Electrical Problem - 86 F-150
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 353
Likes: 3
From: Mid-Missouri
Electrical Problem - 86 F-150
I've got an 86 F-150 4x4 w/ a lighting problem.
When I turn the headlights on, the right turn signal indicator (on dash) comes on, but not the exterior turn lights.
When I signal a right turn with the headlights on, both of the rear exterior turnlights flash eradically and slow.
All returns to normal with the headlights off. Headlights seam to be working properly.
Recently replaced the ignition switch (2 month ago).
Headlight switch may be original. Seams to function properly...
Turn Signal Switch may be original also.
Hazard switch seems to function properly. Maybe a little weird w/ the headlights on.
The truck was wired for a trailer hookup. It looks to have been done by a shop or somebody that appreciates the conditions these connnections will be exposed too.
I'm puzzled where to even begin. Somehow there is power getting to the turn signal circuit when it shouldn't be able to.
Any ideas.
When I turn the headlights on, the right turn signal indicator (on dash) comes on, but not the exterior turn lights.
When I signal a right turn with the headlights on, both of the rear exterior turnlights flash eradically and slow.
All returns to normal with the headlights off. Headlights seam to be working properly.
Recently replaced the ignition switch (2 month ago).
Headlight switch may be original. Seams to function properly...
Turn Signal Switch may be original also.
Hazard switch seems to function properly. Maybe a little weird w/ the headlights on.
The truck was wired for a trailer hookup. It looks to have been done by a shop or somebody that appreciates the conditions these connnections will be exposed too.
I'm puzzled where to even begin. Somehow there is power getting to the turn signal circuit when it shouldn't be able to.
Any ideas.
New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
well did it start after you replaced ignition? I would check the turn signal switch, and I would just check your resistance on the wiring, make sure you dont have an open wire in thier somewhere. but I would just make sure all bulbs are working, brights and all your parking lights, strange things seem to happen when a bulb goes out. Get yourself an ohms meter, or even a test light and just start messing around, I am sure you will get it fixed cheap.
James
James
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,871
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From: Coutts Canada
Did it do this when you got the truck? Cause then i'm thinking maybe the guy that put the trailer brake in spliced into a wire they shouldn't of and thus you problems. I would check this if all else fails.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 353
Likes: 3
From: Mid-Missouri
Just started doing this a couple of days ago. Never had this problem before. It passed vehicle safety inspection in September w/ no issues.
When I replaced the ignition switch, it worked correctly the first time and everytime until a couple of days ago.
I'll start with the flashers. Those are cheap. From there I'll start looking at the wiring especially where the trailer wiring splices into the harness. With all of the precip lately, maybe I've got an exposed connection that is making contact with another circuit. It appears that all of the bulbs are functioning, just not correctly.
I'll keep you posted.
A burned out bulb last time caused the cruise control to turn off everytime I tried to do a right to left lane change on the highway. Talk about weird.
When I replaced the ignition switch, it worked correctly the first time and everytime until a couple of days ago.
I'll start with the flashers. Those are cheap. From there I'll start looking at the wiring especially where the trailer wiring splices into the harness. With all of the precip lately, maybe I've got an exposed connection that is making contact with another circuit. It appears that all of the bulbs are functioning, just not correctly.
I'll keep you posted.
A burned out bulb last time caused the cruise control to turn off everytime I tried to do a right to left lane change on the highway. Talk about weird.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 541
Likes: 0
From: Fleming Ga
Are you sure you have the right bulbs in the turn signal and tail lights. Not sure what bulbs are used on the 86, but have seen people put a parking light bulb with the one terminal into a brahe light tail light socket that requires the two terminal bulb. The single terminal bulb because the terminal in in the center shorts across both the brake light and tail light connectors tying then together. Brake light and turn signal lights use the same wires so the wrong bulb can cause weird problems.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 2
From: Asheville, NC
Check the bulbs and sockets on the malfunctioning side. Ground problems can cause the poroblems you describe.
I dont think there is anything wrong with your flashers.
I dont think there is anything wrong with your flashers.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 353
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From: Mid-Missouri
Got the right bulbs... They have been working correctly for month. Passed inspection in September.
I'm leaning towards a bared wire or bad ground right now.
The weather has been really crappy around here all week so I haven't been able to deal with it right now. This weekend it is suppose to warm up and clear up. Should be able to take care of it then.
I'm leaning towards a bared wire or bad ground right now.
The weather has been really crappy around here all week so I haven't been able to deal with it right now. This weekend it is suppose to warm up and clear up. Should be able to take care of it then.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 2
From: Asheville, NC
Hmmm.
A wire could have been nicked somewhere. If nothing else, look down into the sockets and be sure that everything is clean and bright. A good silicone TV tuner spray will remove alot of dirt, and free up dirty contacts. ALot cheaper than replacing sockets!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,635
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From: Niceville, FL.
Check the plug going to the instrument cluster printed wiring. I accidentally partially unseated mine while changing instrument panel bulbs and it caused all sorts of strange symptoms. Pull it out and reseat it firmly- it should click in. Hope this helps. Piffery1
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 353
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From: Mid-Missouri
Found and corrected the problem. Turned out that the front turn signal light was not making good ground. All I did was clean out the socket (dirt/grime) and reseat the bulb. Problem fixed.
After fixing the problem, I went ahead and replaced all of the turn signal bulbs.
After fixing the problem, I went ahead and replaced all of the turn signal bulbs.