher operation tho.
68AutoBug ·
You must be using a flasher unit that depends on having 2 x 21 watt bulbs [usually written on flasher unit] or similar
and Yes, the LEDs use a very small amount of power....
the flasher unit would see them as an open circuit....
I'm afraid You will have to go back to standard bulbs again.
unless You can find an electronic flasher unit.. these are clear so You can see what is inside and do NOT depend on the bulbs wattage to work... I've only ever seen these in 12volt... I think You are using 6 volts...??
You could hook up the standard bulbs under the bonnet etc and still use the LEDs...in the lamps themselves...
Best of Luck
Lee Noonan 68AutoBug
helbus ·
What some people do is run a normal bulb in the wiring loom hidden away to produce the load as required. I know a guy who did it on his Holden and hid the globes in the boot.
Newbie ·
Thanks for the advice... I thought that perhaps it had something to do with the low current draw of the LED's. Yes i am running 6v and my flasher needs 2X21w (after reading the back)
instead of globes couldnt you just put in a resistor? Globe= resistance? Just an idea... if your globe goes then the system does aswell.... resistors more reliable?nn[ Edited on 14-7-2005 by 76camper ]
Purple Martin ·
Yes a resistor would be better because they're more reliable. Who here knows the resistance of a normal globe? Remember that the resistance of a globe is different when on than when off so you can't just measrue it with a multimeter with the globe off 🤖
76camper ·
The resistance will increase as the globe element heats up, but i dont think the system would be sensitive to that. So get your multimetre and measure the resistance of the globe when its cold and off then head down to jaycar or something like that and get a resistor and put it in the system and your LED indicator system should work
Lams ·
LEDs require the correct voltage (within a margain) for them to work. Do they light up - or is it just not flashing?
I have the electronic flasher units which is clear and changing the back bulb to an LED didn't affect the flash rate at all 🙂
Newbie ·
Are you still running 6v Lams? The LED's light up really bright, they just wont flash. If u are running 6v where did u get an electronic flasher (clear one) from... All i could find were the metal ones.
Thanks
Steven
76camper ·
try a resistor, cheap and easy solution!! (if resistance is the problem).
tassupervee ·
Im not familliar with the wattage of 6V stuff butif you use a resistor as a dummy load, remember that if you recreate the resistance of say a 6 watt bulb it has to dissipate about 1 amp. Thats quite a bit of heat generated and could become a fire risk if the location is bad and the indicators used for lengthy periods.
Make sure you buy the largest ceramic resistors in wattage you can get that are usually wire wound, just like an ignition colil ballast resistor.
And mount them somewhere on metal as a heat sink.
If you use really small resistors the blasted things will get hella hot, be a fire risk and possibly fail.
L8tr
E
76camper ·
never heard of resistors causing a fire, but if you be careful im sure you can avoid it. As tassupervee said, a resistor is creating a 'dummy' load which the system thinks is a globe.
barls ·
i have ive seen one that badly burnt that all that was left was the legs of it and a scorch mark on the board. it does happen so get the ones that are ceramic and about 1cm in diameter
Newbie ·
The resistor way does sound the best however i am not that clued up about resistors and all that jazz.... But I do have a mulitmeter though, so i will give it a try..... 😵💫😵💫
76camper ·
i am not that clued up about resistors and all that jazz
resistor = resistance to flow of electrons (current)
Globe = Resistance of flow of electrons (current) Where there is reistance the electrical energy changes from to heat and light energy, a globe.
So they both do the same thing, but a resistor is designed to slow the flow of electrons for use a b and c in electrical circuits. The resistance of your LED's is far less than the resistance of a globe. Which is the reason you changed (one way or another). The system you have most likely needs the resistance from the globe that was meant to run on the circuit. By replacing the globe with LED's the resistance drops, and the resistance needed by the circuit is no longer there. By putting in a resistor the system gets its resistance and thinks everything is fine. Take your globe down to an electrical store, dicksmith, jay car or something and say you need a resistor with the same resistance as this globe. They cheap as dirt and the person serving you will know exactly what your looking for. Then when you get home, cut the positive wire to the LED's and put in the resistor and all should be well. Not as tricky as it sounds.
If you dont wana get a resistor you just put the globe in like some1 else mentioned and just hide it somewhere, this will create the resistance needed for the system (if thats what the problem is)
Newbie ·
Thanks 76Camper. Makes alot more sense now!
Will defininatly head to jaycar on my next day off!
Thanks for all the help guys! :thumb
Steven
General_Failure ·
I would have gone the more difficult path, being the kind of person I am.
What I would have done is make a simple flasher circuit based on a 555 timer IC and had it driving a relay. This way I could decide the flash rate, and not have to put any extra load on the electrical system with a resistor or bulb.
Given the precious nature of power in a 6v system, you may want to pursue a less current hungry method.
I miss my mother's 58 deluxe beetle. dim bulbs and all.