I haven't looked at this, but couldn't you simply invert the functionality of the side marker/blinker? I.e. so it turns on the light when the car tries to turn it off. That way it would normally be turned off, but still blink when asked to. Perhaps use pin 12 to control a relay or transistor? Just an idea, don't know if it's doable.
I guess you'd get a "bulb broken" warning though. Possibly worked around by adding a minor current draw when the light is off.
|