1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

blinkers/Flashers don't work....but running lights do...

Old Dec 29, 2007 | 07:26 PM
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blinkers/Flashers don't work....but running lights do...

Specs: 85 RX7 S, 160K

So my blinkers/flashers don't work anymore. I turn the switch for the hazards and they don't come on or flash. My turn signals don't work no matter what i do. But when I turn the lights on, they come on but not as full as when they would blink.

I checked the fuse and its good. I'm not sure where to start next. Maybe the wire going into the fuse box? Is there a separate blinker mechanism that would be broken? Anything would help....Thanks!
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Old Dec 29, 2007 | 08:05 PM
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Sounds like a flasher problem.
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Old Dec 29, 2007 | 08:28 PM
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Flasher relay unit.
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Old Dec 30, 2007 | 01:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Vashner
Flasher relay unit.
I agree with that, sounds like the relay's getting there....

But how would he replace it? I tried to upgrade my flasher unit with an electronic one a while ago, the relay is mounted on the board of the "ECU" in our cars... at least it is in my '82...
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Old Dec 30, 2007 | 01:58 PM
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It's modular. It's the same thing 85FB was talking about I just added the full part name in cause the original poster didn't know
what it was.
http://www.mazdatrix.com/79-85Electrical-Chassis.htm
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Old Dec 30, 2007 | 02:18 PM
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Okay then, also is it electronic orr am I SOL on that?
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Old Dec 30, 2007 | 02:18 PM
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I'm not sure if they sell flasher units for our cars at a local autoparts store, tho. I couldn't pull anything up on AutoZone's website.

And, flasher relays are always electronic.
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Old Dec 30, 2007 | 02:27 PM
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your problem is the flasher cpu located above the hood release. it will fail and cause your exact problem. its a black "box" type unit.
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Old Dec 30, 2007 | 02:36 PM
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I have a spare flasher box CPU for an '85 -SE if it'll work.
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Old Dec 30, 2007 | 02:41 PM
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From: "Haystack" Hayward, CA
Originally Posted by 85 FB
I'm not sure if they sell flasher units for our cars at a local autoparts store, tho. I couldn't pull anything up on AutoZone's website.

And, flasher relays are always electronic.
What I meant by Electronic was if our cars use a bi-metallic strip for the relays... in my Auto electrics class the teacher said that if you tried to use LEDs (which I was going to with my car) with a bi-metallic flasher relay the resistance would be so low that the flasher would not work properly. So you needed an electronic one that would handle such low Ohms.

I just don't know what type of relay we have in our cars since they are pretty old.
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Old Dec 30, 2007 | 02:46 PM
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There was an old thread about using LEDs. I believe you need a resistor because of the impendance. <----is that the right word? My mind's a complete blank right now.
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Old Dec 30, 2007 | 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by 85 FB
I have a spare flasher box CPU for an '85 -SE if it'll work.
SE and non SE flasher units are the exact same
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Old Dec 31, 2007 | 02:38 AM
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Originally Posted by 85 FB
There was an old thread about using LEDs. I believe you need a resistor because of the impendance. <----is that the right word? My mind's a complete blank right now.
ohms = resistance
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Old Dec 31, 2007 | 03:06 AM
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Pull one from salvage or shop around for the part. I think I remember swapping that out once. It's been 19 years so I am rusty. But if you look at the part on mazadtrix it clearly has plug prongs so it can be swapped out.
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