Side markers now flash with Turn Signals

[RSBob]

No, it not a miracle, or the eighth wonder of the world... but this is how it came about.

I was driving on a 2 lane county road and was making a left turn (without a designated left turn lane). I turned on my blinker to indicate my turn. Sitting on the 2-laner I was turning onto was another car wanting to turn on to my current road (turn left as well). Just as I began my turn, the guy, probably thinking I was going to continue straight, starts to pull out right into me. I swerved and he braked and no paint was swapped. That incident got me thinking about my Audi which has a designated turn signal flasher on its front quarters behind the wheel wells. I know when changing lanes on multilane roads, I am glad I have it to signal other drivers who may not see my rear turn-signal that I am changing lanes. I decided to do close to the same on the 914 for those that are either blind or can't see the front flasher.

The mod is super easy and will take about 45 mins to do both sides and only requires some wire and a couple garden variety connectors. No special multifilament bulbs required.

What you get is:

With head/running lights off, both lights flash in unison.
With head/running lights on, they alternately flash back and forth
Emergency flashers work the same as above.

All functions other functions are otherwise normal.

So here's what you do:

1. Remove the 2 rubber covers to the lights inside the wheel-well (the round side light and the front turn/signal running light).
2. Disconnect the brown ground wire from the side marker light and either tape it up or seal it securely since it will no longer be used. I wrapped mine up and left it in the rubber boot.
3. Thread a single piece of suitable gauge wire through the ends of both rubber boots. Since the boots tend to be rather dry and crusty, you might want to use a rubber friendly lube.
4. Attach a female spade to the wire end in the side marker boot. This will attach to the disconnected ground lead on the light.
5. Splice the other end of the wire (in the turn signal assembly) to the single wire connection - lowest position of the three connections.
6. Test your lights/signals/e-flashers.
7. Button things up, have a cold one and feel good about yourself and this cool looking and quick saftey mod.

[3D914]

Very cool & a good idea also!

I'll give this a try, since my teener is in the garage for a spell.

Enjoy!

[Howard H]

I came upon this old posting while doing a search for the "correct" cross-reference to the 32cp bulb that is spec'd for the front turn signal. (Still not sure if I have that one answered though.)

Anyhow, this change sounds like a great idea. Has anyone else done it?

Rick S ---- have you noticed any ill effects from including the extra bulbs in the circuit?

Thanks for the insights.

Howard

[bandjoey]

Can you give us the color of the wire you spliced into or post a simple drawing to show the connector you used? Thanks Bill

[RSBob]

I would be happy to tell you the color of the wire when I return next week. I don't dare send the Mrs. out there with a flashlight, or she just may find out the car actually isn' t made of gold, contrary to what she thinks.