Flasher wiring mess

[magikbus]

OK, Maybe I'm hooped.  Need a hint or two on how to go about fixing this.  

1.)  Found the turn signals would light up the proper side but no flashing.  The emerg. button would light up both sides but no flashing.

2.) Found that it looks like the flasher module has been by-passed and different wires go from a secondary flasher unit to... somehwere.

3.) Took the old flasher unit (4 prong) off and replaced it with a new (4 prong) unit.

4.)  Tried it out and got a high pitched sound like a bird strangling when the signal lever was either up or down.  :-(

5.)  Investigated further and found the sound was coming from the "real" 3 prong flasher unit hidden behind a black plastic finger nail ripper cage which was making the strangling bird sound.  IT didn't do that the first time I tried the signals. :-(

6.) back tracked my steps exactly to "original" condition, still got the strangled bird sound.

7.) Extricated myself from under the steering column, got out, kicked the Van and came in the house.

Stan

[Volktales]

Ok, here it is. The relay in your picture is a four prong version listed as a "fog light relay". This style of relay is quite generic and could be used for lots of different purposes. It is NOT the four prong dimmer relay that should be in the fuse panel. The actual signal/emergency flasher relay is a three pin design. These often die due to water damage. The design of the late bay-window has an idiosyncrasy that even a tiny water leak through the windshield, will funnel water directly into the fuse panel, and fill up the flasher relay nicely. They make neat squawking sounds when this happens. Make sure you are not actually hearing the remaining two pin "relay". This is not a relay, but in fact the dreaded key reminder buzzer. If still functioning it will make a very nice squawking sound on purpose...

[magikbus]

Thanks Russ. Now I'll remove the "other" relay and then use a 12V source to test the "added" wiring to see if it in fact does the job of lighting up the signals, as well as which wire goes to which side.

Maybe they even didn't rip out the existing wiring so I can actually use the three prong female plug in on the bottom of the fuse panel.  I wonder if it's OK to take the 2 screws out of the fuse panel and lower it slightly, tilting it out at the bottom to make inserting these "relays" easier?

Stan

[Volktales]

Yes you can lower the fuse panel...

[magikbus]

OK since it was pouring with rain all day today, and I'm a wuss when it comes to getting soaked working on the van, I hooked up the "old 3 prong) relay that had been plugged into the bottom of the fuse panel. I hypothesized it was toast by physically examining it (shook it up to my ear and it rattled and thunked). I then hooked it up to a workbench 12v power supply and old tail light. It proved to be electronically toast by refusing to light up the tail light.

I then hooked up the new 3 prong relay which successfully made the old tail light blink satisfactorily on the bench.

Tomorrow (if it quits raining) I'll unplug the "other" relay (the one that screeches) and plug in the new relay for a real time test.
Stan

[magikbus]

Thanks Russ, that'll make things a lot easier.
Stan

[magikbus]

OK, Success. All 4 bulbs on the flasher relay work now with the new 3 prong "relay?". It's also interesting that one of the bulbs (the right rear) was burned out. When I replaced it the flashing continuted at exactly the same pace. The new flasher is marked "led compatible" or something to that extent meaning it keeps it's same speed no matter what the load is. That says to me that it's entirely electronic, probably uses an IC such as the 555 to do the same as an old fashioned "relay" using magnetic on/off to activate an arm with points doing the contact/non-contact dance.

Stan