Author Topic: Fast indicators.  (Read 72 times)

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Offline George-S

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Fast indicators.
« on: August 02, 2026, 01:56:47 PM »
Hello all,

My 1979 Beta Coupe has had fast indicator flash on both the left and right sides for a long time I have practically run out of ideas, at one point they did use to work but it was very intermittent.

Symptoms:
When using the indicators the speed is correct initially for 2 flashes then it increases to a very fast rate.
•   Left indicators flash too quickly.  (All left bulbs flash/working )
•   Right indicators flash too quickly. ( All right bulbs flash/working )
•   Hazards switch on they flash at the correct speed.  ( All bulbs flash )
•   With the handbrake applied, the relay & dash light at correct speed.

Things I have tried thus far.
- Installed new bulbs everywhere
- Replaced both rear light circuit boards & cleaned contacts
- Replaced the Hazard light switch & then cleaned the new one.
-Clean the contacts in the Flasher controller, Cleaned the internals with electrical cleaner.
-Replaced all fuses, cleaned contacts on fuse board.
-Replaced the round 8 port ground bloom both left & right sides front & cleaned.
-Cleaned the bulb holders on all indicators.
-Disconnecting the Handbrake sensor made no difference.

I am out of ideas my beta uses the Five pin “Italamec 73338” flasher/control unit rather than a normal three pin relay, Its practically the only thing I haven’t replaced and that’s because they are hard to find and I am not even sure it’s the issue?
Shall I just buy a new flasher controller ?

I know this is quite a common fault on the Beta but just not sure what else to try ..I am also interested to know whether there is a confirmed direct replacement for the 73338 flasher/ Lancia 82352625

Any help is appreciated
« Last Edit: August 02, 2026, 01:58:50 PM by George-S »

Offline Nigel

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Re: Fast indicators.
« Reply #1 on: August 02, 2026, 08:50:26 PM »
Hi George,

Given the work you've done already, I'd change the flasher unit. There may
be a resistor or something thats gone bad.

A very quick search shows 5 pin units available for not very much. You should be
able to match up the pins with a bit of savvy.

Nigel
1984 2.0 Carb HPE [ex Aus] Grigio Finanza.
2007 Mazda 6 2.3 [current daily, highly recommended]
The past:
1980 2.0 HPE White in South Africa [hope it survives!]
1976 1.6 Coupe Lancia Blu [PFG 76R] [probably deceased]
oh,and an Uno Turbo 1997 also in SA [stolen,never recovered]

Offline George-S

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Re: Fast indicators.
« Reply #2 on: August 02, 2026, 09:38:08 PM »
Hi Nigel,

Is that the one listed for € 109,95 or have you found a cheaper unit ?

Offline Nigel

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Re: Fast indicators.
« Reply #3 on: August 02, 2026, 10:00:31 PM »
George,

I googled '5 pin flasher unit'. There are many.
Autodoc has a Hella for less than £30. Plenty more for under £20.

At those prices it's worth trying.

Something I've just thought of...as we know, fast flashing is normally
because a 21w bulb has blown. If a wire or a connection in the circuit is
mimicking that scenario i.e. the load is inadequate, it'll produce your symptom.
Having said that, yours starts going quickly after 2 flashes, which makes me
think it's not wiring.

Nigel



1984 2.0 Carb HPE [ex Aus] Grigio Finanza.
2007 Mazda 6 2.3 [current daily, highly recommended]
The past:
1980 2.0 HPE White in South Africa [hope it survives!]
1976 1.6 Coupe Lancia Blu [PFG 76R] [probably deceased]
oh,and an Uno Turbo 1997 also in SA [stolen,never recovered]

Offline JASPER_40

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Re: Fast indicators.
« Reply #4 on: Today at 06:20:53 AM »
The Italamec flasher unit is load sensitive and prone to degredation. As far as I am aware the load is calibrated for total wattage draw and so you just can't use any 5 pin load sensing flasher. In order to get the lights flashing at the correct rate then you need a like-for-like spec of  flasher unit...which is difficult to determine / source.

However, the good news is that the load sensing flasher (LSF) is intended to be able to identify when a bulb has blown in which case the lights flash raplidly to indiacte this. If you are not bothered about this function then you can use a 2 pin NON load sensing flasher which are as cheap as chips and will flash at a steady rate regardless.

This may help you temporarily with your problem determination to introduce a cheap non load sensing flasher to ensure the rest of the flasher circuitry is OK.

I did exactly this and introduced a standard Narva 2 pin flasher with a wiring shunt for the handbrake warning light whilst I was able to source a replacement for the Italmec. I thought a 3 pin relay may have been necessary to also send a signal to the dash indicator tell-tale but seemingly not as mine work fine with a 2 pin flasher.

I have since introduced LED indicator bulbs and therefore left the Narva 2-pin flasher in place as LED's simply won't work with the LS type. (would have had to introduce resistors to compensate for the low power LEDs and that seemed like too much hassle).

Anyway, this was how I tackled it as I didn't want to be held to ransome for a replacement Italmec.

Cheers,

Steve

PS. I am aware that the ITALMEC unit also flashes the handbrake warning light. However, mine now just lights but doesn't flash....but I can live with that or I could just introduce a second 2 pin flasher instead of the wire shunt  :)
« Last Edit: Today at 07:31:21 AM by JASPER_40 »
Current project in Aus :
1982 Lancia Beta Coupe 2000 (Carb) Aus Delivered
Previously owned in UK:
1984 HPE Volumex
1982 HPE 2000 IE
1979 Coupe 1600

Offline George-S

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Re: Fast indicators.
« Reply #5 on: Today at 10:58:38 AM »
Thanks Steve & Nigel I have ordered a none load sensitive flash relay & then I can just sort the handbrake out so it lights but doesn't flash.

Cheers.