Firstfives.org

My 81 e12...the flashers and hazards blink fast, and sometimes super fast.
I'm confused...all the Front and Rear bulbs on the Left and Right are in good working condition. What is causing this problem. What the fix.
I've read about a "Flasher Relay"...could this be the villain. If so, what do they cost for my year and model.
Thanks.

Tony

Instead of buying a new hazard switch, (if you can find one,)
go to 'FAQ', scroll down to 'Hazard Switch repair'.
The only thing I would add is another small screwdriver
to keep the two ends separated as you pry it open.
I've done it & it's easy & almost fun!
Don't lose the spring as it pops out and don't poke yourself.
I think John recommends to cut one coil to relieve the pressure?

Unscrew the cardboard knee 'protection' plate by finding the screw at
the upper right-hand side & the other at the steering post.
Slip your hand under the switch & dashboard.
There are two plastic retainer clips holding it in place, I believe at 9 & 3?

Push from the rear & pry from the front, halfway out in one piece.
leave the connector end peeking through
the dashboard so you can find the right plug-in formation.
To re-install, hold the back end in place from behind (toward the motor)
to be able to plug it in using some force;
check the turn signals and slide/shove in place.

Patience is your friend,,,,Greg
Kitchen table challenge!

Ps: It's the same as your flasher relay. Sorry, I got carried away!

PPs: Before you do all this, replace all your lights &
clean the connectors! Even if they look good, do it.
These cars are old & finicky. I found that out, first hand!

Well I replaced the Hazard Flasher switch with a brand new one.
Plugged it in....and yet I still have the same problem. Nothing changed.

The signal lights, and the 4 way flashers still blink fast, and sometimes Super Fast.

So is it possible it could be something else associated with flasher controls.
Anyone else had this problem

Remember, check & replace all bulbs after cleaning the connectors?
Also, replace your fuses?

Check also the power rating of the bulbs. With filament I hope.

Thanks guys. I'll report back within a few days.

Tony

Probably the flasher relay. Seems like I had one do that a looooooong time ago, start flashing fast. Not cheap either. Or start changing transistors and caps inside it. The wheels are turning, beware, almost seems like the late cars used a more conventional one that wasn't as expensive. Seems like the stupid expensive one lives down by your feet, by the wiper relay and the less expensive one is near the ignition switch in the steering column. I'll try to remember to check tomorrow.

On the other hand, Amazon which is often cheap and often flawed on fitment, says this fits.

Which kind of jives with my memory of it being a 3 pin if it's in the steering column. Then again, realoem and everything else says it's the 4 pin so probably not.

Thanks Grip and Mike...today I cleaned the front and rear connectors and replaced the bulbs and fuses. But the result was the same. So...I'm going to remove the bulbs and clean the connectors again to see what happens. Those Flasher Relays are crazy expensive...even on Ebay.
Right now, I'm scratching my head...Tony

I just checked and it on my '80 it is the 4 pin type down by your feet.