Federal Signal Corporation FHL-TAIL User manual

Model FHL-TAIL Flasher for Tail and Deck Lights
2562579A REV. A 910
Safety Message to Installers of Federal Signal Products
People’s lives depend on your proper installation of our products. It is important to read, understand, and
follow all instructions shipped with this product and the related add-on products. In addition, listed below are
some other important safety instructions and precautions you should follow:
• Toproperlyinstallthisequipment,youmusthaveagoodunderstandingofautomotiveelectrical
proceduresandsystems,alongwithprociencyintheinstallationanduseofsafetywarningequipment.
• Donotinstallequipmentorroutewiringinthedeploymentpathofanairbag.Failuretoobservethis
warningwillreducetheeffectivenessoftheairbagorpotentiallydislodgetheequipment,causingserious
injury to you or others.
• Tobeaneffectivewarningdevice,anemergencywarningsystemproducesbrightlightthatcanbe
hazardoustoyoureyesightwhenviewedatacloserange.Donotstaredirectlyintothelightsataclose
rangeorpermanentdamagetoyoureyesightmayoccur.
• Ifavehicleseatisremoved,verifywiththevehiclemanufactureriftheseatneedstoberecalibratedfor
properairbagdeployment.
• Whendrillingintoavehiclestructure,besurethatbothsidesofthesurfaceareclearofanythingthat
couldbedamaged.Removeallburrsfromdrilledholes.Topreventelectricalshorts,grommetalldrilled
holesthroughwhichwiringisrun.
• Neverattempttoinstallaftermarketequipmentthatconnectstothevehiclewiringwithoutreviewinga
vehiclewiringdiagramavailablefromthevehiclemanufacturer.Insurethatyourinstallationwillnoteffect
vehicleoperationormandatedsafetyfunctionsorcircuits.Alwayscheckthevehicleforproperoperation
after installation.
• LocatethecontrolssotheVEHICLEandCONTROLScanbeoperatedsafelyunderalldrivingconditions.
• Theashershouldbefrequentlyinspectedtoensurethatitisoperatingproperlyandthatitissecurely
attached to the vehicle.
• Filetheseinstructionsinasafeplaceandrefertothemwheninstallingand/orreinstallingtheproduct.
Failuretofollowallsafetyprecautionsandinstructionsmayresultinpropertydamage,seriousinjury,or
death.
Overview of the Model FHL-TAIL
TheModelFHL-TAILtaillightasheralternatesredandwhitelight,creatinganeffectiverear-warningsignal
togreatlyreducerear-endcollisions.Theasheralsoprovidesanadditionaloutputforreardeckpackage
traylights.Theasherisdesignedforvehiclesthathavethenegativepostofthebatteryconnectedtothe
chassisofthevehicle.The12-wiremodulehasisolatingdiodesforthereversewirethatisrequiredformany
newcarsandtrucks.

2Model FHL-TAIL Tail Light Flasher
Table 1Productspecications
StandbyCurrent: Approx.4.6Aper55Whalogenlamp
FlashPattern: Flashback™:Alternateslowerbrakelights
againstthereverselightsat2.6FPS
Dimensions: 4.7inLx2.05inWx0.7inH
(11.9cmLx5.2cmWx1.8cm)
Material: ABSplastichousing
Mounting: Mountson4-inchcenters
WireLength: 18in(45.7cm)
Testing for the Presence of a Brake Shift Interlock Device
CHECK FOR BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM—Determine if your vehicle
is equipped with an Ignition or Shift Interlock device before attempting to
install any rear flasher that connects to the vehicle brake system. An interlock
device prevents the vehicle from being shifted into gear if the brake pedal is
not pressed. This information can be found in the vehicle Owner’s Manual or
by performing the test described in this section. Failure to follow this warning
may lead to property damage or serious injury.
Toperformthetest:
1. SettheparkingbrakeaccordingtotheinstructionsinthevehicleOwner’sManualandstarttheengine.
2. TrytoshiftthetransmissionoutofPARKwithoutpressingthebrakepedal.
A. If the transmission WILL NOT SHIFT, your vehicle ISequippedwithaninterlockdevice.
B. If the transmission DOES SHIFT, your vehicle is IS NOTequippedwithaninterlockdevice.
3. Installtherearasheraccordingtotheinstructionsinthenextsection.IfyourvehicleIS NOT
equippedwithaninterlockdevice,theinstallationiscomplete.IfyourvehicleISequippedwithan
interlockdevice,performthetestdescribedin“TestingtheOperationoftheBrakeShiftInterlock
Device”onpage6.
Installing the Flasher
TheModelFHL-TAILHeadlightFlasherisdesignedtobewaterresistant.However,toensureyearsof
trouble-freeoperation,itshouldbemountedinalocationthatisprotectedfromdirectwatersprayandhigh
temperatures.Beforeinstallingtheasher,planallwireroutings.
Theseinstaller-supplieditemsarerequired:
✔ Mountinghardware
✔ Activation switch
✔ 1AATOfuseandfuseholder
✔ 15 AATOfuseandfuseholder
✔ 14AWGwire(minimum)toextendtheasher’swhitewiretothebattery
✔ 16AWGwire(minimum)toextendallotherwires

