Location of turn signal flasher on 2005 Astro

[justsomeguy]

Since I'm thinking of getting LED tail lights soon, and possibly LED "bulbs" for the front turn signals, I thought it would be a good idea to replace my stock turn signal flasher with an electronic turn signal flasher (since I hear the stock flasher may not work properly with LED's - it may flash too fast). I bought a new electronic turn signal flasher already, just trying to install it.

So far, I have only been able to check for the flasher when it's dusk or dark outside, and it's always been under noisy conditions. I live on fairly busy street, so activating the turn signal and listening to where the flasher's noise was coming from didn't work. I know it's under the dash, the lower portion, and seems to be either to the left or to the right of the steering column. Does anyone know if I will need to remove the plastic panel, or can I reach the get to the turn signal flasher by just reaching under?

Also, is there a separate flasher for the hazard lights? If so, should I replace that one with an electronic turn signal flasher as well? Thanks!

[RECox286]

If it is too noisy in the neighborhood, then use your hand to feel for the 'tink tink' that the flasher makes.

I've had good luck doing the touchy-feely on my trucks, so I should think you could do it with little trouble.

Both flasher units will be under the dash and should be clear enough to get a hand on them, look for them

at different spots. Since the(thermal) flashers use resistance to work you are correct to assume that you

will need the electronic type. I use them for trailering due to the extra resistance that the trailer puts on

the system, making them flash rapidly. The LED's may not have enough resistance to make the flashers

work at all.

Bob

[justsomeguy]

Thanks Bob! I'll try again tonight to try and "feel" where the "ticking" is. So you think I should be able to reach under the dash without taking the plastic panel off? Do you remember if it's more to the left or the right? I can't check now, will have to wait until tonight.

I've seen a YouTube video where someone put in LED taillights in his Astro and the turn signals flashed way too fast. Oddly enough, when he turned the 4 ways on, they flashed at the correct speed. Must have been enough resistance when both tail lights flashed, but not when only one side was on. To be safe, I should probably get another electronic turn signal flasher for the 4 ways then. I wasn't sure if the 4 ways shared the same flasher. On some vehicles they do, and on some they don't. So the Astro uses two flashers?