How to wire turn signals for your new gauges!

Since there are so many people wondering HOW to get your turn signals to work properly when switching to a gauge that only has one light indicating the signals are on, I figured I'd do a writeup. I've tested every other method people are discussing, and this way is the easiest, cheapest, and most effective.

First, you need Diodes. Diodes are little one-way paths for electricity. What you want is a Y formation, with your positive leads only allowing electricity to flow from one side into the light on the gauge, WITHOUT letting that electricity flow over into the other side and turn on your other lights!

The diodes permit this. There's a lot of debate over what diodes you need, 1a, 2a, 2.5a, etc.

I couldn't find any of those, so I just got some 3a at radio shack for about 80 cents apiece. Easy enough.

First, make sure your diodes are going THE RIGHT WAY! if they're backwards, they won't let anything light up at all! put one between each side and turn on your indicator (ground the light on the gauge as well!) and see if it lights up. If not, flip it over and see if it does. From what I understand, the striped end is always positive, but don't take my word for it: measure twice, cut once!

Use heat shrink. I used two sizes. one small tube for the wire, and one larger to enclose the smaller tube and the diode. If you can't get heat shrink, or a heat gun, electrical tape WILL work... But do it right the first time. A paint stripper heat gun is thirty bucks.

clip back the diode wire, and solder it to the leads (brown and dark green are the colors. Dark green is right, brown is left) then when you've got it together, test again, make sure it works. simple as twisting your wires together and flicking on the indicator. Both sides. Don't you dare use crimps! do it once, and do it right. a soldering iron and solder will cost you less than a box of crimps anyways.





When you're happy with that, solder the other end of the diode to the other, and then solder in the lead from the gauge. When it's all soldered nicely, heat shrink it up, and then tape (I used electrical tape, but later yanked it off and used heat shrink tape.)

solder the negative end of the gauge indicator to a ground, and you're done!

(wires used in this are yellow and yellow/black. For the gauges from mikesxs.net)



In the end, your gauges will look much, much nicer than the factory atari!

 

hey man very nice write-up. this should help many people, good work!

 

Thanks a bunch POPRIDER. Pictures ARE worth a thousand words.

 

I just finally did this, easy as 1,2,3. now my signals work as they should.

 

i like the guage thats exactly what im looking for my toy. where did you get it if you dont mind me asking?

 

I know I'm getting into an older posting, but when ever I do any soldering that is to be sealed with heat shrink I put a light coating of dielectric grease A.K.A. electric silicone on the soldered connection and onto the insulation if possible. To me it's just an extra piece of mind knowing that it will help prevent water infiltration into the connection. Just sayin'.

 

I believe he mentioned MikesXS. You can find the gauges on this page: http://www.mikesxs.net/products-46.html#products

Should be Part #03-0748 from the picture. I've been checking these out myself too. Great to see a picture of them installed and lit up.

Nice work and write-up.