Topic: Newbie with wiring question w/ pics

[needswork]

Hi guys/gals,
I have a '78 550K. Under the seat (left side) is this cylindrical thing. It has 2 wires going into it and it looks as though a 3rd blade may be broken off, there is also another (green) wire hanging behind it not plugged into anything so I'm thinking maybe it should be into this cylinder shaped doo-hickey. What is it? The pic of the back of it is kinda blurry (sorry).

Thanks

Paul

[Jonesy]

I want someone more familliar with that model to verify, but it looks like the flasher relay was replaced some time ago with an automotive unit (does the same thing, just packaged differently). Someone may have used the 3-prong type.

[TwoTired]

It looks like a flasher relay to me.  Probably the bi-metalic strip type.  It only needs two connections.  The green wire is a ground and does not need to be connected to this type. 

I've never used it, but, I suppose and electronic type might need a ground.  It should be a three terminal type then.

Cheers,

[Paul]

It is a flasher unit (Plug it out and see if the indicators stop working..)
There may be a third wire, I have one on mine ...BUT.... if i connect it to the third terminal it leaves a nice weld from the spark, Works fine without it. Maybe thats why the terminal was removed.

[bryanj]

UK "Flasher" (Blinkers to you Americans) cans from Honda use 3 wires a lot of other countries dont

[oldbiker]

Definitely the flasher relay. Replace it with a cheap 2 terminal one from Halfords or any auto parts shop. Tape off the third terminal.

[Bryan Boyle]

I'd replace it with an electronic flasher.  For the extra money you spend (last I looked,
it was about $18 USD), you get a constant flash speed regardless of the state of charge
or engine rpm, and a lot more reliable than the old bimetalic clicker that was original
equipment (not to mention a slightly lower current draw).

Just my $.02 USD.

[needswork]

Thanks everyone.
The flashers work fine so I think I'll just leave it be.  I hoped it might have something to do with the speedo and tach not lighting up. The (4) bulbs all appeared to be okay and I tried to follow the wires, I even switched the fuses around and nothing changed, but I still haven't found why the speedo and tach don't light up. I guess I'll have to track down the wires more carefully.

Paul

[Jonesy]

Go to www.oldmanhonda.com and lookup the "interactive wiring diagrams" page. You can shutoff different sub-systems and just look at the lighting portion of the schematic. He even laid out the diagrams in the actual Honda wire colors. It makes the diagrams easier to follow when you're only looking at the portion you need. The wiring for the lights in the gauges is green (ground) and brown with a white stripe.

Hope this helps!