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European Turn Signal Wiring

European turn signals use only a single wire to power their lights while US turn signals use 2 wires. When you to go install your European turn signals on a US car you are faced with a dilemma. Do you use just one wire to power the European turn signal or do we modify the European turn signal to accept both wires. The answer is you modify the turn signal to use both wires!

 

Trying to use only one of the US wires to power the European indicators doesn't work because the flasher relay that runs the indicator is load sensitive and one wire wont pull enough load to make the indicators "blink" correctly.

 

There are multiple solutions which include using a Uhual Tap-a-light (NLA) or drilling a hole and mounting a second light bulb in the bracket. However a simpler solution exists. There are double filament adapters that fit into single filament holes and add the double filament and double wiring needed.

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http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/dorman-conduct-tite-electrical-sockets-2-wire-double-contact-3-4-in.-85803/5012112-p#

For about $4 you will be able to plug in the correct US bulb and wire the bulb to US spec.

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Although the adapters squeeze right into place, i did add some epoxy to hold them in place. Be careful though, the body of the adapter must make metal on metal contact with the bulb holder as this the electrical ground for the light circuit. Adding a dedicated ground wire is also not a bad idea since the light, by default, grounds through the body screws by making contact with the brass rivets holding the light assembly together.

 

As you can also see i broke off and removed the spring loaded filament contact as it is no longer needed and just gets in the way.

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Stevenc22
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So Im sure one of you guys will know. I want a indicator lever that self returns and a wiper lever that doesn't go on every time I turn the steering wheel! Lets say from rogertii, which ones will fit my European Right hand drive 1973 tii. All replies respected!

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This is such a simple solution. I put mine on the '75 last week and have a couple tips.

 

I used a Dremel to open up the rearmost mounting hole of the bracket and was able to push the new fixture up tight and making good contact all around.  No need to epoxy.  You don't have to remove much material and could likely do it with just a round file.

 

Secondly, the new fixture has two black wires. The US bulb has a big filament for blinker (brighter) and a small filament for running lights (dimmer). Wouldn't you know... I attached both of mine backwards and had to re-do it. (you couldn't see the blinker when the driving lights were on)  I'd suggest twisting the wires together to test the circuit before crimping them.  

 

Great tip for Euro lights... takes no time at all and cheap!

 

Ed

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I'm finally getting around to putting my flat euro signals in. I ordered the dual-filament adapter. Any idea which of the 2 wires ( grey vs duo-colored in my '74) is for which lead? Do I just trial and error it? is there any risk of harm if I get it backwards? Thanks for any help!

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Hi all,

 

I have followed this thread to the T but cannot figure out my problem. I have the dual filament bulb, and dual filament adapter, everything grounded and wired properly. However, my turn signals now blink incredibly fast... Any ideas what would cause this?

 

Thanks

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