3
Model FHL-TAIL Tail Light Flasher
✔ 18AWGwire(minimum)toextendwiresforthepackagetraylightingoption
Forrequirementsfortheoptionofashingthepackagetraylights,seeFigure2onpage6.
Tomounttheasherandmakethepowerconnections:
1. Forvehicleswithatrunk,selectalocationfortheasherasclosetothedriversidetaillighthousingas
possible.Forvehicleswithatailgateorliftgate,selectalocationfortheasherasclosetothetaillight
housingonthedriverside.Forpickuptrucks,removethedriversidetaillighthousingandselecta
locationbehindthetaillighthousing.
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT—Do not install equipment or route wiring in the
deployment of an airbag. Failure to observe this warning will reduce the
effectiveness of the airbag or potentially dislodge the equipment, causing
serious injury to you or others.
2. Usetheasherasatemplatetomarkthecenterofthetwomountingholes.
DRILLING PRECAUTION—When drilling holes, check the area into which
you are drilling to be sure you do not damage vehicle components while
drilling. All drilled holes should be de-burred and all holes should be
smooth. All wire routing going through drilled holes should be protected
by a grommet or convolute/split loom tubing.
3. Drillthetwoholesandusetheinstaller-suppliedmountinghardwaretomounttheasher.
4. ConnecttheGREENwiretoaconvenientreliableground(seeFigure1onpage5).
PRECAUTION FOR EXTENDING WHITE WIRE—Failure to extend the WHITE
wire to the battery with 14 AWG wire will result in improper operation and
may cause damage to the flasher or other devices in the vehicle.
FUSE PRECAUTION—Do not use a circuit breaker, fusible link, or slow-
blow fuse. Improper fusing can cause equipment failure and damage.
5. ExtendtheWHITEwirewith14AWGwirefromtheashertothepositivepostofthebattery.
NOTE:Donotinstallthefuseuntilallotherconnectionshavebeenmade,includingdriver-and
passenger-sideconnections.
6. Connectafuseholdertothepositivepostofthebattery.Thefuseholdermustberatedat15Aorgreater.
7. Connectthe14AWGextensionwiretothefuseholder.
DO NOT CONNECT TO HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP—Do not connect the
Model FHL-TAIL flasher to the High-Mounted Stop Lamp (i.e., also known
as Cyclops, Center Light, and CHMSL. Flashing the High-Mounted Stop
Lamp violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108,
which requires that the High-Mounted Stop Lamp only illuminate when
the brakes are applied. Failure to heed this warning may cause property
damage, injury, or death.

