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LED 3157 Turn Signals

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Old Oct 11, 2018 | 01:26 PM
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Default LED 3157 Turn Signals

I was thinking of replacing my front turn signal bulbs with LED 3157 bulbs. Is it as simple as just plugging it in and that's it? I read in some other threads that an aftermarket flasher may be required, but some others have said otherwise.
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Old Oct 11, 2018 | 01:48 PM
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It depends on the particular LED bulbs you get and the condition of your existing factory flasher. Some LED bulbs draw enough current to make a "loose" factory flasher work normally but the majority will cause the turn signals to go on solid and not flash. If you're only doing the front bulbs then you can get an EL12 electronic flasher at any auto parts store (or even Walmart) for just a few dollars. However, if you're also doing the tail light bulbs then you will need a flasher that is specifically designed for LEDs which is a little more expensive.

Of course you could also go the traditional route and install load resistors at each socket but that's way too much trouble when an electronic flasher is so inexpensive and easy to replace for achieving the same results.
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Old Oct 11, 2018 | 08:38 PM
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Wow, perfect timing. I recent finished converting my tail lamps to LEDs. I swapped the sticker on the from my donor 'Burban so I use the older push and twist bulbs (original sockets were melted). So, that being said. I picked up the Phillips LED turn signals from pep boys. Installed them, only solid, no blinking. After some research, i deduced is my flasher relay. Find that the el12 heavy duty by novita would suffice. Go to AutoZone, grab it, nothing. Being it back abd grab the LL552 which is good fire mix of incandescent and LEDs. Still no bueno. What specific flasher relay do you recommend? I know I can install the load resistors myself, hell I can make them. I want it clean though. Thanks in advance
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Old Oct 11, 2018 | 08:48 PM
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My front driver side turn signal bulb goes out out every 4-6 months. I think I have a leak or crack somewhere within the housing. I'll get that fixed first and then I think I'll get the EL12 flasher so I can switch over to LEDs. Would the EL12 just directly replace the OEM flasher under the dashboard?
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Old Oct 12, 2018 | 01:09 AM
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its also a good idea to replace/repair broken/burnt sockets while you are switching over to LEDs
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Old Oct 15, 2018 | 07:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Casey Tindell
Wow, perfect timing. I recent finished converting my tail lamps to LEDs. I swapped the sticker on the from my donor 'Burban so I use the older push and twist bulbs (original sockets were melted). So, that being said. I picked up the Phillips LED turn signals from pep boys. Installed them, only solid, no blinking. After some research, i deduced is my flasher relay. Find that the el12 heavy duty by novita would suffice. Go to AutoZone, grab it, nothing. Being it back abd grab the LL552 which is good fire mix of incandescent and LEDs. Still no bueno. What specific flasher relay do you recommend? I know I can install the load resistors myself, hell I can make them. I want it clean though. Thanks in advance
What you need is a "No Load" flasher such as the FF552NLF (the NLF at the end is for No Load Flasher) but they are quite expensive. You could try the EF32RL type flasher for about half the price but it's not strictly plug-and-play. It has an extra ground wire that you must connect to a good chassis ground such as a dash bolt.
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Old Oct 15, 2018 | 07:23 AM
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Originally Posted by INFERNY
My front driver side turn signal bulb goes out out every 4-6 months. I think I have a leak or crack somewhere within the housing. I'll get that fixed first and then I think I'll get the EL12 flasher so I can switch over to LEDs. Would the EL12 just directly replace the OEM flasher under the dashboard?
Yes, the EL12 flasher is a direct plug-in replacement for the factory flasher.


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Old Oct 15, 2018 | 11:15 AM
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Originally Posted by WhiteBird00
What you need is a "No Load" flasher such as the FF552NLF (the NLF at the end is for No Load Flasher) but they are quite expensive.
It was $15 a few years ago when I bought it on Amazon via Prime.
However, now it appears there through a 3rd party vendor for $31.
There is a listing on ebay right now for $10 and another for $11 though.
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Old Oct 15, 2018 | 12:19 PM
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i used these and didnt have to do anything with the flasher
Amazon Amazon
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Old Feb 11, 2019 | 08:44 AM
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This is the flasher I bought, No issues you wont have the clicking sound when the turn signal is on though


CF12ANL-01 LED Bulb Electronic Flasher

Last edited by WhiteBird00; Feb 11, 2019 at 08:51 AM. Reason: Replace non-sponsor link
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