Flasher relays keep melting

[mahnu]

As many of you know, these are pretty darn expensive. Any ideas on where to look for the short? The wiring diagram I have on this stinks. Could this be caused by a damaged harzard switch?

Thanks in advance

[whunter]

A picture of location, mounting block and/or damage + melted relay would be wonderful documentation for other owners.





Have a great day.

[Roncallo]

Are you saying that with a new relay installed, the flashers work but within a short time the relay melts. Or does this melt down occur instantly. If the first scenario is the case check all your bulbs for the correct bulb number. You may have a lower resistance bulb installed giving you a high current draw.

John Roncallo

[Richard Wooldridge]

Hi Mahnu,
If you have saved your old flasher unit, pry the top cap off carefully, take a look at the insides. The one on my '82 380SL stopped working and it just had bad capacitors in it. Rather than buy a new unit, what I did was go to the local auto parts store, and buy a universal electronic flasher that will handle up to six bulbs. I then carefully took the top off of it, compared the connections, then removed the base from the mercedes unit, soldered the new flasher guts on, and put the top back on. It's been working fine for months now. Only cost ~$14.00 plus a half hour or so of my time, and since it's in the original can it plugs in!

[mahnu]

Thanks all for the help. The new flasher worked for a few minutes then started smoking. Once I opened it, I noticed that it melted at the board beneath the coil. I wish it was as simple as a bad cap. I did have one bad bulb that I later replaced. Not sure if it was the cause.

Does anyone know what the voltages\resistance should be at each prong?

Richard:

I have a three prong flasher out of a SAAB that I tried connecting. It did not work. Can you please send a part number of the one you got to work?

Thanks