Flash Clearance Lamps for OK to Merge.

[HookMeUp]

Not sure what it's called, I think I. C. C Flash. I would like to hook up a switch that flashes the clearance lamps to signal a passing truck or other pulling a trailer that it's ok to merge back over.

 

[JimB1]

Try SEARCH feature, "blink tail lights". That'll get you enough info for answer or other thread titles to search.

 

[HBarlow]

It shouldn't be difficult. You'll want to find the wire for taillights and clearance lights downstream of your light switch but under the dash of your truck. You should be able to find it by turning on the parking lights and probing with a simple light tester with a sharp point on the end of the test lead. Just cut that wire and route it through a high quality and high current capable switch and mount the switch in a handy location on or under the dash.



Harvey

 

[Bill Stockard]

On medium and heavy duty trucks, it's called a "Clearance Light Interrupter Switch". The switch on the dash is usually a spring loaded toggle switch that automatically returns to the On position when it's released by the driver. The switch controls a relay(s) under the dash that interupts the circuit(s) feeding the truck's clearance lights.



Bill

 

[HBarlow]

On medium and heavy duty trucks, it's called a "Clearance Light Interrupter Switch". The switch on the dash is usually a spring loaded toggle switch that automatically returns to the On position when it's released by the driver. The switch controls a relay(s) under the dash that interupts the circuit(s) feeding the truck's clearance lights.



Bill

Bill,



I didn't know that. Your suggestion is better than mine.



I would have installed a simple ON/OFF switch which could be forgotten and left in the OFF position or accidentally turned off and overlooked. Using the switch to operate a relay would be smarter than routing all the light current through the switch as I suggested.



The only applications I've seen that installed a switch to interrupt the lights were done by one of the two shops in Elkhart, IN that provide parts and service to RV transporters. They do it like I suggested and I see the risks involved in that method. I knew better than to let them make that installation on my truck but lots of, maybe most of the transporters have that done to their dually pickups.



It would probably be risky to do it at all on an '06 or newer Dodge because "big brother", a computer is monitoring everything electrical. The computer would probably sense the modification and set a code, possibly turn off power to the lights as well.



Harvey

 

[Grumpytrkr]

Not sure what it's called, I think I. C. C Flash. I would like to hook up a switch that flashes the clearance lamps to signal a passing truck or other pulling a trailer that it's ok to merge back over.

I just use my 4 way flashers to say "thanks". I use the flash to pass when the truck that is going around me is in the clear.

 

['strokeThis_'07]

Yea, just flash hazards to say thanks; flash headlights if they are passing you and theyre clear. Headlights are easier to see, especially if their mirror happens to be dirty or muddy (like my truck I drive at work; wouldnt be able to see clearance lights. )

 

[Ragain]

I cut the wire just behind the light control switch on the dash (Black/Yellow? Black/Orange?) and ran a jumper wire down to a "momentary off" toggle switch, (from a local Freightliner dealer). Works same as the big rigs now and there is not a big ampherage load on the switch or the wire because it only operates the stock relay down circuit. The headlights and turn signal/brake lights will remain on when you press the momentary switch because they are on a different circuit and only the running lights and marker lights are interrupted.

The most common procedure is to turn off/on headlights momentarily to signal a passing vehicle that they have safely cleared you. DO NOT FLASH HIGH BEAMS!!!

When you pass a vehicle and they have signaled w/ their headlights that you have safely cleared them, a couple of short interupts of your tail/marker lights is a good way to say thanks.

 

[Kalaehina]

Chevy 4500 cutaway vans we have a work had a momentary switch in the dash labeled "winker", with a symbol of the parking lights with a slash through it. For some reason they were all disabled when we got our vans delivered to us. Seems Hawaii drivers don't have enough roads and semis on them at night to use it as often.

 

[steved]

I just use my 4 way flashers to say "thanks". I use the flash to pass when the truck that is going around me is in the clear.

Yeah, I kick the four-ways on for three blinks (while the turn signal is on), then cancel the turn signal when I get in lane... blink-blink-blink-flash-flash-flash-blink-blink.



steved

 

[HookMeUp]

I found what i am looking for here:



http://www.rvtechstop.com/articles/icc.pdf

 

[Mrudolph]

I hate it when people improperly use 4 way flashers for signaling, I never know if there stopping or just just new to driving.

 

[steved]

I hate it when people improperly use 4 way flashers for signaling, I never know if there stopping or just just new to driving.

I've been using the 4-way flash "thank you" for a lot of years... never had a complaint.



steved

 

[jelag]

Trucks used to have a switch called "blink marker lights" and it was pushbutton, when the lights were on, it would turn them off when the switch was held down and when the lights were off it would turn them on... we're talking clearance marker, and tail light bulbs. This worked great and it was a relay that was wired to do what's asked... .

I'm with steved and use the high beam switch during the day for someone pulling in front of me..... and the 4-way to flash "thank you" when I pull around someone... .