Fixing Fast Flashing Indicators

It's a common scenario for motorcycle enthusiasts. You decide to upgrade your bike's indicators to the sleek, modern look of LEDs, only to find that they now flash at an alarming speed. Not only does this look a bit frantic, but it can also lead to an MOT failure. So, what's going on, and more importantly, how do you fix it? This article will delve into the reasons behind this rapid flashing and explore the most effective solutions, including the popular constant rate flasher unit.

Why Do LED Indicators Flash Faster?

The culprit behind the hyperactive flashing of your new LED indicators lies in the way traditional flasher relays work. These relays are designed to operate with incandescent bulbs, which have a higher electrical resistance and draw more power than LEDs. The flasher unit essentially uses this power draw to regulate the flashing speed. When you switch to LEDs, which are far more energy-efficient and have lower resistance, the flasher relay receives less current than it expects. This lack of resistance tricks the relay into thinking there's a fault or that the bulbs have blown, causing it to cycle much faster. It's a bit like trying to run a marathon on a single sugar cube – not enough energy to do the job properly!

The MOT Requirement: What's the Law?

For a vehicle to pass its MOT test, its indicators must flash at a specific rate. According to the regulations, indicator lamps must flash between 60 and 120 times per minute. This translates to a flashing rate of once every second to twice every second. If your indicators are flashing significantly faster than this, they are considered to be malfunctioning and will result in a failed MOT. The rapid flashing is not just an aesthetic issue; it's a safety concern, as it can make it difficult for other road users to accurately gauge your intentions.

Solutions to Fast Flashing Indicators

Fortunately, there are several ways to rectify this common problem. The best approach for you will depend on your budget, your technical comfort level, and whether you're running a full LED setup or a mix of LED and incandescent bulbs.

1. The Constant Rate Flasher Relay (Electronic Flasher Relay)

This is often considered the best and most robust solution. A constant rate flasher relay, also known as an electronic or LED flasher relay, is designed to ignore the load (the power draw of the bulbs). It operates on a fixed timing circuit, ensuring a consistent flash rate regardless of whether you have incandescent bulbs, LEDs, or a mixture of both. These relays are typically plug-and-play, meaning you can often simply swap out your old relay for the new one. They are generally more expensive than resistors but offer a cleaner, more reliable, and often more power-efficient solution. They don't generate extra heat like resistors do, which is another significant advantage.

Key Benefits of a Constant Rate Flasher Relay:

• Consistent flash rate with any bulb type (LED, incandescent, or mixed).
• No extra heat generation.
• Cleaner installation, often plug-and-play.
• More reliable long-term solution.

2. Inline Resistors

Another common method is to fit inline resistors to your LED indicators. The principle here is to mimic the load of a traditional incandescent bulb. By adding a resistor in series with each LED indicator, you increase the overall electrical load, tricking the original flasher relay into working at the correct speed. These resistors can be purchased relatively cheaply online. However, there are some drawbacks:

• Heat Generation: Resistors convert excess electrical energy into heat. Depending on the resistor's rating and the indicator's usage, they can become very hot. Care must be taken to mount them safely away from flammable materials or sensitive components.
• Wiring Modifications: Installing resistors requires cutting into the indicator wiring loom and soldering or using connectors, which can be a point of failure if not done correctly.
• Efficiency: You're essentially wasting energy by converting it to heat, which is less efficient than using a dedicated electronic relay.
• Mixed Systems: If you have a mix of LED and incandescent bulbs (e.g., LED rears and incandescent fronts), you'll need to calculate the correct resistor value for the LED indicators to balance the load across the entire system. This can be a bit more complex.

To determine the correct resistor value, you'll need to know the wattage of the original incandescent bulbs and the voltage of your bike's system. A common starting point for 10-watt incandescent bulbs on a 12-volt system is a 10-ohm, 25-watt resistor.

3. Replacing All Bulbs with LEDs (if applicable)

If your bike still uses incandescent bulbs for all its indicators, and you want to switch to LEDs across the board, then a constant rate flasher relay becomes almost a necessity. If you were to just swap one set of bulbs for LEDs and leave the others incandescent, you'd have a mixed system and would still face the rapid flashing issue. In this scenario, fitting a constant rate flasher relay is the most straightforward way to ensure all your new LED indicators flash correctly.

Where is the Flasher Relay Located?

The location of the flasher relay can vary significantly between motorcycle models. However, it's often found:

• Under the rider's seat.
• Beneath the fuel tank.
• Behind the instrument cluster or dashboard.
• Integrated into the main wiring harness.

Consulting your bike's service manual or searching online forums specific to your make and model is the most reliable way to pinpoint its exact location. It's usually a small, rectangular or cylindrical plastic box with multiple electrical connections.

Choosing the Right Solution: A Comparison

Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Will a constant rate flasher relay work if I only have LED indicators on one end of the bike?

A1: Yes, a constant rate flasher relay is designed to work regardless of the type of bulbs connected to it. It will ensure your LED indicators flash at the correct speed, even if your other indicators are still incandescent.

Q2: Can I use resistors if I have a mix of LED and incandescent indicators?

A2: Yes, but it's more complicated. You'll need to calculate the correct resistor value for the LED indicators to balance the current draw with the incandescent ones. It's often easier to use a constant rate flasher relay in this situation.

Q3: Do resistors get very hot?

A3: Yes, they can get quite hot, especially under continuous use. It's crucial to mount them securely and away from any plastic or flammable parts of your motorcycle to prevent damage or fire.

Q4: Is it worth the extra cost for a constant rate flasher relay?

A4: For most riders, the ease of installation, reliability, and lack of heat generation make the constant rate flasher relay a worthwhile investment. It provides a cleaner and more permanent solution compared to resistors.

Q5: How do I find out which flasher relay I need for my bike?

A5: The best approach is to consult your motorcycle's service manual. Alternatively, you can often find information by searching online forums using your specific motorcycle model and 'LED indicator flasher relay'. Many aftermarket parts suppliers also have compatibility guides.

Conclusion

Upgrading to LED indicators can significantly enhance the look and visibility of your motorcycle. While the sudden rapid flashing might seem like a daunting problem, it's easily solved with the right components. For a reliable, hassle-free, and safe solution, investing in a constant rate flasher relay is highly recommended. It ensures your indicators meet MOT requirements and function correctly, allowing you to enjoy your bike with peace of mind.