Tridon as WigWag install help

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 4:52 pm

I had a used FedSig FHL-2 wigwag that failed and by luck, found a clean Tridon EL13a alternating flasher (3 prongs, labelled L, L, and X) used as a wigwag in an old county vic. (My friend refurbishes and sells used cop cars)

My friend hooked them up today and we got it working but only one high beam would work. Basically, highbeams work, wig wags work, but when wigwags are functionally installed, only one highbeam lights up.

I've already googled and couldnt find anything helpful.

Does anyone have any ideas?

fire-medic8104 · Post by **fire-medic8104** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 5:05 pm

What kind of vehicle is it? It sounds as if you have it hooked up wrong, but I've never heard of Tridon flasher either.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 5:14 pm

95 Crown Vic..

Tridon is just a generic alternating flasher

(..obviously somethings hooked up wrong

)

Tridon EL13a http://www.southwestpublicsafety.com/tridalflas.html

FFParamedic571 · Post by **FFParamedic571** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 6:35 pm

Its a standard alternating flasher. It is good for grill, deck or other alternating lights. It is not set up for flashing headlights becuse it has no relay to power the highbeams when you want to use the brights.

You need a FHl-2 or a sound off flasher that is made for alternating headlights.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 6:40 pm

county used these as wigwags.. so are you saying it's just not possible to make them work with highbeams?

Also, didn't you read, I had an FHL-2.. it broke.. it's probably still rotting in the garbage in the garage. Is it possible to fix this unit?

fire-medic8104 · Post by **fire-medic8104** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 6:49 pm

Just because it probably worked in the other crown vic, doesn't mean it was right.

The regular headlight flashers have relays to override the flasher when the high beams are activated.

Save yourself alot of trouble, spend the 35-40 bucks and get a good flasher and not have to worry about it again.

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 6:55 pm

Using one of those for wig-wags is something I would expect on a lawn mower. A real wig-wag flasher is not expensive and does not require mauling your wire harness to hook up.

FFParamedic571 · Post by **FFParamedic571** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 7:00 pm

Yes I did read...

Sure you can use one.. You just wont have highbeams..

If your friend " refurbishes" old police cars. Im SURE he can find you a good flasher..

By the way the FHL-2 is about the crappiest flasher that is made. I have had more of those fail than any other one by far.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 7:15 pm

I'd like a solid state flasher.. but what I got was FREE.. so why not put it to use somewhere? I guess county either found a way to make it work.. or more likely just left ol one eyed highbeams.. sounds like something they would do.

This wigwag, http://www.able2products.com/Pages/03.0771.htm , uses the very flasher I have.

I guess I'll put it on the lollipops.. I hate them things.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 7:17 pm

nmfire10 wrote:Using one of those for wig-wags is something I would expect on a lawn mower. A real wig-wag flasher is not expensive and does not require mauling your wire harness to hook up.

The most informative and helpful reply yet!

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 7:58 pm

My point is something that is free isn't neccessarily the right tool for the job. Those things by themselves are not designed for what your doing. $30 - $40 will get you a product that is designed for it, will actually work, and will do so properly.

jim · Post by **jim** » Sun Mar 28, 2004 7:10 am

The tridon will work, but you also need two additional relays to separate the high beam from the OEM wiring when the tridon is switched on. You will also have to add a third relay if you want to have "high beam override" to allow the hi beams to operate normally if you switch them on while the wigwags are on.

Yes- it will work.
No- it's not efficient at all, especially since a WW is only $35.00