Turn signals: 77 F150 Gremlins???

[plumber]

The turn signals only blink after a good rain or accidently hitting the frame with the hot side of a jumper cable. And then only for a couple of hours. They work fine if moving the lever manually.
Today, the alternator idiot light came on dimly with the key in the off position. When the turn signal lever is moved to right or left, the alt light glows high. Same if I move the automatic shift lever to reverse.
With the key on ACC or in the drive postion, no light. Have disconnected the blinker and the rear harness with no change.
Sound like steering column problem?
Thanks, Tom

[nitro94]

This is not always the case but when I get problems like this that are just plain weird I hunt for ground problems. There are ground wires everywhere, under dash, under hood, on frame, on fenderwells, on engine block, on firewall, just everywhere.

[stingray]

It sounds to me like your turn signal switch is confused. You may want to check your bulb sockets individually also.

[mjtaylor 65f100]

I really cant help you much on the Turn signal issue. As far as the alternator light coming on with the key in the off position I would check the connection to the voltage reguator. I have seen dash lights due some wierd stuff when the regualtor was going bad.

[shawnb]

Check your grounds and use dielectric grease on all of your electrical connections. Great stuff, prevents corrosion of electrical contacts. I even use the stuff on my battery cables.

[Jimjdb1]