flash rate varies

[halz]

I ned to know where to direct my attention to tackle this problem:

Symptom: When the turn signal (blinker) is operating, the rate at which it flashes varies in proportion (approximately) to the engine speed. Generally speaking, I will engage the turn signal and then begin to slow to a stop before turning. Initially, the flashing speed is quite fast but falls to a 'normal' rate when the car comes to rest and the engine is idling.

Could it be: Faulty flasher unit? Faulty voltage regulator? Faulty alternator? I suspect the voltage regulator could be the culprit as the flasher unit apears to be responding to high/low surges in current with changes in engine speed.

Ideas?

[Mr Camouflage]

Definately a change in voltage causing the problem.

Dont waste your time and money, take it straight to a auto electric place, they can test the battery, VR, and ALT and determine whch one is causing the problem.

Or you could take the DIY approach, and buy a new VR, then if the problem still occurs, buy a new ALT, then if the problem still occurs, buy a new battery.

Actually Hayden, I think the VR is a mecanical device that can be adjusted. Search for posts about it. I remember having a problem with my VR on my 1st 240. I replaced it with a modern transitorised one, and never had a problem again.

My Honda has a similar voltage drop at idle (the headlights dim), but i expect thats pretty normal. As soon as you rev the engine the headlights are back to full power.

[Ed]

Allmost sounds like the "headlights dim at idle" problem. I remember reading somewhere that swapping to a Maxima alternator will solve the headlight problem, don't know about the flashers.

[EScanlon]

WAIT!!!

BEFORE you go changing and modifying and everything else just to check a slowing flasher, do the most basic thing you can. (That's Occam's Razor in use.)

HAVE THE BATTERY CHECKED!!

You may find that it's a battery that has lost it's charge due to failure of the battery and NOT the VR or Alternator. Remember, an ALTERNATOR will not charge a battery, at least not fully. It will top it off, but if the battery is already discharged, even though it may have enough juice to start the car, and it will restore THAT amount of juice, it can't INCREASE the voltage it receives from the battery.

Then if the battery checks out completely, THEN have a test on the V//R and Alt. Many battery shops will do all three of these tests for free in the hopes of selling you a battery.

2¢

Enrique Scanlon