If you own a vehicle with turn signal blinkers, then you most likely have a flasher installed. A flasher is a mechanism that controls the timing of your blinkers, giving them their characteristic flashing pattern. If your flasher is malfunctioning or needs to be replaced, it’s important to know how to properly wire a new one in. In this article, we’ll discuss the 4 pin flasher wiring diagram and answer some common questions about how to install and troubleshoot them.
What is a 4 Pin Flasher?
A 4 pin flasher is a type of flasher unit that has four pins instead of the three pins found in most other types of flashers. The extra pin is used to provide a separate ground for the indicator light on the dashboard. The other three pins are used for the positive feed, the load output, and the variable load, which controls how quickly the blinkers flash.
If you’re not sure if your vehicle uses a 4 pin flasher, consult your owner’s manual or do some research online to find the right wiring diagram for your specific make and model.
How to Wire a 4 Pin Flasher
Wiring a 4 pin flasher is relatively simple, but it’s important to follow the correct wiring diagram to avoid damaging your vehicle’s electrical system. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Disconnect the Battery
Before you begin any electrical work on your vehicle, it’s important to disconnect the battery to avoid any accidental shocks or short circuits. Make sure to use the correct size wrench or socket to loosen and remove the negative cable from the battery terminal.
Step 2: Locate the Flasher Unit
The flasher unit is usually located under the dashboard or behind the glove compartment. If you’re having trouble finding it, consult your owner’s manual or do some online research to find the location for your specific make and model.
Step 3: Remove the Old Flasher
Use a pair of pliers or a screwdriver to gently remove the old flasher from its socket. Be careful not to damage any wires or connectors in the process.
Step 4: Identify the Pins on Your New Flasher
Before you begin wiring your new 4 pin flasher, take a minute to identify which pin is which. Most new flashers will have a diagram or label indicating which pin corresponds to which function.
Step 5: Connect the Wires
Using a wire stripper or cutter, strip the ends of the wires that will be connected to the flasher unit. Then, connect the wires to the corresponding pins on the flasher unit by crimping them or using wire connectors. Make sure to match the colors and functions correctly based on the wiring diagram for your specific make and model.
Step 6: Test the System
Once your new flasher is wired in, it’s important to test the system to make sure everything is functioning as it should. Reconnect the battery, turn on your blinkers, and make sure they’re flashing at the correct rate. If you notice any issues, consult the troubleshooting section below.
Troubleshooting Your 4 Pin Flasher
Even if you’ve wired your new flasher correctly, you may still run into some issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Problem: Blinkers are not flashing at all
Solution: Check the wiring to make sure everything is connected correctly. If the wiring is correct, the flasher unit may be defective and should be replaced.
Problem: Blinkers are flashing too quickly
Solution: Check the variable load setting on your flasher unit. If it’s set too low, the blinkers will flash too quickly. Adjust the variable load until the blinkers are flashing at the correct rate.
Problem: Blinkers are flashing out of sync
Solution: This could be caused by a faulty ground connection to the flasher unit. Check the ground wire and make sure it’s properly connected and not corroded. If the ground wire is fine, the flasher unit may be defective and should be replaced.
Conclusion
Wiring a 4 pin flasher is a relatively simple task, but it’s important to follow the correct wiring diagram and troubleshoot any issues to avoid damaging your vehicle’s electrical system. With the right tools and knowledge, you can have your turn signal blinkers back up and running in no time.
| Pin Number | Function |
|---|---|
| 1 | Positive Feed |
| 2 | Load Output |
| 3 | Variable Load |
| 4 | Indicator Light Ground |
FAQ
What is a flasher unit?
A flasher unit is a mechanism that controls the timing of your vehicle’s turn signal blinkers, giving them their characteristic flashing pattern.
How do I know if my vehicle has a 4 pin flasher?
Consult your owner’s manual or do some research online to find the right wiring diagram for your specific make and model. A 4 pin flasher has four pins instead of the three pins found in most other types of flashers.
What causes blinkers to flash too quickly?
If your blinkers are flashing too quickly, it could be caused by a faulty variable load setting on your flasher unit. Adjust the variable load until the blinkers are flashing at the correct rate.
What causes blinkers to flash out of sync?
If your blinkers are flashing out of sync, it could be caused by a faulty ground connection to the flasher unit. Check the ground wire and make sure it’s properly connected and not corroded.
