Auxilary Turn Signal Indicator

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TallPaul

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I would like to put a small indicator lamp on my dash somewhere to let me know my turn signal is on. The indicators on the instrument panel are not bright enough and too low to really be useful. I don't want two lights, just one telling me it's on. Presumably I need to tap the wire between the flasher and the switch. Does that sound right?

Any idea where that particular wire might be?
Vehicle is 2001 Ford Ranger 2.3L, 5 speed.
 
Originally Posted By: Towncivilian
Why not upgrade to high power SMD LED bulbs in the turn signal indicators instead?
Don't want to pull the gauge cluster. The auxilary seems much simpler to install--if I can find the wire. This also is not a fine vehicle that has to look just so, it's a rusty old pickup that runs good.

However, I will keep it in mind. I could have the gauge cluster pulled (I won't do it, but my mechanic will) and upgrade the indicators as well as jump the resistor on the back of the dummy oil gauge so I can run a real sender and have oil pressure readings. Kill 2 birds with one stone.
 
I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that in the 01 Ranger you've got the flasher built into the turn signal switch. Maybe you could tap into the wiring going to the bulbs?
 
Maybe I will get one of those big front bumpers like on tow trucks, with the marker posts at the corners. Then I can mount turn signals on top of the marker posts.
crazy.gif
 
The flasher is right underneath the steering column. It's clipped to a metal bracket and sits right on top of it. Just tap into the wires right at the flasher.
 
Thanks exranger06. If I can find the switch input line to the flasher then I can do one light for both.
 
The turn signal switch connects either one side or the other to the flasher unit. You want your indicator to light when EITHER side is connected but you don't want to short the two sides together. A neat and simple solution is a BIcolor LED Red and Green for example. One "ground" lead and a lead for each color, three in all. If you don't mind having the lamp flash red for one side and green for the other it's easy to wire. Since these bicolor leds usually run on less than 12 volts a resistor in series with the "ground" lead is needed. It's as though you are adding a bulb for each side but with just one component. The "Shack" probably has them in stock, or try "All Electronics" through Google.
 
Hmmm, getting complicated. Ideally one lamp. good to know need a resistor if not 12V.

It's on my list of to dos:

Help change transmission fluid in son's S10 (hopefull next saturday)
Help change coolant in son's S10
Turn signal indicator lamp in Ranger
Oil pressure gauge in Ranger (waiting for oil change as it drains out sender hole)
At the rate I have any driveway work time (about an hour or two per month) this could take a while.
 
Hello TallPaul...I see your turn indicator his still on...It can only be attributable to human error... I think you know what the problem is just as well as I do...I know I've made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my work will be back to normal. I've still got the greatest enthusiasm and confidence in the mission. And I want to help you.
2001-a-space-odyssey-original-1024x576.jpg
 
Originally Posted By: tom slick
Hello TallPaul...I see your turn indicator his still on...It can only be attributable to human error... I think you know what the problem is just as well as I do...I know I've made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my work will be back to normal. I've still got the greatest enthusiasm and confidence in the mission. And I want to help you.
2001-a-space-odyssey-original-1024x576.jpg



27.gif
 
The problem is a human mind not being focused to pay attention to the turn signal lever.
The red light would certainly keep me alert, but it might also make me think the engine is about to blow.
Have to go with a green lamp. The mission is to stay alive and keeping the turn signal off unless needed
will aid that mission.
 
MY bike has TWO indicator lamps for R and L signals. The things are so close together in the "pod" that I wonder why they bothered with two. The turn signals themselves are so bright you can see THEIR wraparound lenses glow even in the daytime.
 
Originally Posted By: TallPaul
Hmmm, getting complicated. Ideally one lamp. good to know need a resistor if not 12V.

It's on my list of to dos:

Help change transmission fluid in son's S10 (hopefull next saturday)
Help change coolant in son's S10
Turn signal indicator lamp in Ranger
Oil pressure gauge in Ranger (waiting for oil change as it drains out sender hole)
At the rate I have any driveway work time (about an hour or two per month) this could take a while.


Buy a 2,200 ohm half watt resistor. SHould work fine with the dual LED.
 
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