Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Have installed a modern day 12V 40A relay for the highbeam flashing headlight circuit. The problem is the solenoid part of the relay circuit only draws like .4watts so a typical bi-metal and electronic flasher does not work. There's not enough juice flowing so the lights come on okay but don't flash on and off. What do I do now? DBE still supplies the 20A Lucas metal cannister type relays that does draw enough current to work a flasher so that's my fallback solution. Is there another type of modern day flasher that operates on a tiny flow of electrons? Help!

Keith,

I tried to find one and failed. Nobody seemed to be able to help in the UK with a relay that pulled enough current or a flasher that would work at such low current.
I did solve the problem in an odd way. I used the standard metal can relay & bought a motor cycle flasher for very low wattage indictors and then I paralled a small bulb with the relay to increae the current through the flasher. I only did this to get it to work as an experiment. It does work with quite a nice beat! I then figured out the resistance I needed and bought some ceramic bodied resitors. I never did get around to changing the little bulb and holder for the proper resistor. It is tucked away underneath. Bit of bodge but with a resister fitted properly who knows.

I would go for the correct item if it is not silly money. However dont you think the business about getting the lamps up makes it all a bit futile!

Mike

Thanks Mike!
I fine glowing kludge which I will happily apply.

Planned on only using them by switching off the light switch rather than actuating the vacuum pods. Actually I probably will never use them, I'm just getting around to finishing the last odds and sods from doing the frame off restoration about ten years ago.

Keith
Have you tried a turn indicator flasher relay,the one on my VW golf has electronic circuitry to control the rate and works a treat on the plus2 indicators no matter what load......
John:wink:

Keith,
On my Sprint and S2 I have used a Tridon EP32 12v Electronic flasher unit (made in USA) and it works just fine, it is for the VW range of cars but it will only work on a negitive ground system.
Brian.

Hi John,
Yep, but those have enough current drawn from the 5watt bulbs. At only 0.4 of a watt these new relays are too efficient for this old technology derived circuit to function. The bi-metal flashers are have not changed through all these years though. Didn't expect this one but I'm not giving up! I waited ten years to get these damn things working and I'm NOT going down in flames now.

Hi Brian,
Tried the Tridon EL12 yesterday and it failed. Thanks! I'll exchange it today for the this other type and give it a whirl.

My notes show I used a tridon EL12 flasher and and 10 ohm 10 Watt ceramic resistor. I can email you the scan image if you want.