turn signal problem 1982 e150 van
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turn signal problem 1982 e150 van
The left turn signal on my 82 van won't work. In the front I can make it work by manually moving the handle on the column on and off, but the rear signal won't come on at all. I also do not have the left brake light. All parking lights work. Emergency flashers all work. I'm assuming a ground problem, but haven't had any luck finding it. All bulbs are in good condition. 
Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
Mountain Pass
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From: SW Maryland
turn signal problem 1982 e150 van
It sounds like two different problems. The thing that makes the signal blink is a little metal round thing on your fuse box. You may try replacing it if none of your signal lights blink, but they all come onwhen the turn signal is engaged.
the front blinker lights and the rear blinker lights are actually on different circuts. (It's possible for the fronts to work and the rears to not work, and vice versa). Haynes manuals for ttrucks & vans of this time have a wiring diagram that may help explain the circut. Also, you may check the wires that run to the rear lights (You can have a ground that kills the blinker light and the parking light in the rears willl still light up).
I had the inverse problem in my 83 (rears work, fronts and dash lights did not, all came on with parking lights). The issue for me was the front blinker line in the steering column came apart and needed soldering. The rear blinker line was a different wire in the column and was fine.
the front blinker lights and the rear blinker lights are actually on different circuts. (It's possible for the fronts to work and the rears to not work, and vice versa). Haynes manuals for ttrucks & vans of this time have a wiring diagram that may help explain the circut. Also, you may check the wires that run to the rear lights (You can have a ground that kills the blinker light and the parking light in the rears willl still light up).
I had the inverse problem in my 83 (rears work, fronts and dash lights did not, all came on with parking lights). The issue for me was the front blinker line in the steering column came apart and needed soldering. The rear blinker line was a different wire in the column and was fine.
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turn signal problem 1982 e150 van
The reason the front turnsignals are on a different circuit than the rear is, the rear circuit uses the same bulb filaments and wires that the brake light circuit does. That's why your brake light doesn't work either. If you know how to use a test light or multi-meter, and I can find a diagram, you can test to figure out what your problem is. It's going to be either the turnsignal switch, or a wiring problem going to the back like the other poster had.
Mountain Pass
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From: SW Maryland
turn signal problem 1982 e150 van
I though it was same bulb, but using a different filliment in the bulb. At least I remember two fillaments in the main rear bulb from somewhere (but you know this stuff more than I)
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turn signal problem 1982 e150 van
Thanks for your replys. will try to investigate further. The weather has warmed up here in nw iowa which makes it a lot more pleasant to work outside. I'll let ya'll know if I have any success. Keep those thoughts coming.Best regards,
robmatt
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turn signal problem 1982 e150 van
"I though it was same bulb, but using a different filliment in the bulb. At least I remember two fillaments in the main rear bulb from somewhere (but you know this stuff more than I)"
One filament is dedicated to the taillamp circuit(when headlamps, etc. are on).
The other filament is the one with two jobs; brake light and turn signal both.
One filament is dedicated to the taillamp circuit(when headlamps, etc. are on).
The other filament is the one with two jobs; brake light and turn signal both.
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turn signal problem 1982 e150 van
I found the problem. 
There was a wire broken underneath by the frame. Wired it up and the turn signal and brake light work fine. Traced the wire using a multi-meter. Thanks for your suggestions.
There was a wire broken underneath by the frame. Wired it up and the turn signal and brake light work fine. Traced the wire using a multi-meter. Thanks for your suggestions.
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