I installed some bubble tail lights in my car and hooked it up so that I have four brake lights/ turn signal lights/ and night time lights. I ran the lights in parallel because I didn't wan't to dim the intensity. My turn signals now blink twice as fast. Am I going to pop a resistor or damage something by drawing twice as much current? Thanks -Adam

|UPDATED|6/18/2004 3:28:15 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

By the way, I didn't pay the $80 for the bubble tail lense kit. I just bought the lenses for $20 and made my own plexi glass baffles. If anyone cares to know how feel free to ask. -Adam

|UPDATED|6/18/2004 3:30:54 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Try replacing the flasher with a heavy duty one. Not an uncommon problem, same thing happens when you hook up trailer lights

Big Fish said: Try replacing the flasher with a heavy duty one.

... or an electronic flasher (they blink at a constant rate regardless of the light bulb load).

The original flasher operates based on amperage load. The more load the faster it flashes. It uses a bi-metallic strip that acts like a circuit breaker. When current flows the strip heats up, moves away from a contact and shuts off the power. As it cools it moves back, and makes contact.

When one bulb burns out, there is not enough current to make it flash to warn the driver something is wrong. Replacement with a heavy duty or electronic flasher will cure the problem. But you won't have the warning feature. If a bulb goes out, it will still flash at a constant speed. I'm good with this. I check my lights often anyway.
But if you still want the warning you can find flashers listed as a 2 bulb, as you have now, or a three bulb, that you now need. The 3 bulb will operate as the original did with the extra bulb, and still give the the no flash warning when a bulb is out.

It just a personal preference. I use the heavy duty that flash no matter what. But I check my lights often.

A very easy way to check your lights in look in the reflection of a large store window as night approaches. You can easily see the front lights shine back at you. Turn the headlight off to clearly see the front turn signals and markers. Don't forget to check the highbeams. As you are driving away you can look in your mirror and watch the reflection of all the rear lights. Stop for a minute, and drop it in reverse to check backup lights. You can see the brake lights as well.
Glance in the window as you drive by to check the side markers.

I do this often. Just a habit.