Correct LED Relay?

Pstallo · 02-17-2016, 03:06 PM

I was following the steps to replace my turn signal bulbs with LEDs as described in an older post (I solved the LED indicator problem!!) and I still get the 'fast flashing' results as if I had a bulb out.

I know I have to replace the relay with one designed for LEDs. This is the one I'm using. (Amazon.com: 3-Pin CF-13 Electronic Flasher Relay Fix For LED Turn Signal Light Bulbs: Automotive)

For starters, does anyone know if the flasher relay is the one in the left or right side of the picture?

Pstallo · 02-17-2016, 05:16 PM

For future flasher relay changer-outers, I finally discovered that the flasher relay is actually beyond and below the relay picture on the left. I didn't even see it until I was looking in from the trunk side. You can either reach it from the trunk or you can pull out the relays pictured and then reach it through the gauge cutouts.

As an aside, since installing an EP36, I went from hyper flashing to no response when using the turn signals. I noticed on turning on the headlights that the left side front and rear parking lights don't come on, so I think I've got a little debugging to do.

dap930 · dap930's Garage

Get a an EP26 flasher. It works for me.

Pstallo · 02-17-2016, 06:19 PM

I used an EP36. My car is a 1986. It looks like yours is a '77. I wonder if one is preferred for one car or another. If nothing else helps, I will definitely order one and try it.

universeman · universeman's Garage

EP 36 and grounding the tach indicators did it for me, I got hyper flashing and all-four flashing until I did all that

Bulldog9 · 02-18-2016, 08:08 AM

I bought mine from an off road/jeep source. I had added the inline resistor to no effect, but this relay works great.

4-Pin LED Flasher - '97-'00 TJ | Jeep 4X4 Off-Road LED Lighting | Poison Spyder Customs

SweetWaterSurprise · 02-18-2016, 11:42 AM

Going to give the EP36 relay a shot

Pstallo · 02-18-2016, 06:19 PM

I think that the relay I purchased is either faulty, the wrong one, or reversed polarity or something. I now an EP36 from the same company that provided the LEDs. If that one doesn't work, I'll try the off road version.

Another detail for Carrera 3.2 owner's is that the ground wire harness trick described for the 70's Porsches doesn't really match up to ours. We have different colored wires going to the turn signal indicators and have a plug going into the bottom of the tach rather than separate spade connectors.

I'll post back when I figure out what the solution is for 85-89 cars.

Pstallo · 02-21-2016, 01:43 PM

Just a follow-up. The 85-89 cars don't need the piggyback spade connector solution on the back of the tachometer that the older cars need. So, don't remove your tachometer!

But, be sure that you get the BMW EP36 relay. All you have to do is replace your existing flasher relay with that specific one and it will work fine with LED turn signals. The first relay I ordered from Amazon looked identical, but I only selected 'EP36' and didn't specify BMW. As it turns out, the polarity is reversed on the other ones which is why I had absolutely nothing happening. Now, it works just fine.

famoroso · 02-22-2016, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pstallo

Just a follow-up. The 85-89 cars don't need the piggyback spade connector solution on the back of the tachometer that the older cars need. So, don't remove your tachometer!

But, be sure that you get the BMW EP36 relay. All you have to do is replace your existing flasher relay with that specific one and it will work fine with LED turn signals. The first relay I ordered from Amazon looked identical, but I only selected 'EP36' and didn't specify BMW. As it turns out, the polarity is reversed on the other ones which is why I had absolutely nothing happening. Now, it works just fine.

FWIW, I tried this one...
Amazon.com: iNewcow 3 Pin CF-13 JL-02 Electronic Flasher Relay For LED Turn Signal Light Bulbs 12V 0.02A-20A: Automotive
...and it didn't work. It hyper flashed.

Got link to the BMW EP36 relay?

Pstallo · 02-22-2016, 05:13 AM

This is the one I got from Amazon that worked. It turns out that it is supplied by the same people I got my LED bulbs from.

Amazon.com: iJDMTOY (1) 3-Pin CF14 EP35 Electronic LED Flasher Relay For LED Related Turn Signal Bulbs Hyper Flash Fix: Automotive

SweetWaterSurprise · 02-22-2016, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pstallo

This is the one I got from Amazon that worked. It turns out that it is supplied by the same people I got my LED bulbs from.

Amazon.com: iJDMTOY (1) 3-Pin CF14 EP35 Electronic LED Flasher Relay For LED Related Turn Signal Bulbs Hyper Flash Fix: Automotive

So you posted to make sure to get the BMW EP36, but the Amazon one you now linked is EP35?

Pstallo · 02-22-2016, 07:50 AM

Funny, I didn't even realize it was a 35. When I searched for BMW EP36, that's what came up and since it was by the same people that sold me the LED bulbs, I figured it was the correct 36 flasher.

Either, way, it works!

SweetWaterSurprise · 02-22-2016, 08:05 AM

Ordering now, thanks

SweetWaterSurprise · 02-27-2016, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pstallo

Funny, I didn't even realize it was a 35. When I searched for BMW EP36, that's what came up and since it was by the same people that sold me the LED bulbs, I figured it was the correct 36 flasher.

Either, way, it works!

Relay didn't work for me in my 1982. My stock relay is a 4pin, and the EP35 was a 3 pin.

Pstallo · 02-28-2016, 07:23 PM

I guess that 85 is the year that they changed the pins in the relay. I'm not sure what LED relay has been used in the older cars. I think I remember someone using an EP26, but not sure about the year of the car.

universeman · universeman's Garage

SweetWaterSurprise, in the 82, you have to ground the tachometer indicators with a Y pigtail AND use the EP36. That's the combo that worked for me.