4Model FHL-TAIL Tail Light Flasher
Driver-Side Connections
SeeFigure1onpage5andmaketheseconnections:
1. Locateandcutthebrake-lightwire.
2. ConnecttheBLUEwirefromtheashertotheendofthewirethatgoestothebrakelight.
3. ConnecttheORANGEwirefromtheashertotheendofthebrakelightwirethatgoestothefront
of the vehicle.
4. Locateandcutthereverse-lightwire.
5. ConnecttheREDwirefromtheashertotheendofthewirethatgoestothereverselight.
6. ConnecttheWHITE/REDwirefromtheashertotheendofthereverselightwirethatgoestothe
front of the vehicle.
Passenger-Side Connections
SeeFigure1onpage5andmaketheseconnections:
1. ExtendtheYELLOW,PINK,WHITE/BLACKandBLACKwiresovertothepassengersideofthe
vehicle.
2. Locateandcutthebrakelightwire.
3. ConnecttheYELLOWwirefromtheashertotheendofthebrakelightwirethatgoestothebrake
light.
4. ConnectthePINKwirefromtheashertotheendofthebrakelightwirethatgoestothefrontof
the vehicle.
5. Locateandcutthereverse-lightwire.
6. ConnecttheBLACKwirefromtheashertotheendofthewirethatgoestothereverselight.
7. ConnecttheWHITE/BLACKwirefromtheashertotheendofthereverselightwirethatgoesto
the front of the vehicle.
NOTE:TheRED/BLACKwireistheauxiliaryoutputtocontrolthepackagetraylights.Forinstructionto
wirethisfeature,seepage6.
Power Switch Connection
FUSE PRECAUTION—Do not use a circuit breaker, fusible link, or slow-
blow fuse. Improper fusing can cause equipment failure and damage.
ExtendtheBROWNwirefromtheashertoaninstaller-suppliedpoweredswitchthatwillturn
theasheronandoff.Toprotectthewirebetweentheswitchandtheasher,installafuseholder
connectedtothepoweredswitchwitha1 AATOorsmallerfuse.
15 A Fuse Installation
Afteryoucompletethewiring,installa15Afuseinthefuseholderbetweenthe14AWGWHITEwire
extension and the positive post of the battery.

5
Model FHL-TAIL Tail Light Flasher
Figure 1WiringDiagram
PASSENGER SIDE
BRAKE/TAIL WIRE
WHT/RED
WHT/BLK
FLASHER
15 A
ATO
FUSE
BRAKE/TAIL LIGHT
DRIVER SIDE
REVERSE
LIGHT
REVERSE
LIGHT
BRAKE/TAIL LIGHT
PASSENGER SIDE
BRAKE/TAIL
WIRE
REVERSE
WIRE
REVERSE
WIRE
BRAKE/TAIL
WIRE
OPTIONAL
RED/BLACK GREEN
YELLOW
BLUE
CUT
ORANGE
PINK
BLACK
RED
BROWN
WHITE
ON/OFF
1 A
ATO
FUSE
+12 Vdc
DRIVER SIDE BRAKE/TAIL WIRE
DRIVER SIDE REVERSE WIRE
PASSENGER SIDE
REVERSE WIRE
+ POST OF BATTERY
CUT CUT
CUT
290A6496
NOTE: FOR VEHICLES THAT REQUIRE
BLOCKING DIODES IN THE REVERSE
WIRE, USE OF THE 12-WIRE MODEL
FHL-TAIL FLASHER PROVIDES THE
BLOCKING DIODES INTERNALLY.
NOTE: EXTEND
WHITE WIRE TO
BATTERY WITH
14 AWG WIRE
USE 16 GAUGE (MINIMUM)
TO EXTEND ANY WIRES OTHER
THAN THE WHITE WIRE AS NEEDED.

6Model FHL-TAIL Tail Light Flasher
Red/Black Wire
TheRED/BLACKwireistheauxiliaryoutputthatcontrolsthepackagetraylights(Figure2).Forthe
wiringinstructions,seeFigure2.
Figure 2Wiringdiagramforinstallationwithpackagetraylighting
FLASHER
RED/BLACK
SINGLE POLE /
SINGLE THROW
(S.P.S.T) RELAY
1N400x
DIODE
PACKAGE
TRAY
LIGHTS
15 AMP
FUSE
290A6497
+12 Vdc
USE 18 GAUGE (MINIMUM)
TO EXTEND WIRES
IF RED/BLACK WIRE IS NOT
USED, FOLD AND SEAL IT.
Testing the Operation of the Brake Shift Interlock Device
LIGHT HAZARD—To be an effective warning device, an emergency warning
system produces bright light that can be hazardous to your eyesight when
viewed at a close range. Do not stare directly into the lights at a close range
or permanent damage to your eyesight may occur.
Ifyourvehiclehasaninterlockdevice,performthistestafterinstallingtheashertoverifythetheproper
operation of the device.
1. SettheparkingbrakeaccordingtotheinstructionsinthevehicleOwner’sManualandstarttheengine.
2. WiththeasherOFF,trytoshiftthetransmissionoutofPARKwithoutpressingthebrakepedal.
THE TRANSMISSION MUST NOT SHIFT.IfthevehicleshiftsfromPARK,disconnecttheasher,
restorethevehiclewiring,andcontacttheFederalSignalServiceDepartmentat1-800-433-9132for
further instructions.
3. WiththeasherON,trytoshiftthetransmissionoutofPARKwithoutpressingthebrakepedal.
THE TRANSMISSION MUST NOT SHIFT.IfthevehicleshiftsfromPARK,disconnecttheasher,
restorethevehiclewiring,andcontacttheFederalSignalServiceDepartmentat1-800-433-9132for
further instructions.
4. Periodically have the operator of the vehicle repeat this test to ensure the proper operation of the
vehicle safety systems.

