In the process of building a custom (car) dashboard. I'm working on the 4 way flasher set up. On a simple 2 prong automotive flasher does it need a load to "flash"? I have 12V dc on one side and out comes 12V on the other post, but no on/off/on action. I do not have a load (bulb) on the output side, do I need the load to make the flasher respond?

 

We have a policy of not rendering assistance for many automotive projects. When safety issues are involved, the possibility of a critical failure causing accidents is just too great -

Guidelines for automotive electronics help

1. Modifications to the ECU or engine sensors are not topics for discussion. Too many safety and legal issues come up. Air quality and safety trump performance.

2. Any homemade wiring modifications to signal or head lighting, or penetrations through the fiewall are not for discussion. The lighting function is to too critical for non-approved wiring and connectors. Many safety issues are involved. Preventing chafing in wires passing through driver-made holes is impossible to guarantee.

3. Add-on items that exist in the passenger spaces is generally okay. Exceptions are lights flashing to music and similar driver distractions. Assurances that the color organ will only get operated while sitting still is not credible.

Each OP should keep in mind the very public nature of these forums. While he may be able to install requested changes in a safe manner, there are others that may be tempted to do the same with no prior experience for guidance or proper tools for the work.

One further constraint to advice/help exists. We are international, but mostly have an audience here in the US. That means that we have to insist that aftermarket equipment must conform with US federal guidelines.

We have to choose a path between withholding all advice for fear of any possible harm, and simple telling anybody everything they wish, as they will only get the information on some other forum anyway. Neither extreme is sensible.