Turn signal question

[91 LTD]

RH signal will light up but doesn't blink any more. New stalk switch assem. (wipers only work at certain settings so I could def. use a new one)? Relay somewhere? Thanks

[85crownHPP]

if its not a bulb out, you might need a new signal switch.
The flasher works both sides so theyd both act funny if it was bad.

[Lincolnmania]

sounds like you got a bulb out, or a bad socket

[91 LTD]

Not that I dont believe anyone (cause I do) but out of curiosity if a bulb was out why would it light up but not flash? Thanks

[89GrandMarquis]

Not that I dont believe anyone (cause I do) but out of curiosity if a bulb was out why would it light up but not flash? Thanks

Because the turn signal flasher is a "heat-based" switch. It is a bi-metalic that heats up due to the electrical current that runs through it when the lights are on. The current heats up the bi-metalic, it "bends" to open the circuit, then immediately cools off to make up the circuit again - thus the on-off flashing.

When you don't have enough current, the bi-metalic does not get enough heat to bend and open, thus the always-on behavior.

Simple answer - not enough current, no flashie.

Some flashes are made to flash no matter what - one bulb on or all. Some are made to stop flashing if you loose a bulb - that way you know that you have a bulb burnt out.

[85crownHPP]

yep. for the same reason when I put in my LED bulbs all around, my signals didnt flash either.
An electronic (rather than thermal) flasher fixed that up

[91 LTD]

Thanks for the answer. I am constantly in awe of how much you guys know about Panthers and cars in general. Im not worthy, Im not worthy, Im not worthy...

[91 LTD]

yep. for the same reason when I put in my LED bulbs all around, my signals didnt flash either.
An electronic (rather than thermal) flasher fixed that up

Now that I think about it LED= proper. I sneer at any flashlight that has a bulb (or isnt a headlamp, handheld=totally whack), so I guess an LED conversion will be in order.

[85crownHPP]

of course you are worthy!
You drive a box, and express intrest in making it even better. thats good enough for me!
Im hoping they soon come out with an even bettery type of LED bulbs to use... the ones I have do ok on the outside, but could be better. The sun seems to shine into the clear lamps up front and cancel out the LED light a little, but you can still see it. At night it looks awesome though.

[91 LTD]

Replaced the bulb and the one on the other side too just for the hell of it. Problem solved. Now I can cut people off w/ impunity.

[85crownHPP]

[Lincolnmania]

bulbs wear out too lol