Fixing Hyper Flash on the 2013 Honda Accord: 6 Easy Steps to Solve the Problem
If you own a 2013 Honda Accord, you might have noticed something a little... annoying. The lights are flashing faster than a squirrel on espresso! This issue is what car enthusiasts (and Honda owners alike) call "hyper flash." It's not the end of the world, but it’s a glitch that can make you feel like your car is auditioning for a spot at a disco.
Hyper flash is most commonly caused when you upgrade to LED turn signals. LEDs consume way less power than your standard bulbs. While that’s great for energy efficiency and longevity, your Honda’s flasher relay isn’t always so thrilled. It thinks, “Hey, the bulb’s out!" because it's getting less power, and that’s when the fast blinking starts. Annoying right?
But don’t worry, I've got your back! Here's a step-by-step guide to solving the hyper flash issue on your 2013 Honda Accord in just six simple steps.
What is Hyper Flash and Why Does It Happen?
Before we get into the fix, let’s break down what hyper flash is for those of you unfamiliar with the term. When you signal a turn and notice the indicator lights flashing way too fast, that's hyper flash. It’s the car's built-in warning system that alerts you when a turn signal bulb might be burnt out or malfunctioning.
The problem arises when you replace standard halogen bulbs with LED bulbs, which use far less electricity. The car's system thinks a bulb has gone out due to the low power consumption and speeds up the flashing to notify you.
For most drivers of the 2013 Honda Accord, hyper flash occurs after switching to LED turn signal bulbs without installing a load resistor or using a compatible flasher relay.
But Why Should You Fix It?
Some people might shrug off hyper flash as a minor inconvenience. Sure, it's not like your car’s about to explode, but let’s face it: that rapid blinking is annoying. More importantly, hyper flash can be misleading to other drivers, and you don’t want to compromise your safety on the road. Plus, if your car thinks a bulb is out, it’s only a matter of time before it might lead to other electrical gremlins.
Alex Collantes, a longtime Honda enthusiast and DIY mechanic, weighed in on this saying, “When I first saw my Accord doing the hyper flash thing, I honestly thought the car was trolling me. It's annoying for sure, but a quick fix can take that headache away!”
Tools You’ll Need
Before you dive into fixing the hyper flash, make sure you have these tools handy:
- LED-compatible flasher relay
- Load resistors (if you’re sticking with the factory relay)
- Screwdriver set
- Pliers
- Electrical tape
- Zip ties (for cable management)
Once you've got these essentials, you’re ready to roll. And remember, safety first! Disconnect the car battery before you work with the electrical system. You don’t want any nasty shocks, unless you’re into that kind of thing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Hyper Flash on Your 2013 Honda Accord
1. Identify the Problem Area
First things first: make sure the hyper flash is caused by your new LED bulbs. In most cases, if you’ve swapped out your old halogens for LEDs, that's the culprit. Turn on your signal and check how fast the lights are blinking. If it’s flashing faster than usual, you’ve found the issue.
2. Choose Your Fix
You’ve got two main options for fixing hyper flash:
- Install a load resistor: This device tricks your car into thinking the LED is a standard bulb by "loading" the circuit with extra power consumption.
- Replace the flasher relay: This is a simpler and more elegant solution, as it directly addresses the root cause of the hyper flash by making your Accord’s system compatible with LEDs.
Each option has its pros and cons, so let’s break it down.
Load Resistors vs. LED Flasher Relay
Load Resistors
Pros:
- Cheap: You can usually get these for under $20.
- Easy installation (though requires some wiring).
Cons:
- Heats up: These can get quite hot, so you need to make sure they’re mounted on a heat-resistant surface.
- More wiring: If electrical work isn’t your thing, this might not be the best choice.
Flasher Relay
Pros:
- No extra heat: No risk of burning anything.
- Plug-and-play: Typically, this is a more straightforward installation.
Cons:
- More expensive: You’ll spend a little more on an LED-compatible relay.
- May require dashboard disassembly: Depending on where your relay is located, it could be a bit tricky to reach.
3. Install Load Resistor (Option A)
If you’re going the load resistor route, follow these steps:
- Locate the turn signal wiring: You’ll need to access the wiring for the turn signal lights. This can usually be found behind the headlight assembly or near the rear signal lights.
- Attach the resistor: Splice the resistor into the positive and negative wires of the turn signal circuit. You can use electrical tape or butt connectors to secure the connections.
- Mount the resistor: Make sure you attach the resistor to a metal surface, as it can get pretty hot. Avoid placing it near any plastic components.
- Test the signals: Turn on your signals and see if the hyper flash is gone. If it’s still there, double-check your connections.
4. Install an LED Flasher Relay (Option B)
If you prefer the easier route, here’s how to replace your flasher relay:
- Locate the relay: On the 2013 Honda Accord, the turn signal relay is usually found under the dash near the steering column. You might need to remove a few panels to access it.
- Remove the old relay: Once you’ve located it, simply unplug the old relay.
- Install the new relay: Plug in the LED-compatible relay in place of the old one.
- Reassemble the dash: Once everything is plugged in and secure, put the panels back in place.
- Test the turn signals: Turn on the signals to make sure the hyper flash is gone. You should see a normal, steady blink rate now.
5. Secure Everything
Whether you went with the load resistor or the flasher relay, make sure all your connections are secure. Use zip ties to manage any loose wires, and double-check that nothing is dangling where it shouldn’t be.
6. Reconnect the Battery and Test Again
Once everything is installed, reconnect your car battery and test your turn signals again. Everything should be back to normal now, no more disco lights!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this is a pretty straightforward fix, it’s easy to make mistakes that can cause headaches down the road. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Incorrect resistor placement: Remember that resistors get hot! If you don’t mount them on a heat-resistant surface, you could end up melting something important.
- Loose wiring: Make sure all your connections are tight and secure. A loose wire can cause intermittent hyper flash or even a complete failure of your turn signals.
- Forgetting to disconnect the battery: This one’s easy to forget, but you really don’t want to be messing with the electrical system while it’s still live.
Possible Drawbacks
Now, before you go all-in on fixing your hyper flash, let’s talk about a few drawbacks of each method.
Load Resistors
A lot of folks complain about the heat these things generate. It’s like adding a mini toaster oven to your wiring. Sure, they work, but if you're not careful about where you mount them, you might melt a panel. Plus, resistors are kind of a hacky fix, like putting duct tape on a leaky pipe. It works, but you know it’s not the cleanest solution. And as Alex Collantes puts it, "Man, those resistors heat up faster than my coffee cup in the microwave. You've got to be careful where you put them!"
LED Flasher Relay
Relays are a cleaner fix, but they can be more expensive, and sometimes reaching the darn thing under the dashboard is like trying to find the last fry in the bottom of the bag. Not to mention the potential for dashboard reassembly nightmares—there’s always that one screw that just disappears.
Final Thoughts
If you’re driving a 2013 Honda Accord with hyper flash, you’re definitely not alone. This is a common issue when upgrading to LED turn signals, and while it can be annoying, the fix is pretty simple. Whether you choose to go with load resistors or a flasher relay, you’ll be back to normal blink rates in no time.
Just remember, safety comes first, and taking a bit of time to fix the issue now can save you a lot of frustration down the road. Not to mention, your fellow drivers will appreciate not being blinded by your hyperactive turn signals.
So go ahead and tackle this project! Your car (and your sanity) will thank you.
References:
- Alex Collantes, Honda Enthusiast and DIY Mechanic
- Honda Accord Forums