Narva | Flasher Application Guide (2024)

FAQs

What does p mean on a flasher? ›

I = Ignition. L, 49a = Load. P = Pilot Lamp. S = Sense.

There are three basic flasher types: Thermal, Electro-Mechanical and Solid State Electronic. The introduction of both Electro-Mechanical Flashers and Electronic Flashers has produced a higher level of reliability, a clearer audible sound and a more consistent flash rate under load and temperature variations.

Flasher unit - three Lucar terminals marked L, P & X. L goes to live, P goes to warning light, X goes to indicators.

Unlike a normal flasher, which uses a mechanical switch to interrupt the flow of electrical current, an electronic LED flasher uses an electronic circuit to control the amount and timing of the electrical current delivered to the LED.

It has three screw terminals, "B" for Battery, "L" for Load, and "P" for Panel (dash indicator lamp). If the terminals are not marked you can check it with a test light or ohm meter. The "P" terminal will be open circuit at rest, and the other two terminals are functionally interchangeable.

The P with the 3 lines is the single-side parking light feature for other countries. If you have the vehicle turned off and you activate the left turn signal position, the parking lights on the left side of the car will stay on while you're parked.

The flasher module should have the three prongs labeled X, L and P where X is the battery power, L is the load switched to Left or Right lamps and P is for a Pilot lamp when used to let you know a turn signal is on. You should not need another relay as most will drive the lamps direct.

Faulty hazard lights might start flashing without stopping because of a bad relay or electrical shorts. Bimetal or DOT flashers with a burned-out bulb or wiring problem might shine steadily without blinking. In most new cars, the turn signal might flash too quickly after a bulb burns out.

Testing the flasher unit

Turn on the ignition . If the supply side of the unit is working, the bulb should light. If it does not, look for a break in the wiring between the unit and the fuse box. If the tester lights, test between the terminal marked L and the earth.

The clicking sound when you activate your turn signals usually comes from the turn signal relay. It's important to note that on some older vehicles, the flasher is not a relay, but a device that contains a bimetallic strip that heats and contracts in response to current flow.

Will a flasher work with LED lights? ›

The reason most mechanical flashers won't work with LEDs is that they require very little current flow, which is not enough to heat the internal strip and open the circuit.

Flashers used to achieve their ground through the filament in the lamp once the turn switch was engaged however, with the advent of LED lighting and electronic circuits, they are no longer able to do so. The flasher must be supplied with its own ground, which is the purpose of the white wire.

If you see a red circle with an “E” or a “P” inside, it simply means your emergency (parking) brake is engaged. If a light comes on that says BRAKE or a yellow circle with ABS inside, your braking system has a major malfunction. The yellow circle indicates the Anti-Lock Braking System has a malfunction.

The flasher module should have the three prongs labeled X, L and P where X is the battery power, L is the load switched to Left or Right lamps and P is for a Pilot lamp when used to let you know a turn signal is on. You should not need another relay as most will drive the lamps direct.

Parking Assist Light

If your vehicle is equipped with parking sensors, you might see a warning light with a "P" and a triangle separated by waves.

If it's the parking brake that's flashing then there's a problem with the parking brake circuit.