Jim Shea

Anybody have a 0.47mfd capacitor across their turn signal flasher? My turn signals have been acting up lately (four way flashers are fine). When I removed my turn signal flasher I noticed a 0.47mfd capacitor wired across the terminals. It almost looks like a factory or a service fix (not Bubbized). When I removed the capacitor, the turn signals work better but still somewhat fast.

Several months ago, I had a problem with the brake lights not working. I did discover a capacitor wired across the brake light switch (definately a Bubba type installation). I'm wondering if 28 years ago someone added these capacitors and now they are in need of replacement or I should just get rid of them.

77Dream

When I replaced my flasher I left the capacitor in and everything worked fine. I'm glad you posted this becuase I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be there or a bubba fix.


[Modified by 77Dream, 8:49 AM 8/6/2003]

Larry B.

The capacitor is part of the radio option. I have one on the original Tung-sol flasher.

Jim Shea

I don't remember how you check a capacitor to see if it is still functional. My gut feeling is that after 30 years, it has lost its capacitance. With the capacitor in place, the right and left turn signals just kind of flickered.

Since removing the capacitor the turn signals now function better but still flash quite quickly.

77Dream

I think you got the ricer flasher. :lol: Seriously though, super fast blinkers are about the first mod that honda owners do.

mrvette

Jim, the reason for the caps would be reducing the clicking noise in the AM radio, from the flasher sparking/arch contacts.....now that no one ever listens to AM radio anymore....well they are not needed.....like for the reasons I run my spark plug wires up top and so on....caps tend to get 'leaky' with age, and so that makes the flasher slower, any cap of similar value/voltage from say radio shack will work fine....hate that outfit with purple passion, but no other choice for easy buying of small electronic parts, as most parts houses are shut down these days....but being a geek of the Nth order, I keep many old circuit boards and the like from scrap gear around for the parts....
like 12 volt relays to fix the wife's a/c on her Escort.....stuff like that which saves 250 bux wholesale for a relay controll panel....Bosch struck again...

OH BTW, Jim.....I actually FIXED a Mitsubitchy auto tranny, one of them pushbutton o/drive units from a '93 Talon....250 bux for a kit and a converter, and had at it....what a mess 2 gallons of fluid all OVER THe place....

nice thing that engine degreaser....

GENE

Eddie 70

If I remember correctly you have to have an analog meter and to check a capacitor you put it on the ohms scale. Touch the meter leads to the capacitor leads and it should show shorted for a second until the charge builds on the cap. Then the needle should go toward high ohms. Reverse your meter leads and do the same check again expecting the same results.

Hope this helps.

mrvette

Eddie, you are correct of course, you MAY get the same indications from a DVM, but my last analogue meter bit the dust about 20 years ago when the Fluke came on board....

GENE

Eddie 70

Gene,
At work we have access to Flukes, Keithley, Triplett and Simpson. I use the digitals 99% of the time. It is just faster and you get the results. Sometimes though, like checking a cap, it helps to have something that doesn't respond as fast.(Simpson, Triplett) :thumbs:


[Modified by Eddie 70, 8:32 AM 8/7/2003]

Ganey

When I went to 4 taillights I changed the flasher so it would not flash too fast.

mrvette

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Eddie, the last D'arsenval meter I used was so long ago, I can't remember allready....but I think I still have my Tektronics 553?? and WV98c RCA meter...been a while....

GENE

LAvetteman

Capacitors can be checked with analog ohm meters, but it doesn't tell you if the cap is not puting out what it should. A capacitor analyzer is what you need but not everyone has one. My favorite is the new Fieldpiece meters that have volt(dc & ac),ohms, continuity, amps(ac), millivolt, and even has a temp probe all in one meter.

As for the flasher, a fast blink would indicate a high amp situation or as some forum members prefer to call it, "ISSUE". Check for loose connections on all bulbs.