Flasher problem on 73 Manta

[73Manta72gt]

I have an annoying problem with the Manta now. The turn signals and flashers work fine, but the flasher unit clicks randomly when I'm driving. It seem electrical transients trigger it such as a change in alternator output when the engine drops in rpm. I can also make it click by quickly pushing the cigarette lighter in and out.

The flasher is a Mera unit p/n 580004 with 2 relays, 2 transistors, 7 resistors, and 2 electrolytic capacitors inside.

Should pin 49 (blue wire) of the flasher have ingition power on it when the turn signal switch is in the off position?..hard to tell from the schematic. I'm not sure if the flasher is bad or a short/bad switch is applying power to pin 49 when it shouldn't have it there while the turn signal switch is off.

Does anyone know of a replacement? Hella number? I saw Buss makes a lot of universal electronic flashers, but they didn't list a direct replacement for a Manta

Thanks :-)

[timemachine]

Very possible that the relay contacts are oxidized and current is crossing them while they are open. They will benefit from some contact cleaner and a light cloth (don't sand them) if you can disassemble sealed relays without wrecking them. Since you've already disassembled the flasher unit, you can replace the electrolytics with Radio Shack parts in case the caps are leaking. Replacement relays are sometimes found on eBay. I probably have a spare sitting around.

You may already be using a replacement flasher since I recall all the originals I've seen are Bosch or Hella. But I remember when aftermarkets were available.

I am guessing you have isolated that it's not the emergency flasher switch causing the relay to short. That switch is notorious for turning itself on because of a poor mechanical design, but you'd notice the flasher switch activated.

BTW, the flasher should always have 12V present with the signals on or off to power the emergency flashers.

Jim

[73Manta72gt]

Thanks. I found a 4 terminal Hella flasher that I think was from a GT and it plugged in and worked.