Amber rear turn signals?

[S-2000 Roadster]

While we're talking about turn signal characteristics that the Europeans enjoy but we Americans do not, I would like to put in a plug for the turn signal stalk being able to register a slight up or down which makes the turn signal blink 3 times and stop. I had my current car re-programmed and it now allows me to do this and I love it. Which is funny to say about a turn signal. But the ability on the highway to give a light tap and signal a lane change without having to then manually turn the signal stalk back into the unblinking position is a simple but very nice touch.

I suppose you're aware that the Roadster already has a momentary switch on the turn signal stalk that will not lock in place. You can signal as long as you want and then just let go. I'm quite certain that the Model S will be able to signal a turn without the stalk being locked on to that signal.

In other words, you should not be forced to manually turn the signal stalk back to the unblinking position.

I agree with Doug, I prefer to be in control of the duration. If I make a slower lane change, I might want 4 blinks. When there's nobody around, I may only allow 1 blink just to satisfy a State Trooper who wants to issue a ticket to the only driver on the road in the middle of the night...

[AnOutsider]

Well in that case, for both of you guys you can just put the regular turn signals on. What you're describing in the roadster though is akin to what I was doing in the mini and is not the lane change signal we are talking about. This is a simple tap to get 3 blinks. I often hear people scoff at the idea, but most end up liking it in practice, and those who don't aren't inconvenienced by it being there.

[vfx]

Never heard of the three blink option. I don't see any reason why I would HAVE to have only one blink. The state trooper would be even more likely to pas on me with three in stead on one blink.

[vfx]

My take has always been that it was a test fixture - temporarily put on that chassis to test the wiring harness....

The white car always made me think their intent was amber. Why would they not just put two red lenses in the test fixture? The black one even confirms it. They are thinking two color. The light pipe is the anomaly and certainly not a final product, so bulb colors can change when the make the final order from he vendor.

[Tommy]

The white car always made me think their intent was amber. Why would they not just put two red lenses in the test fixture? The black one even confirms it. They are thinking two color. The light pipe is the anomaly and certainly not a final product, so bulb colors can change when the make the final order from he vendor.

To further the discussion, if indeed a test fixture to test the wiring harness, one reason to use two different colored lenses for testing purposes is to easily identify working circuits. By using this two color testing method, Tesla has bolstered the argument for amber turn signals rather than red: If two colors help differentiate in the testing environment they should help in the "wild" as well. I agree with you vfx on their intent is to use amber.

[AnOutsider]

Never heard of the three blink option. I don't see any reason why I would HAVE to have only one blink. The state trooper would be even more likely to pas on me with three in stead on one blink.

Yeah, it's really handy. If you ever find yourself at a VW or Audi (or any German car) dealer, just sit in one and tap the stalk in either direction. Since Elon models so much after Porsche, here's to hoping he includes that

To further the discussion, if indeed a test fixture to test the wiring harness, one reason to use two different colored lenses for testing purposes is to easily identify working circuits. By using this two color testing method, Tesla has bolstered the argument for amber turn signals rather than red: If two colors help differentiate in the testing environment they should help in the "wild" as well. I agree with you vfx on their intent is to use amber.

I agree too. My thinking was the same. Use white, red and yellow to test the proper lights (though I don't remember seeing white). I also thought the lights reminded me of the roadster so maybe that was something they were considering or just reusing pieces from. *shrug*. Not a HUGE fan of the current tails, but like them much more than the 2-3 circle ones or the alphas that TEG dug up. I hope they change (and include amber when they do), but I wouldn't lose too much sleep if they don't.

[Doug_G]

Well in that case, for both of you guys you can just put the regular turn signals on. What you're describing in the roadster though is akin to what I was doing in the mini and is not the lane change signal we are talking about. This is a simple tap to get 3 blinks. I often hear people scoff at the idea, but most end up liking it in practice, and those who don't aren't inconvenienced by it being there.

No, I understand what you're talking about. I've driven a couple of rental cars that did that. I found it highly annoying. The fool thing was still blinking after I had already completed a lane change.

[AnOutsider]

No, I understand what you're talking about. I've driven a couple of rental cars that did that. I found it highly annoying. The fool thing was still blinking after I had already completed a lane change.

Not to get off track here... But I've heard of it being too short, but too long? It's 3 blinks. I can't see it blinking more than once after you changed lanes... Unless of course you're the complete opposite of local drivers here who take forever to change lanes!

[Doug_G]

Not to get off track here... But I've heard of it being too short, but too long? It's 3 blinks. I can't see it blinking more than once after you changed lanes... Unless of course you're the complete opposite of local drivers here who take forever to change lanes!

Yes, one extra blink. Still annoying and potentially confusing to other drivers.

[AnOutsider]

Yes, one extra blink. Still annoying and potentially confusing to other drivers.

Haha, less confusing than those that throw on their left turn signal, move into the left lane and promptly forget it's on. Can't count how many miles I've driven behind people who have done that.