turn signal problems
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Pleasant Hill, Mo.
turn signal problems
I recently restored my 73 Ford and had every single electronic working great. On my first test ride I turned on the turn signal and it flashed really quickly and my radio turned itself off. I've done some searching on this site and got a few ideas but, nothing worked. I unplugged the wire harness off of my stereo and switched out the Hazzard and flasher relay. Before I switched them out, I would turn the signal on and it would start to flash really fast, then slow down but still not at the normal speed. After I switched them it just blinks really fast. Do I need to buy a heavy duty relay or am I dealing with a ground issue?
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
If the lighting was restored to the factory configuration, there is no need for a heavy duty flasher. What bulbs are you using?
If engaging the turn signals turned the radio OFF; that almost sounds like they were on the same circuit and a fuse blew. Otherwise they should have nothing to do with one another. You've got to figure out why that happened by tracing everything.
If engaging the turn signals turned the radio OFF; that almost sounds like they were on the same circuit and a fuse blew. Otherwise they should have nothing to do with one another. You've got to figure out why that happened by tracing everything.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Pleasant Hill, Mo.
I'm using the standard bulbs on the exterior and I'm using the leds on the dash cluster. From what I read that to much draw can cause it to do that. I will have to trace my stereo acc. Lead and see where it runs to. When I hooked the wire up, I just grabbed the test light and found a acc wire to tap into.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Pleasant Hill, Mo.
I will look tomorrow at what color the wire from the radio runs to. As far as the current limiting resistors I couldn't tell you. They came in a kit that just replaces the bulbs on the back of the cluster.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Pleasant Hill, Mo.
Anyone know what the factory radio harness looked like? What color of wires? I figured I would try and put the radio on that fuse so I'm not sucking the juice off another.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Pleasant Hill, Mo.
UPDATE: I traced the acc wire and it ran to the power feeding the flasher relay. I finally found the factory radio lead and tied into there. When I turn on the signals it flashes like it should. Every now and then it flashes three quick flashes and goes to flashing normal. I think I will live with it for now. Thanks guys!!!!
Trending Topics
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
To answer your first question, the connector for the radio is a small green 2-connector pigtail (female). YELLOW with a BLACK stripe is radio power. BLUE with a RED stripe is dash illumination for the radio dial. The original radio grounded through its mounting shafts.
As you've found out, you do not want to tie any loads (a radio for example) off the flasher circuit. For either flasher to work correctly, the load must be within a certain range, otherwise the lights will blink too fast, too slow, or not at all.
Not sure on the intermittent change in flashing speed - try removing your LED turn signal indicators and see if it still does it. LED bulbs draw a lot less current than standard incandescent bulbs, which can affect the circuit's loading and cause strange behavior. However, the bulbs that were original to the cluster do not draw much current anyway, so usually you can get by with LED indicators. However, if they still blink fast, that means too much current flows through the flasher. I'd check for frayed or pinched insulation that could be causing an intermittent short.
As you've found out, you do not want to tie any loads (a radio for example) off the flasher circuit. For either flasher to work correctly, the load must be within a certain range, otherwise the lights will blink too fast, too slow, or not at all.
Not sure on the intermittent change in flashing speed - try removing your LED turn signal indicators and see if it still does it. LED bulbs draw a lot less current than standard incandescent bulbs, which can affect the circuit's loading and cause strange behavior. However, the bulbs that were original to the cluster do not draw much current anyway, so usually you can get by with LED indicators. However, if they still blink fast, that means too much current flows through the flasher. I'd check for frayed or pinched insulation that could be causing an intermittent short.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Comanche1Star
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Sep 10, 2012 07:05 AM