Community Forums

BonanzaFlyer · 10-11-2013, 11:54 AM

Turn signals flash normally, but freeze on when brake pedal depressed. Place to start?

2008 Newmar Essex

BFlinn181 · 10-11-2013, 12:17 PM

Do you have separate brake and turn signal bulbs on the back of your RV? Have you added a trailer hook-up? What you describe often happens when separate Stop and Turn wires are combined into a trailer hook-up without installing a converter.

Trailer Hitch 3 Wire System Universal Fit Wiring | etrailer.com

tom chelbana · 10-11-2013, 01:19 PM

Both our Essex and our tow Durango do the same thing when you step on the brake the flasher stop working and that the way it's wired and not a problem. Tom

BFlinn181 · 10-11-2013, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom chelbana

Both our Essex and our tow Durango do the same thing when you step on the brake the flasher stop working and that the way it's wired and not a problem. Tom

Well maybe not for you, but other drivers might want a clue as to what you're about to do!

bcbounders · 10-12-2013, 12:24 PM

BonanzaFlyer,

Is this happening when you have just your left/right turn signal on? Or is it when your hazards are flashing?

We've always had the issue of the hazards stopping flashing when the brakes are applied (which we think is a safety issue, but Newmar seemed to disagree)... but the individual turn signals work.

If it's the turn signals that stop whenever you apply the brakes, I would suspect that there's a short somewhere between the brake signal line and the turn signals. I would probably start testing by disconnecting the toad and the electrical umbilical between them and see if it happens then. If it doesn't, then it's an issue with the wiring between the RV and toad... or in the toad. If it does, then you know it's an issue on the RV.

Selah · 10-12-2013, 01:12 PM

Is this a new problem or has it always done this? If it has always done this it is most likely how the toad lights are wired into the coach. Some brands, my Honda CRV, may not work properly when just using diodes in the wiring. At least according to Blue OX. Mine has a separate bulb installed in the toad tail light assembly and everything works properly.

EngineerMike · 10-12-2013, 01:49 PM

If your brake light filament is flashing for turn signals (i.e. two filaments flashing) then its the short between brake & turn. Power on brake + short = solid on signal to both filaments. this could happen at a bulb base w/a short between both contacts.

ronmc · 10-18-2013, 12:16 PM

It's a priority issue. It's more important for drivers to know you are stopping! Normal operatiun.

Sky_Boss · 10-18-2013, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BonanzaFlyer

Turn signals flash normally, but freeze on when brake pedal depressed. Place to start?

2008 Newmar Essex

This is NOT normal and needs attention.

Just to verify some information:

1. Is this for the toad, MH or both?
2. Is this for both sides or only one side?
3. Does this do the same with and without your toad?

Iron Man · 10-18-2013, 01:27 PM

You have seperate bulbs for the turn signals. Each of the four lights have 3 bulds stop, turn and backup. Are you saying your turn signal bulbs do not flash when you put on the brakes?

Bryantclan · 10-20-2013, 12:22 PM

I have the same problem but only with my Hazard lights which has gotten me stopped now twice on i70 going over the mountains. Here in CO if you are over 26k pounds you have a different speed limit and the requirement to use your hazard lights on certain parts of 70.... Which is all good except that when the compression break comes on it activates the break lights and my hazards stop working.

Would love to know if anyone has found a work around as Newmar has said ... That's just how it works.

BFlinn181 · 10-20-2013, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronmc

It's a priority issue. It's more important for drivers to know you are stopping! Normal operatiun.

Not necessarily. If someone passes you as you are turning, slowing and changing lanes, etc. I can't believe this is legal or normal. IF you have red brake lights and amber (or separate red turn signal) they should be completely separate circuits. The only way they can malfunction is if they are wired together, perhaps at a trailer hook up. Usually a separate turn/brake system is hooked up to a trailer connection by way of a converter.

Iron Man · 10-20-2013, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryantclan

I have the same problem but only with my Hazard lights which has gotten me stopped now twice on i70 going over the mountains. Here in CO if you are over 26k pounds you have a different speed limit and the requirement to use your hazard lights on certain parts of 70.... Which is all good except that when the compression break comes on it activates the break lights and my hazards stop working.

Would love to know if anyone has found a work around as Newmar has said ... That's just how it works.

If the brake light activate I think the brake lights should take precident over the flashers. There has been much discussion over wether the brake lights should acivate when the supplemental brake system is activated.

palehorse89 · 10-20-2013, 12:41 PM

When I have my 4 ways on every light on the rear of the Coach and my Jeep are flashing and when I step on the brake pedel the 4 ways stop flashing and go on solid red (brake lights) and if I let off the pedel they start to flash again till I shut off the 4 ways......Normal.