Eagles International Forum

My turn signals on the bus are too dim and since I pull the juice for our towed from the back of the bus our towed lights are also too dim.

I’ve checked the wires and circuits (I have a wiring diagram in the manual that came with the bus) and it seems that the problem is what they call the “Variable Load Flasher”). I say that because, although I have full battery power 12+ volts going to the above mentioned “Flasher” I only have 3-9 flashing volts coming off the other side with the turn signal switch on.
Then the current goes through a “Relay” switch (one for the right and one for the left). And that’s the same voltage I’m seeing at the turn signal bulbs and the same voltage that is going to my towed lights. Which explains why the lights seem so dim.

So, the first question is:
1. What is a “Variable Load Flasher”? I understand what a “flasher” is, it’s the “Variable Load” part that I don’t understand.

2. Why would you use a “Variable Load Flasher” AND then send that current through a Relay switch? A Relay Switch I understand is used to control a high amp circuit with a low amp switch. The low amp switch would be the turn signal switch on the column.

The Variable Load Flasher seems to be controlling the Relay Switch.
But this arrangement doesn’t seem to be working correctly. Because only 3-9 Volts is getting through the Relay Switch to the turn signal lights (for the bus and the towed). But that’s the same voltage that is coming from the “Variable Load Flasher” so the Relay Switch doesn’t seem to be the problem.

3. Is it normal for there to be such a huge voltage drop through a “Flasher”? Or does that indicate that the “Variable Load Flasher” is worn out?

We need to leave in a couple days so I’m running out of time to solve this problem.

Thanks for your help.

Richard, this is a bit beyond my experience scope, but because of your schedule, I thought I would give you my first take on the problem. I have attached a copy of an Eagle Maintenance Manual page. If I read the page correctly (sorry wiped out tonight), the relay feeds the flasher rather than the other way around.
Stepping back a minute, I have made the assumption that your front panel is essentially stock. If so, I would try taking one of the other mini-ISO relays out of another circuit and put it in either the right or left TS relay socket as a test. My guess is that it will not make a difference.

Next, I would buy a replacement flasher and try it. The flasher should not have anything in the circuitry that would reduce voltage (as designed). My guess is the flasher is bad.

Jim

Thanks for the reply Jim,

I have that same page in my manual and I have read it over and over, as well as tracing the lines on the schematic.

And it seems to me that the power runs from the battery then through the flasher and then to the relays (one each for the right and left side) where it is contained (so to speak) until the turn signal switch on the steering column is moved. Effectively activating one relay or the other, which close that respective switch allowing the current to flow to the turn signal lights on that side.

My “Variable Load Flasher” is definitely bad. When I opened it up the points are so fried there is almost nothing left.

And I’ve been searching for two days for a replacement.

Finally thought I found one that would work, a Grote 44730 alternating flasher.

But after driving for 4 hours (there and back) to get it. I hocked it up and it doesn’t work.

I’m getting really, really frustrated at this point.

And I’m not sure what to do.

I took a look at my flasher and it is a two spade system.

I wonder if you borrowed a two spade flasher out of your car and tried that with one of the circuits whether it would help you in the trouble shooting process.

Jim

You will need a heavy duty truck type flasher, available at most parts stores.(or ebay) buy an extra!
May also have to check your grounds.