Weird turn signal problem (Sparky?)
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Weird turn signal problem (Sparky?)
Left front turn signal and left indicator dash lamp just went dead. All bulbs are fine and the left rear turnsignal works fine. Right side all works fine.
Strange part is that it will suddenly work fine once in a while.
Exact same deal as above with the emergency flashers.
I suspect this is the turn signal switch, as I've had to rework it a couple times over the years...but...it was my understanding, based on the schematics in the Haynes Manuals, that the indicator lamps are tied into the rear bulb circuits! As I've said, on rare occasions the left front turnsignal and its indicator lamp in the dash suddenly work fine, then die again.
This seems to indicate that whatever is bothering the left FRONT lamp and the left indicator is related...but it SHOULD effect the left REAR signal as well, based on the schematic. It doesn't!
Am I making this clear enough, and can anyone suggest what to look for before I start tearing the signal switch apart again? Thanks, Polkat
Strange part is that it will suddenly work fine once in a while.
Exact same deal as above with the emergency flashers.
I suspect this is the turn signal switch, as I've had to rework it a couple times over the years...but...it was my understanding, based on the schematics in the Haynes Manuals, that the indicator lamps are tied into the rear bulb circuits! As I've said, on rare occasions the left front turnsignal and its indicator lamp in the dash suddenly work fine, then die again.
This seems to indicate that whatever is bothering the left FRONT lamp and the left indicator is related...but it SHOULD effect the left REAR signal as well, based on the schematic. It doesn't!
Am I making this clear enough, and can anyone suggest what to look for before I start tearing the signal switch apart again? Thanks, Polkat
Last edited by Polkat; May 3, 2003 at 08:49 PM.
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From: Comox Valley, Canada
Weird turn signal problem (Sparky?)
Actually the indicator on the dash is tied into the front turn signals. So the problem is related.
Could be the turn signal switch. The front lights and the dash light share the same power but different grounds. So it would appear that the turn signal switch is the culprit....but the emergency flashers do not go thru the turn signal switch....so I would lean towards the steering column disconnect being the problem.
Could be a bad connection it would be the green/white striped wire.
Could be the turn signal switch. The front lights and the dash light share the same power but different grounds. So it would appear that the turn signal switch is the culprit....but the emergency flashers do not go thru the turn signal switch....so I would lean towards the steering column disconnect being the problem.
Could be a bad connection it would be the green/white striped wire.
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From: Memphis, TN
Weird turn signal problem (Sparky?)
Care to divulge the year and other particulars of the truck you're working on? 
Use a multimeter set for continuity to test the column wiring at the crescent-shaped connector above the brake pedal. The Haynes diagrams show which wires should be connected, but in some of the schematics, there's an error in the turn signal switch: in the blue book, the '84-86 switch schematic is missing a trace that's shown correctly in the '87-91 diagrams, so use them instead for the switch internal wiring. The '80 switch schematic isn't drawn right, and the switch isn't shown in the '81-83 diagram.
Use a multimeter set for continuity to test the column wiring at the crescent-shaped connector above the brake pedal. The Haynes diagrams show which wires should be connected, but in some of the schematics, there's an error in the turn signal switch: in the blue book, the '84-86 switch schematic is missing a trace that's shown correctly in the '87-91 diagrams, so use them instead for the switch internal wiring. The '80 switch schematic isn't drawn right, and the switch isn't shown in the '81-83 diagram.
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From: CA
Weird turn signal problem (Sparky?)
Thanks Sparky,
I'll check the connection and let you know what I find.
Steve, it's a '73 F-100. I think Sparky has the answer as I had trouble there once before, but I'll be glad to listen to any other advice.
Thanks
I'll check the connection and let you know what I find.
Steve, it's a '73 F-100. I think Sparky has the answer as I had trouble there once before, but I'll be glad to listen to any other advice.
Thanks
Last edited by Polkat; May 3, 2003 at 09:42 PM.
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Weird turn signal problem (Sparky?)
Thanks Sparky,
Sure enough, the grn/wht wire was busted inside the column connector! Fix took about ten minutes, and now it's all working yet once again!!
It's amazing how, even though the early '70's turnsignal/ stoplight/ emergency parts and connectors look heavy duty, they seem to crap out all the time. Guess 30 some years can have an effect on anything!! Polkat
Sure enough, the grn/wht wire was busted inside the column connector! Fix took about ten minutes, and now it's all working yet once again!!
It's amazing how, even though the early '70's turnsignal/ stoplight/ emergency parts and connectors look heavy duty, they seem to crap out all the time. Guess 30 some years can have an effect on anything!! Polkat
