Vehicle and Trailer light problems

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illinoid
Posts: 128
Joined: Sun Feb 09, 2014 11:43 am

Vehicle and Trailer light problems

#1 Post by illinoid » Wed Apr 01, 2020 6:51 am

The third biggest cause of light problems after bad grounds and burned out bulbs is Blinker Fluid. Besides not over our under filling the blinker (DOT Flasher) you need to use the right fluid, not just what ever is saying around. I throw out all the old stuff every couple years and get fresh as it can pick up moisture after the container is opened. Check your container to make sure if you are using the right one.
Flasher Fluid only works for 6 volt positive ground vehicles
Blinker Fluid works on all 6 volt systems regardless of polarity
DOT 3 Blinker Fluid works on 12 Volt vehicles and older 6 volt systems
DOT 3.5 Blinker Fluid is rare,only for 24 volt trucks built in the 60s
DOT 4 Blinker Fluids is for vehicles with LED lights or vehicles pulling trailers with LED lights and older systems
DOT 5 Blinker Fluid is for hybrids, electrics and all older vehicles.
USCG 1369 Blinker Fluid for boats, will work on all vehicles but costs a lot more especially if you buy a Manufacture's branded blinker fluid.
FAA and Mil Spec has many grades that they use for everything from tanks to jets.
Musk Oil only works on for Teslas

The wrong Blinker Fluid can certainly ruin your day trying to figure out why a bulb that isn't a turn signal flashes or doesn't work at all. Usually it is another problem but but when I have checked Grounds, continuity, corrosion, burned out bulbs and polarity the next step is to go to the auto parts store and get a fresh container of DOT 5 blinker fluid. they can also look up where you put it and how to check the level on your vehicle. All the major outboard manufactures also make blinker fluid but unless you have a flashing light required by the coast guard, it seems like a wast of money.
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mgarvie
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Re: Vehicle and Trailer light problems

#2 Post by mgarvie » Wed Apr 01, 2020 6:56 am


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Coldbrew
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Re: Vehicle and Trailer light problems

#3 Post by Coldbrew » Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:45 am

mgarvie wrote:
Wed Apr 01, 2020 6:56 am
I get mine on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Saltiel-Goods-Fl ... 146&sr=8-6
This is the generic version. I noticed it blinks slower than the good stuff.
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Steiner
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Re: Vehicle and Trailer light problems

#4 Post by Steiner » Wed Apr 01, 2020 12:06 pm

Just wasting your money if you're not going to rotate them every 1000 miles.
2019 G3 SunCatcher V322 SS tritoon, Yamaha F200
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steve1313
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Re: Vehicle and Trailer light problems

#5 Post by steve1313 » Wed Apr 01, 2020 4:39 pm

And don't forget to replace the winter air in your car and trailer tires with summer air.
Steve
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TWB
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Re: Vehicle and Trailer light problems

#6 Post by TWB » Wed Apr 01, 2020 6:55 pm

Several years ago I ran one blinker completely out. Before I realized it, all the others dried up and flaked apart. It's a bitch when there's no fluid gauge.
Paul & Michele
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