Flashers are essential components of a vehicle’s electrical system. They are responsible for providing an intermittent electrical signal to the turn indicators, warning lights, and other notifications on your dashboard. One popular type of flasher is the 550 flasher, which has been in use for many years. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the 550 flasher wiring diagram.
What is a 550 Flasher?
The 550 flasher is a type of electro-mechanical flasher that is commonly used in the automotive industry. It is designed to provide a timed, intermittent electrical signal to the turn indicators or hazard lights on a vehicle. The 550 flasher is a reliable and durable device that has been widely used in vehicles for many years.
How Does a 550 Flasher Work?
The 550 flasher works by using an electromagnetic coil to open and close electrical contacts. The coil is energized by the vehicle’s electrical system, and this causes the contacts to open and close rapidly. When the contacts are closed, electrical current flows through the turn indicators or hazard lights, causing them to flash. When the contacts are open, the lights turn off.
The 550 flasher is designed to operate at a specific rate, which is usually around 60 to 80 flashes per minute. This rate can be adjusted by changing the resistance of the flasher circuit. The 550 flasher also has a built-in thermal switch that prevents it from overheating when it is used for an extended period of time.
Why is the 550 Flasher Wiring Diagram Important?
The 550 flasher wiring diagram is important because it provides a detailed description of how the flasher is wired into the vehicle’s electrical system. This information is essential for anyone who wants to install or repair a 550 flasher. The wiring diagram provides information about the color coding of the wires, the location of the flasher unit, and the connections to the turn indicators and other electrical components.
550 Flasher Wiring Diagram
The 550 flasher wiring diagram consists of several components, including the flasher unit, turn indicators, hazard lights, and the vehicle’s battery. The diagram provides information about how these components are connected to each other and to the vehicle’s electrical system.
Flasher Unit
The flasher unit is the heart of the 550 flasher. It is usually located under the dashboard or in the engine compartment of the vehicle. The unit is connected to the vehicle’s electrical system via a wiring harness that consists of several wires.
The wiring harness consists of four wires, which are usually color-coded as follows:
| Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|
| Green | Signal from turn indicator switch |
| Yellow | Output to turn indicators |
| Red | Power from battery |
| Black | Ground |
The green wire connects the flasher unit to the turn indicator switch. When the switch is turned on, it sends a signal to the flasher unit, which then activates the turn indicators. The yellow wire connects the flasher unit to the turn indicators. When the unit is activated, it sends an intermittent electrical signal to the turn indicators, causing them to flash.
The red wire connects the flasher unit to the vehicle’s battery. This wire provides the electrical power needed to activate the flasher unit. The black wire is the ground wire, which provides a path for electrical current to flow back to the battery.
Turn Indicators
The turn indicators are the lights on the vehicle that indicate when the driver is turning left or right. They are usually located on the front and rear of the vehicle, and they are connected to the flasher unit via the yellow wire.
When the flasher unit is activated, it sends an intermittent electrical signal to the turn indicators, causing them to flash. The rate of flashing is determined by the flasher unit, and it is usually around 60 to 80 flashes per minute.
Hazard Lights
The hazard lights are the lights on the vehicle that indicate when the vehicle is stopped or in an emergency situation. They are usually located on the front and rear of the vehicle, and they are connected to the flasher unit via the yellow wire.
When the flasher unit is activated, it sends an intermittent electrical signal to the hazard lights, causing them to flash. The rate of flashing is determined by the flasher unit, and it is usually around 60 to 80 flashes per minute.
Battery
The vehicle’s battery provides the electrical power needed to activate the flasher unit. The battery is connected to the flasher unit via the red wire. When the flasher unit is activated, it draws electrical power from the battery, causing the turn indicators or hazard lights to flash.
FAQ
What is the purpose of a flasher unit?
A flasher unit is a component of a vehicle’s electrical system that is responsible for providing an intermittent electrical signal to the turn indicators, hazard lights, and other notifications on the dashboard. The purpose of the flasher unit is to provide a visual indication to other drivers that the vehicle is turning or stopped in an emergency situation.
How does the 550 flasher work?
The 550 flasher works by using an electromagnetic coil to open and close electrical contacts. The coil is energized by the vehicle’s electrical system, and this causes the contacts to open and close rapidly. When the contacts are closed, electrical current flows through the turn indicators or hazard lights, causing them to flash. When the contacts are open, the lights turn off.
What is the rate of flashing for the 550 flasher?
The rate of flashing for the 550 flasher is usually around 60 to 80 flashes per minute. This rate can be adjusted by changing the resistance of the flasher circuit.
Where is the 550 flasher located in a vehicle?
The 550 flasher is usually located under the dashboard or in the engine compartment of the vehicle. It is connected to the vehicle’s electrical system via a wiring harness that consists of several wires.
What is the wiring diagram for the 550 flasher?
The wiring diagram for the 550 flasher consists of several components, including the flasher unit, turn indicators, hazard lights, and the vehicle’s battery. The diagram provides information about how these components are connected to each other and to the vehicle’s electrical system.
