Hazard switch not working properly

[jalexquijano]

My Intermittent Hazard lights are not working properly. They do light up on the panel but flash very low on the front turn signals lights and tail lights. I have attached a picture of the flasher relay that came in my car and does not seem to be the original one. Maybe some can chime in with the solution. Please be advised all the rest of the lights are working in the panel and the rest of the car. This is the only problem and i want to fix it. When i actívate the hazard switch you can hear the flash sound but you cannot see them flash with the same intensity as they should.

[jfa.series1]

The flasher relay you pictured looks to be at the steering column - if so, it is probably for the turn signals. The hazard relay is usually above the passenger side kickboard. You are correct that the relay pictured is not stock, it looks to be a modern electronic version (that's a good thing). Your hazard relay may just be tired and ready for a replacement to an electronic unit.

[jalexquijano]

so where should i look for it?under the glove box in the passenger side?

[zKars]

Depending on the year, the hazard flasher could be on driver side or on the passenger side. I believe if you have a tin bracket where a few relays are mounted on the passenger side kick panel up beside the glove box, then the round hazard flasher can is attached to that bracket. If you don't have that relay panel, then its on the drivers side kick panel all by itself. Please correct me if I have this confused.

I notice the wires and connectors attached to that flasher in your picture are not the stock items. I'd follow them up into the harness and confirm the quality of their connection to the stock harness.

[jalexquijano]

HAHAHA, I fixed it. It was the flasher. Due to the age it was worn. I bought a small universal one as the one shown here:

Datsun 240Z 260z 280z 280ZX 1970 83 Emergency Flasher Light Switch New | eBay

The only problem i noticed is that it gets hot very quickly when the switch is activated. Is this normal??

[SteveJ]

It's a thermal relay. It can get hot. If you don't like that, go with an electronic relay.

[z boy mn]

Hi Steve, my flashers still work but I like the idea of upgrading to electronic flashers for the hazard and turn signals. (I've already made all the other typical upgrades--fuse box, alternator, headlight and taillight relays, etc.)

Do you have any suggestions for particular electronic flashers? Also, I noticed the flasher jlex used was labeled for hazards only...will the same one work on the turn signals?

Edited September 10, 2014 by z boy mn

[SteveJ]

This is what I'm using (See post #51.) http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/electrical-s30/40600-sold-leds.html#post406757

To clarify, I'm using the EP34. You have to run a ground wire for it to work, though. That's no big deal.

Edited September 10, 2014 by SteveJ

[z boy mn]

Thanks, Steve. I love Amazon and found this one which seems like it would do the trick (I'm running incandescents all around still)...will it work OK? I'm not sure what the reviews meant when they said "it's not really a no load flasher."

Amazon.com: Keep It Clean FF552NLF No Load Fixed Flasher: Automotive

I love the idea of keeping the power more steady when the flashers are on.

[SteveJ]

Even cheaper and should work with incandescents: http://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-BP-232-RP-Heavy-Duty-Electronic/dp/B009WQP4MW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410317735&sr=8-2&keywords=bussman+232

[z boy mn]

I saw that one, too, but didn't know if the "heavy duty" would throw things off. I'm all for cheaper options, though! :-) I'll be making my order tonight!