7
Model FHL-TAIL Tail Light Flasher
Testing the Installation
SOUND HAZARD—All effective sirens and horns produce loud sounds
(120 dB) that may cause permanent hearing loss. Always minimize your
exposure to siren sound and wear hearing protection. Do not sound the
siren indoors or in enclosed areas where you and others will be exposed to
the sound.
LIGHT HAZARD—To be an effective warning device, an emergency warning
system produces bright light that can be hazardous to your eyesight when
viewed at a close range. Do not stare directly into the lights at a close range
or permanent damage to your eyesight may occur.
Aftertestingtheasher,testtheemergencywarningsystemtoensurethatitisoperatingproperly.Also
testallvehiclefunctions,includinghornoperation,vehiclesafetyfunctions,andvehiclelightingsystems
toensureproperoperation.Ensurethattheinstallationhasnotaffectedthevehicleoperationorchanged
anyvehiclesafetyfunctionsorcircuits.Aftertestingiscomplete,provideacopyoftheseinstructionstothe
instructionalstaffandalloperatingpersonnel.
Donottestthesoundandlightsystemofthevehiclewhiledriving.Operatingthevehiclewarningsystems
mayposeahazardtotheoperatorandotherdriversifthesystemsdonotfunctionasexpected.Testthe
vehicle only in a controlled environment.
Limited Warranty
FederalSignalwarrantiestheModelFHL-TAILHeadlightFlasherforveyearsfromthedateofpurchase
totheoriginalpurchaseragainstanymanufacturerdefectsorworkmanship.Thiswarrantyapplies
onlytotheunitsinstalledaccordingtothemanufacturer’sinstallationinstructionsandoperatedwithin
thespecicationsoftheunit.FederalSignal’sobligationunderthiswarrantyislimitedtorepairingor
exchangingtheunit.Exchangingunitsunderthiswarrantyisasfollows:100percentofpurchaseprice
forthersttwoyears,75percentofthepurchasepriceforthethirdyear,50percentofthepurchase
priceforthefourthyear,and25percentofthepurchasepriceforthefthyear.Warrantyisvoidiftheunit
wasinstalledincorrectlyormaliciouslydamaged.Allwarrantyclaimsmustbeaccompaniedbydated
proofofpurchase.FederalSignalretainstherighttobethesolemediatorofwhatconstitutesdefectsin
performanceormanufacturing.
Obtaining Technical Support and Service
Fortechnicalsupportandservice,pleasecontact:
FederalSignalCorporation
PublicSafetySystems
ServiceDepartment
Phone:1-800-433-9132
Fax:1-800-343-9706
Email:empserviceinf[email protected]

8Model FHL-TAIL Tail Light Flasher
2645 Federal Signal Drive, University Park, IL 60484-3176
Tel.:(800)264-3578•Fax:(800)682-8022
www.fedsig.com ©2010FederalSignalCorporation
Returning a Product to Federal Signal
Before returningaproducttoFederalSignal,call800-264-3578,800-433-9132,or800-824-0254to
obtainaReturnedMerchandiseAuthorizationnumber(RMAnumber).Toexpeditetheprocesspleasebe
preparedwiththefollowinginformation:
• YourFederalSignalcustomeroraccountnumber.
• Thepurchaseordernumberunderwhichtheitemswerepurchased.
• Theshippingmethod.
• Themodelorpartnumberoftheproductbeingreturned.
• Thequantityofproductsbeingreturned.
• Dropshipinformationasneeded.
• Anyestimaterequired.
WhenyoureceiveyourRMANumber:
• WritetheRMAnumberontheoutsideoftheboxofreturneditems.
• ReferencetheRMAnumberonyourpaperworkinsideofthebox.
• WritetheRMAnumberdown,sothatyoucaneasilycheckonstatusofthereturnedequipment.
SendallmaterialwiththeissuedRMANumberto:
FederalSignalCorporation
PublicSafetySystems
2645FederalSignalDrive
UniversityPark,IL60484-3167
Attn:ServiceDepartment
RMA:#__________
800-433-9132
800-343-9706(fax)
www.fedsig.com
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