'54 turn signal problem, need diode?
 

I installed a new wiring harness on my '54 s10 conversion and both front turn signals were blinking at the same. It was caused by the original gage design only had one light for the turn signals and when both wires are connected it created a loop and made them both flash when either was turned on. I was told I need to install a diode by the wiring company (EZ Harness) but havent been able to find one since all of the radio shacks are closed were we live.

Does anyone know which kind to order online and where to get them? Or does anyone know another way to fix the dual turn signal problem?

Thanks,
Russ

Re: '54 turn signal problem, need diode?
 

Look on E bay or Amazon for one way diode. I know for sure International Truck used them in there blinker system for feedback problems.They still sell them.:gmc2: International 28H7867 Diode

Re: '54 turn signal problem, need diode?
 

If you have a Massey Ferguson tractor dealer around or a Ford tractor dealer they usually have 1N5408 diodes to put in line in the exciter wires for an alternator.

Remember that diodes are one way valves for electricity so you want the current to flow through the wire to the light and not from the light though the wire.

Re: '54 turn signal problem, need diode?
 

If only radio shack was still around.
I’d imagine you could get one from a big box hardware or electronics store.

It depends on what I’m doing, but my go to for electronics components are Jameco, Digi-Key or Mouser.

Re: '54 turn signal problem, need diode?
 

diode is quick and painless. if that becomes harder and harder to source a second blinker light isn't that tough to install either.
try this on google, it is for motorcycles with the same problem, single indicator light in the cluster and guys upgrade the lights to led so the flasher etc all gets swapped out. these are not the only game in town for this and may even be in stock locally for you at a bike shop

Kuryakyn 4709 Diode Kit


https://www.kuryakyn.com/products/719/diode-kit

Re: '54 turn signal problem, need diode?
 

That’s even easier.

Re: '54 turn signal problem, need diode?
 

i needed 3 when i wired truk, radio shack was still around at the time, they were getting $2.50 per diode at the time. i ended up buying a qty100- 1N4001 diodes on ebay for $3 shipped. 1N4001 is the diode recommended to me.

amazon has 5 of this type for $3.04 shipped amazon was not as popular back then

Re: '54 turn signal problem, need diode?
 

digi-key sells that kind of electronic stuff so does Casper Electronics they are both on line. i get all of my weatherpak fittings from Casper.

Re: '54 turn signal problem, need diode?
 

I'd say that on the diodes you used to pick up at Radio shack or get from the bike shop the packaging costs more than the actual diode. You could buy a bulk pack of them off Ebay or Amazon but most likely they would come from China and take far too long to get here.

Re: '54 turn signal problem, need diode?
 

I work on and build custom Harleys,After reading your post I had a thought.I use Badlands Turn signal module on all the bikes I build,Just a thought but why not put one of those in the system.I going to have to look into this

Re: '54 turn signal problem, need diode?
 

Looking that unit up it sounds great for a guy with no light control system at all. That might be the really trick setup for a guy who wants a stock interior and doesn't like the Yankee style turn signal switch on the column. I could really see that on a roadster I am building that I don't want anything that looks post 1935 showing on it but still needs the safety of real turn lights.

With what he is dealing with 5 bucks max worth of diodes fixes the issue quite simply.