Weird Electrical Problem
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New User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3
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From: California, unfortunately
Weird Electrical Problem
I have a 2001 F250 Super Duty with the 7.3L. (300,000+ miles and still going strong.)
I have a weird electrical problem that I am hoping one of you guys smarter than me can help figure out. Specifically it has to do with my turn signal. Right turn signal works fine all the time. However, the left turn signal blinker clicks very fast. The rear light blinks brightly (although fast). I'm guessing this means I have a short someplace. Now, here's the weird part: When I connect my horse trailer to the truck (factory installed 7-pin connector) the left turn signal flasher clicks at the correct speed and lights flash correctly! How can connecting my trailer solve an electrical problem in my truck?
I'm still guessing there's a short, but where!? ,Maybe one of you guys can give me some ideas of where to look. Or, point me in the right direction if it's not a short.
Thanks
I have a weird electrical problem that I am hoping one of you guys smarter than me can help figure out. Specifically it has to do with my turn signal. Right turn signal works fine all the time. However, the left turn signal blinker clicks very fast. The rear light blinks brightly (although fast). I'm guessing this means I have a short someplace. Now, here's the weird part: When I connect my horse trailer to the truck (factory installed 7-pin connector) the left turn signal flasher clicks at the correct speed and lights flash correctly! How can connecting my trailer solve an electrical problem in my truck?
I'm still guessing there's a short, but where!? ,Maybe one of you guys can give me some ideas of where to look. Or, point me in the right direction if it's not a short.
Thanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 113
There is no short. Check your bulbs and see if someone replaced them with led bulbs. The system monitors resistance in the circuit to determine if bulb is blown. If bulb is blown it will flash fast like you describe. Once you attach your trailer with standard bulbs you make the circuit normal again with normal bulbs and the truck is happy. So, either you have led bulbs or a blown bulb. Check there first.
Edit to add: LED bulbs don't draw the same current as a regular bulb and that's why the fast blinking.
Reading is fundamental and I failed. Check your front bulb also for operation. And yes, I failed to realize you wouldn't have led's since you owned the truck for so long.
Edit to add: LED bulbs don't draw the same current as a regular bulb and that's why the fast blinking.
Reading is fundamental and I failed. Check your front bulb also for operation. And yes, I failed to realize you wouldn't have led's since you owned the truck for so long.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 293
Likes: 29
From: Houston
I have the same issue with my 2000 F-250. As stated, almost certainly related to a poor electrical connection. But my lights all the way so shine properly and when the trailer is connected they also shine properly.
For me, I will leave the issue as it is and not fix. Reason being if trailer is not plugged in properly I instantly know. Also, if trailer brake light bulb fails, I also know.
For me, I will leave the issue as it is and not fix. Reason being if trailer is not plugged in properly I instantly know. Also, if trailer brake light bulb fails, I also know.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
a fast blink.. is a bulb on that side is not working.. check the front one..
when you hook up the trailer.. the truck sees 2 bulbs... not 1.... so 2 and 3 bulbs will blink normal..
if there was a SHORT.. you would blow a fuse.... and the turn signal would not light at all...
when you hook up the trailer.. the truck sees 2 bulbs... not 1.... so 2 and 3 bulbs will blink normal..
if there was a SHORT.. you would blow a fuse.... and the turn signal would not light at all...
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,135
Likes: 7,941
From: Texas
a fast blink.. is a bulb on that side is not working.. check the front one..
when you hook up the trailer.. the truck sees 2 bulbs... not 1.... so 2 and 3 bulbs will blink normal..
if there was a SHORT.. you would blow a fuse.... and the turn signal would not light at all...
when you hook up the trailer.. the truck sees 2 bulbs... not 1.... so 2 and 3 bulbs will blink normal..
if there was a SHORT.. you would blow a fuse.... and the turn signal would not light at all...
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
a fast blink.. is a bulb on that side is not working.. check the front one..
when you hook up the trailer.. the truck sees 2 bulbs... not 1.... so 2 and 3 bulbs will blink normal..
if there was a SHORT.. you would blow a fuse.... and the turn signal would not light at all...
when you hook up the trailer.. the truck sees 2 bulbs... not 1.... so 2 and 3 bulbs will blink normal..
if there was a SHORT.. you would blow a fuse.... and the turn signal would not light at all...
simple electrical is simple...
one is a bottomless canyon.. other is a bridge.
a single library book at the age of 12. ( 1963 )
12 volt
120 volt
240 volt
AC and DC
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