I was going to post a question about my turn signal problem, but this afternoon I fixed it—and decided it was worth posting in case it can help someone else. There have been other threads about this problem, which I discovered with the search function.

Here was the issue: My left rear turn signal and brake light wouldn’t work with the headlights on. They worked with the headlights/running lights off, though. And the left bulb was much brighter than the right bulb…like the turn signal was stuck on.

I tried changing the turn signal switch, the headlight switch, the socket, and the bulb; I checked for power all along the circuit with a circuit tester, I cleaned all the grounds I could find (including the headlights). I found it interesting that when I “ungrounded” the rear running lights, the turn signal and brake lights worked while headlights were on. Well, it was interesting to me.

From other posts and even other forum posts of people with the same problem, it seemed like a lot of folks thought there was some “feedback” or other problem originating at the socket/bulb. On this forum the typical recommendations seem to be TSS, socket, or grounding problems.

Since I had tried most everything I figured I’d go back to the socket. I had replaced it with a new, aftermarket one from the local auto parts store. I got a second one and put that in, along with a new bulb.

That did the trick. So my assessment is that it was a) the bulb was bad, b) the socket was bad, c) the bulb was in wrong—the aftermarket jobs let you put it in both ways—or d) the wiring connectors weren’t secure enough.

I can drive it at night again! Woo hoo!

 

Good Job glad ya got it