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Topic: Got my diode. Need expert help. (Read 888 times) previous topic - next topic

Got my diode. Need expert help.

Background: When we hook up the CR-V to the coach the right turn signal on the CR-V no longer flashes.
Good friend Rudy Legget traced the problem to a bad diode.  I copied the numbers off of the diode and found something close at an electronics store here in Santa Fe.

Challenge:  in two parts.  I am not sure I got the right diode.  I needed a T6A20 and the only diode listed in this huge catalog of 6 point type was a T6A20-L.  On the bag is reads: "Si, Industrial Rectifier, Axial Lead"  It also has a "Cathode ban: at one end of the diode.

So,  is it safe to install this diode?

Part 2 of my challenge:  if it is the correct part, how do I know which way to install it?  Since diodes only allow electricity to flow in one direction, I need to get it installed correctly.

Fall back position.  The dang part only cost $2.00 so if I have to go to an RV repair facility I have not invested a fortune.

Re: Got my diode. Need expert help.

Reply #1 –
George,
The diode should have two pins on one end and one pin on the other end.  The end with the one pin goes to the car's lamp.  The other two pins go one to the car's electrical and the other to the RV's front electrical (coach signals).
 
Let me know if you understand this ramble.

Re: Got my diode. Need expert help.

Reply #2 –
Peter,
 
I understand it enough to realize that I bought the wrong item.  Mine has one pin on each end. Looks like I have a job for someone to do.

Thanks for your input.
 
George

Re: Got my diode. Need expert help.

Reply #3 –
George,

You actually just need two diodes of that type, and you connect the cathode ends together to attach to the lamp.  The two anode ends (the anode is the other end of the diode) go to the car and the coach.  The packaged version for toads (that costs 10x as much,) is simply two diodes packaged together with the cathodes already connected for you. 

Re: Got my diode. Need expert help.

Reply #4 –
Dave,
 
Thank you.  So I just need to buy one more of the same and follow your directions.  I should be able to do that.

Re: Got my diode. Need expert help.

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Dave Katsuki –
George,

You actually just need two diodes of that type, and you connect the cathode ends together to attach to the lamp.  The two anode ends (the anode is the other end of the diode) go to the car and the coach.  The packaged version for toads (that costs 10x as much,) is simply two diodes packaged together with the cathodes already connected for you. 

Dave,

I just pushed up your applause meter.  Yesterday I bought the second diode and this morning I carefully removed the old ones and replaced them with the new ones.  Ding, ding, ding.  We now have a fully functioning turn signal on the Honda when hooked up to the coach.  Thank you so much for helping me out.  Because I went real slow and took my time and thought it out the project probably took me 40 minutes.  It is a good feeling to fix something

This little repair cost me a whole $4.00.  Surely at any dealer it would have been at least a 1/4 to 1/2 hour job. plus a higher cost for diodes.

I am so grateful for such good advice on so many topics that I have received here.
 

Re: Got my diode. Need expert help.

Reply #6 –
George,

You're totally welcome!    Glad to be of help, 'cause lots of folks here have helped me immensely.  It's a wonderful resource and wonderful group of people!