tail light flash with turn signal

  Hello all. I have been in and out of this forum for years and I cant even begin to say how much ot has helped me.. 

 I have an 08 Altima coupe and I would like to get my tail lights to flash with my turn signal light in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD46MnpoAKI&feature=feedlik

Can anyone help me with this? I need to knw how to wire this up. I have a basic understanding of relays and wireing so anyhelp would be great.

 

 Can anyone help me out here? Give me some idea of how to do this?

Describe what you have (single/dual bulbs etc) and how you want it to behave.

It looks as if those lamps are connected across other circuits, hence the out of phase flashing, though that often means no light when both circuits are high or low.

Can't you find out from the dude that did it? At least find out of diodes or relays or whatever was involved?

I did ask him and he mentioned relays but acted like it was a waste of his time to explaine it to me hence why I am here with people that actually want to help.

 As for if the bulbs are dual or signal I am not sure. I will have to look at then when I get a chance. As for behavior I just want the tail light to flash alonw with the turn/hazards are in use. Even if my parking lights are on.

 Ok just got home from work and looked at the the parking light bulb and it looks like it is dual. I believe it does the parking light and brake light. Hope that helps.

I don't understand exactly what is going on. That makes it hard to advise.

I think this is what is happening:

Lights off / turn signal on = marker light and turn signal flash together (stock would be just turn signal flashing)

Lights on / turn signal on = marker light and turn signal alternate (stock would be just turn signal flashing).

Is this correct?



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Kevin Pierson

If my above assessment is correct try this:

Relay 1: (alternating relay)
Pin 85 - ground
Pin 86 - turn signal bulb wire
Pin 87A - marker light feed wire
Pin 30 - marker light
Pin 87 - To relay 2 pin 87A

How it works - The relay energizes each time the turn signal bulb lights up and breaks the voltage to the marker light. This causes the marker light to cut out each time the turn signal turns on (causing them to alternate).

Relay 2: (turn signal / marker light together)
Pin 85 - ground
Pin 86 - marker light feed wire
Pin 87A - from Relay 1 pin 87
Pin 30 - out to marker light

How it works - If the lights are off the relay is deenergized. This allows the voltage from the parking light circuit to pass through relay 2 and power the marker lights. If the lights turn on the relay energizes and no longer allows the turn signal to power the marker lights.

Check all local laws and restrictions before making these modifications.

Also, use your best judgement when hooking this up - I've never tested it and it may not work. I would start with Relay 1 and get it working before adding relay 2. You'll need two relays per side (4 total).

Lastly, I'm not sure how much current any of these lights take. Make sure the turn signal circuit supplies enough current to power the marker light at the same time. An additional relay and fused power supply may be needed to make sure there are no excessive current draws that could damage the vehicle.


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Kevin Pierson

 Well damn I knew I came the right place. I will check it out and see if it works out. What your talking about is what I want to happen.

You guys are the best. I will keep you all posted.

A big thanks to KP!
Not that I have double checked the method, but it looks ok. (Maybe later - I have to get somewhere.)


But as a FYI, I'm going to trial a combined flasher/reverse lamp that uses a SPDT relay for each rear bulb.
#30 to the bulb; NO #87 to +12V; and NC #87a to the respective sides flasher signal (+12V -> flasher can -> switch to RHS or LHS).
The reverse switch energises both relays (#86) to power both lamps for reversing.
But a JFET in the relay grounds cuts the respective #85 relay-coil ground WHEN that flashing side is +12V, hence releasing the relay to pass through the flashing +12V to the bulb. The JFET has an RC delay so it rides through successive flasher pulses. (JFETS pass current UNLESS turned OFF by a control voltage. That's the opposite to relay, transistor, FET, MOSFET etc behaviour.)
But that's the theory - I have yet to realise.... (It is TOO simple - what have I missed?!)

I always wanted a passive system for vehicles that did not have that switching as part of their indicator switch. (Later vehicles had (white) reversing lights separate to (our amber) indicators.)
Using relays, the flasher can had to be bridged out (so the switch selected either relay) and a DPDT is required for each side. The reverse +12V goes through when de-energised. When indicating, the DPDT pulls the rear bulb(s) off the Rev +12V and connects to the flasher can. That's more wiring and more prone to failure.
The JFET method means that the relays are only energised when reversing. And should the relay(s) fail, it is likely the indicator passes through as normal (and only the Rev light fails). I much prefer that!

So For the first setup Will I be using SPDT relays or the SPST?

I have to out tomorrow and get some more relays and I just want to make sure I am getting the right ones for this project.. Damn it's funny how a grown man can get butterfly's about wireing up relays and seeing things work...LMAO..

Thanks again guys.

They will have to be SPDT relays

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Kevin Pierson

KPierson wrote:

---

If my above assessment is correct try this:

Relay 1: (alternating relay)
Pin 85 - ground
Pin 86 - turn signal bulb wire
Pin 87A - marker light feed wire
Pin 30 - marker light
Pin 87 - To relay 2 pin 87A

How it works - The relay energizes each time the turn signal bulb lights up and breaks the voltage to the marker light. This causes the marker light to cut out each time the turn signal turns on (causing them to alternate).

Relay 2: (turn signal / marker light together)
Pin 85 - ground
Pin 86 - marker light feed wire
Pin 87A - from Relay 1 pin 87
Pin 30 - out to marker light

How it works - If the lights are off the relay is deenergized. This allows the voltage from the parking light circuit to pass through relay 2 and power the marker lights. If the lights turn on the relay energizes and no longer allows the turn signal to power the marker lights.

Check all local laws and restrictions before making these modifications.

Also, use your best judgement when hooking this up - I've never tested it and it may not work. I would start with Relay 1 and get it working before adding relay 2. You'll need two relays per side (4 total).

Lastly, I'm not sure how much current any of these lights take. Make sure the turn signal circuit supplies enough current to power the marker light at the same time. An additional relay and fused power supply may be needed to make sure there are no excessive current draws that could damage the vehicle.

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  Ok I just reread this after having a much deserved sleep and I just wnt to make sure on a few things. I am figuring that I have to cut my marker light wire correct? Also on relay 1 you have the mark light wire going to 87A for feed and 30 for the light. Then on relay 2 you also have the marker light wire going to it 86 for feed and 30 to light. I guess that confused me a bit. will I have to run from 87A on relay 1 to 86 on relay to from the feed and the out to the light from 30 on both relays?

Sorry for the doumb question but I just want to make sure I do your wire up justice.. Thanks again for the help.

Yes, you will have to cut the marker wire on both sides. Once you cut the wire, connect each side to both relays as instructed above.

Have you already purchased the relays? I would advise getting some relays that have harnesses attached to them. You could then prewire most of the relays out of the car and only have a few connections in the car (ground, parking light, marker feed, and marker light). If you need a source let me know - I have plenty of relays and harnesses laying around.

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Kevin Pierson

 I have not purchased them yet. Went out today but the radio shack around ere did not have what I needed. I think I need to go online and order some.

Sorry for hijacking bump...

But FYI to my 2nd replay (reply ~#11 on page 1), the JFET has a failing - it's need for opposite polarity supplies.

I still want to pursue that path (whether JFET or other devices), but just letting anyone interested know that it wasn't that simple. (I didn't think so, I think I went down every avenue eons ago... But it's always nice to recheck old work - it's better than admitting forgetfulness.)

I'll update my progress - probably in ~10 years.