Wanting to use LED lights in the taillights.

[jmackro]

the turn indicator light in the instrument cluster flashes a few times then stops while the exterior lights continue to flash. Would the electronic flasher help to keep the turn indicator light flashing while the exterior lights are still flashing?

Most likely an e-flasher will solve that issue. My coupe was doing that too and it cleared up when I installed an e-flasher. But there are LOTS of things that can mess up e9 turn signal operation, so I don't want to imply that I am 100% certain that an e-flasher will fix your issue. But, it's worth a try!

Chris is right: poor contact (e.g., excessive resistance somewhere in the circuit) may be what is causing the indicator to give up after a few flashes. The poor contact may be internal to your 50-year old flasher. Or it may be in the light sockets. Those mechanical flashers are sensitive to the current flow and more resistance = less current. E-flashers are insensitive to current (unless you short them out), so will still flash even with poor contacts (e.g., oxidized connections). But, poor connections may lead to dim lights, especially with incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs + e-flashers are pretty bullet-proof.

 

[gwittman]

I have tried cleaning contacts and better grounding without success. I think the electronic flasher is worth a try.

I may even give the Philips silver base bulbs a try, if I can find them.

 

[HB Chris]

I just saw this on the 2002faq:

Try the EF33RL, it’s like the EL13 with an added ground wire. (So 4-pin, like our OE flashers.)

It helps solve 1157 front signal grounding issues that can affect the dash indicator.