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So I bought an NOS turn signal flasher for my '72 Supreme from ebay and when I plugged it in today to check it, it works, but not like it should. The directional signals work fine, but it's the hazard lights that are the issue.
When I turn on the hazards, it takes a minute for them to come on, and when they do, they fluctuate between blinking fast and slow, and they also fluctuate from bright to dim. Also, there is no "clicking" sound.
I noticed that when I plugged it in, it didn't feel like it was seated quite right, and I also noticed that it's just a tad bigger in diameter than the one that was installed, thus not allowing it to fully seat.
I'm thinking that's why the hazards aren't working right...am I correct?
And just to confirm, when I re installed the old flasher, no issues whatsoever.
Which flasher did you replace? The hazard flasher is completely separate from the turn signal flasher. The one on the fuse box is for the hazards. The turn signal flasher is on a pigtail behind the dash, outboard of the steering column.
Dave - Did you actually validate the supposed NOS turn signal flasher is in “fact” the correct part number for an NOS turn signal flasher for your car? (Assuming you have the correct OEM turn signal flasher receptacle & wiring harness). Possible a PO fabricated a replacement.
Which flasher did you replace? The hazard flasher is completely separate from the turn signal flasher. The one on the fuse box is for the hazards. The turn signal flasher is on a pigtail behind the dash, outboard of the steering column.
Joe, I didn't actually replace it, but it's the one that plugs into the fuse box, and here's a pic of the actual one I bought.
I reached out to the group here on the forum (See link below), but I couldn't get a definitive answer, so I rolled the dice and went with my gut. Both the one that's in the car now and the one I purchased carry the same "552" designation, so (unless I'm wrong), they're the same, right? If not, can you shed some light as to which direction I should go?
Wow...I completely missed that in my other thread...thanks for pointing that out Norm 😀
Dave, no worries. I believe it's a simple matter of you having ordered the incorrect part number. I spent a little time reviewing that part # 6450089 and it doesn't appear to fit your 1972 - it is listed for later years as has been noted in your other thread. I recognize you don't own a Parts Manual & it can be difficult to find the correct part numbers. I do wish this thread wasn't separate from your other (previous) thread because this makes it difficult for others to assist when we're talking about the exact same issue in two separate threads. I'm happy to assist best I can when I have time.
What is the exact part number as indicated on the flasher you want to replace (I'm not sure replace is the correct word since it sounds like you just want a backup)? There should be a part number on the flasher which is currently in the car. And, again, for clarity we are now talking about the "hazard" flasher and not the "turn signal" flasher correct?
Dave - As per your previous thread & in relation to information contained in that thread - the answer to your question is "Yes" - this is the correct part number for the OEM Hazard Flasher - which, again is the flasher which plugs into the fuse box.
As per Charlie's post -
Dave - A helpful bit of advice for future reference. I recognize you've already been provided these links (in the previous thread) and depending on your comfort using a Web Browser and navigating .pdf files (which is simple stuff), I suggest you download the 1975 Parts Catalog so you have a copy of it on your computer. It's really big, but not to worry, it will download fine for you. This should/can be one of your best one-stop shops for part numbers. There are others, but you should have a local copy of this Parts Catalog. I guess there are Parts Catalogs and Illustration Catalogs - download each one for your car. You'll save a lot of time and they're extremely helpful. Good luck!
If you have any questions regarding how to download the file for the parts catalog, let me know I'll help you.
Thanks for the help Norm and I'll look into the parts manual. And yes, I'm looking for a backup. My concern is that the 3883794 is rectangular, and all the diagrams I've seen show the hazard flasher as being round🤔
Thanks for the help Norm and I'll look into the parts manual. And yes, I'm looking for a backup. My concern is that the 3883794 is rectangular, and all the diagrams I've seen show the hazard flasher as being round🤔
There should be a part number on the hazard warning flasher located in your car currently. I don't know if it's round or rectangular. I do know for a fact that during the period of production, MANY vendors sold cross-referenced part numbers which may or may not be the OEM part and/or part number. I'm not looking at your current flasher, I can't see your current flasher, I'm not addressing any part numbers on your current flasher, you haven't stated any part numbers on your current flasher; albeit, I can't see your current flasher so I cannot validate what you're looking at.
My Point: MANY vendors sold replacement (cross-referenced) flashers during the time period your car was in production and directly after production. I owned a 1967 442 and a 1972 442 - both in the time periods of 1969 through 1981. Flasher units were a dime a dozen and all automotive parts stores sold them from a multitude of companies - they're like spark plugs, radiator caps, etc. How does Dave know if the hazard flasher currently located in his 1972 vehicle is the OEM or a replacement part? That question still has no answer.
Thanks for the help Norm and I'll look into the parts manual. And yes, I'm looking for a backup. My concern is that the 3883794 is rectangular, and all the diagrams I've seen show the hazard flasher as being round🤔
Dave - Your answer makes no sense. I provided a picture of part number 3883794 (above). You state all the diagrams show the hazard flasher as being round. Hmmmm....maybe the advertisement is a different round hazard flasher than what is depicted in the image? I found ONE round flasher - which I probably would not purchase if I was looking for OEM/NOS. Good luck.
There should be a part number on the hazard warning flasher located in your car currently. I don't know if it's round or rectangular. I do know for a fact that during the period of production, MANY vendors sold cross-referenced part numbers which may or may not be the OEM part and/or part number. I'm not looking at your current flasher, I can't see your current flasher, I'm not addressing any part numbers on your current flasher, you haven't stated any part numbers on your current flasher; albeit, I can't see your current flasher so I cannot validate what you're looking at.
My Point: MANY vendors sold replacement (cross-referenced) flashers during the time period your car was in production and directly after production. I owned a 1967 442 and a 1972 442 - both in the time periods of 1969 through 1981. Flasher units were a dime a dozen and all automotive parts stores sold them from a multitude of companies - they're like spark plugs, radiator caps, etc. How does Dave know if the hazard flasher currently located in his 1972 vehicle is the OEM or a replacement part? That question still has no answer.
I didn't think to look at the part number for the one I currently have Norm...all I can tell you is that it has the 552 marking as the one I tried to use for a backup, and that it's round, not rectangular. Based on the markings I did see, I would say it's aftermarket.
Signal-Stat, Buss, Ideal and Littelfuse were all OEM suppliers to GM (and everybody else). 552 is simply a flasher spec number same as brake shoes have. As in, say, #160 brake shoes fit a lot of cars across a lot of manufacturers.
If you can find one in OE packaging, great, but one from the parts store will work fine.
Signal-Stat, Buss, Ideal and Littelfuse were all OEM suppliers to GM (and everybody else). 552 is simply a flasher spec number same as brake shoes have. As in, say, #160 brake shoes fit a lot of cars across a lot of manufacturers.
If you can find one in OE packaging, great, but one from the parts store will work fine.
Well Norm I bit the bullet and went with this one...60 bones is steep I know, but it checks all the right boxes for me, and it works!
Right on, Dave. Anytime it states "NOS" you know you're going to pay a premium price for OEM. I recognized you were looking for the OEM (NOS) flasher as opposed to an aftermarket.
Merry Christmas - happy you found the NOS which works.
Right on, Dave. Anytime it states "NOS" you know you're going to pay a premium price for OEM. I recognized you were looking for the OEM (NOS) flasher as opposed to an aftermarket.
Merry Christmas - happy you found the NOS which works.
Thanks Norm, and from what I understand, "481" is a date code, which would put it the 48th week of 1971, so it's correctly dated too😀
December 15th, 2021, 04:30 PM
