turn signal problem

[Cruiser]

I've re-wired the trailer and today hooked up the trailer lights.
Tail lights, running lights, brake lights and turn signals all seem to be working fine, except the turn signals blink twice as fast as they should on both the trailer and the tow vehicle. When I disconnect the trailer, the tow vehicle turn signals return to normal. Any ideas about what I've done wrong and how I can correct the problem?
Doug

[74Argosy24MH]

The flasher is thermal, more bulbs = more current = more heat and a higher flash rate. Get an electronic flasher and it will flash at the right speed.

[Cruiser]

Thanks, 74Argosy24MH.
Is the flasher in the tow vehicle? Or is it part of the bulb?
Doug

[74Argosy24MH]

It is in the tow vehicle, usually a little round metal or plastic can about 1" diameter and 1" tall. Turn your signals on and listen under the dash. There are 2, 1 will be for the turn signals, the other the emergency flashers.

[Cruiser]

Found 'em. Thanks!
Doug

[Sneakinup]

I had the same problem while trying to wire my cord to the trailer correctly. I can't tell you exactly what the problem is (it was a nightmare trying to resolve ALL the problems), but the rapid blinking means something is shorting out... in my vehicle anyway. GMC Suburban. When a bulb is out, it blinks twice as fast. I think the short simulated a bulb being out. I ended up changing out some of the rear light sockets because they had disintegrated. In addition, the company that hooked up my brake controller, had incorrectly wired the plug on the back of my truck. Two wires were touching. I was even having the running lights blinking! Once they fixed that, I was able to get normal blinker activity.

I know that wasn't much help, but it is a start.

[Ken J]

I've never heard of an electronic flasher - I've always heard that you just need a heavy duty flasher - do you know if there is a difference?

Ken

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Ken J

I've never heard of an electronic flasher - I've always heard that you just need a heavy duty flasher do you know if there is a difference?

$$$$Ka-ching!!!$$$
The heavy duty version will be cheaper, and the electronic version will probably not available for older trucks.

Tom

[Cruiser]

Napa had an electronic flasher for $20.- which they said was mostly for trucks with alot of lights. I got a heavy duty flasher for $3.- to try instead, the same kind as on the hazard light circuit. Now the turn signal flashes at the same frequency with the tow vehicle connected or not, so this problem is solved. Both still go a little faster than before, about 1.5 times a second. It doesn't really bother me unless, as sneakinup wondered, there's a short of some kind. It's all new wiring and I don't see anything touching. I replaced the sockets in the clearance lights, but the ones in the tail lights are old and may need to be replaced, I don't know. Right now, I just want the trailer to pass state safety inspection. Thanks all for the input.
Doug

[Ken J]

$3 sounds more like it. 20 bucks for a flasher is a little much. ka ching is right.

Ken