Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

Turn signals not working?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 8, 2002 | 09:55 PM
  #1  
BigEd73Highboy's Avatar
BigEd73Highboy
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Turn signals not working?

I drive a 73 F250 Highboy. My turn signals quit working a while back, I asumed that it was the switch, and I finally got around to changing it out. I pulled another switch from a salvage yard, still no blinkers. I put in new flashers but it still didn't work. I was wondering if anyone has had this problem or knows what the fix is?
Symptoms.
Brake lights work, except when I put on the turn signal to turn left, the back left brake light goes out. The same for the other side.
The flashers work, but only when the brake isn't depressed. When I push the brakes all the turn lights come on but don't flash. If I remove the brake light switch then the flashers work fine.
I have rulled out a bad ground to the tail light asembolies because brake lights and flashers work. And its getting power. So I am stumped.
My next move is to brake out the continuity tester and start stabbing wires, but that is pretty time consuming. So I thought I would pick the minds of all you ford masters out there.
I would apreciate any reply.
Thanks
Derek
 
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2002 | 10:17 PM
  #2  
LxMan1's Avatar
LxMan1
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
Turn signals not working?

It is normal for the emergency flashers to stop when the brake pedal is pushed.
Your switch is working in the brake light goes out on the same side that you turn the turn signal on. Are you sure that you replaced the turn signal flasher and not the 4way flasher? I believe that they are different.
 
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2002 | 02:31 AM
  #3  
sparky's Avatar
sparky
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 3
From: Comox Valley, Canada
Turn signals not working?

Well it isnt the bulbs, wiring from turn signal switch to rear of truck or grounds at the light....because the brakes and turn signals share the same ones. That is why when you turn on the left blinker and step on the brake the left brake light goes out. It is trying to flash the left blinker.
Could be you changed the wrong flasher unit, there are two as pointed out by lxman1, they can be the same physically but they are two seperate units.
Since the 4way flashers work try swapping that flasher unit into the turn signal spot and see if the turn signals work. That could be the problem.
Or you could have a bad power wire to the turn signal switch from the flasher unit, should be a blue wire. Also could be the fuse.
Good luck.

Sparky
 
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2002 | 08:15 AM
  #4  
russellkr's Avatar
russellkr
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Turn signals not working?

not to be contrary but I had a similar problem with mine (brake lights working but no signals) and it turned out that all it needed was a good cleaning at the sockets, after i pulled all of the bulbs, front and back, and cleaned the sockets my signals worked fine. Its worth a try, and its doesn't cost you anything.
 
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2002 | 04:53 PM
  #5  
ThePsychologist's Avatar
ThePsychologist
New User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Rocky Point USA
Turn signals not working?

My 1976 Highboy did the exact same thing.I checked fuses, grounds,flashers, etc and finally ended up pulling my steering wheel off. There was the problem. A broken switch Ford part #D3TZ-13341-A cost $47.76.
 
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2002 | 09:19 AM
  #6  
BigEd73Highboy's Avatar
BigEd73Highboy
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Turn signals not working?

Thanks to everyone that replied to my problem.
I finally figured it out. After I cleaned out all my bulb sockets it still didn't work. So I decided to clean off all my fuses for good measure. After I reconnected the battery and tried the turn signal it worked for about two seconds and then stopped again. So I began to wiggle wires going into and out of the fuse box. Then I wiggeled the fuse to the turn signals and the signals turned on then off. So I pushed and held the fuse in and they worked. So I took the fuse box off and cleaned the terminals that holds the fuses, and I clamped them together a little for better connection. And all my lights work.

Thanks again for everyone that replied.
Derek
 
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2002 | 09:20 PM
  #7  
Polkat's Avatar
Polkat
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
From: CA
Turn signals not working?

Just to let everyone know; 90% of turn signal problems with these older Ford trucks are that the switch won't return to center. It's because the plastic return arms are broken off. I once looked at steering columns in several junk yards, and all of them had broken off signal return arms!!

Most folks think this means a new entire switch (which includes the harness and emergency flasher switch, but the "Help" company, which makes lots of odd small repair goodies, offers the plastic return arm by itself for about $10. Pretty easy fix and cheap too! Polkat
 
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2002 | 09:40 PM
  #8  
LxMan1's Avatar
LxMan1
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
Turn signals not working?

You wouldn't happen to have a part # would ya?
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Fords to Drive Before You Die

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-4

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-9

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
Old Sep 11, 2002 | 09:53 PM
  #9  
Polkat's Avatar
Polkat
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
From: CA
Turn signals not working?

Naw...I threw away the packaging, but "help" parts all come in little red packages and are made by Motormite, a division of R&B, Inc. Any store that carries them, particulary Kragen and Pep Boys has them on display and keeps a catalog under the counter. I believe it is the only part of it's kind that "Help" sells. Polkat
 
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2002 | 11:22 PM
  #10  
Mil1ion's Avatar
Mil1ion
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
Turn signals not working?

There are only three packaged by H.E.L.P.
In Canada they are $24.95.

When I go to junk yards I snip the good ones out.

You too can do it.
There are a few types though,it seemed Fordwas all over the place with these things as far as design goes.



[font color=red]Dennis

FTE Assistant Administrator
[/font]


[link:www.ford-trucks.com/guidelines.html|Club FTE]

[link: motorhaven.autoanything.com|How YOU Can Support This Site]

http://www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion/canada_flag_animated.gif

[link:www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion/Mil1ion.html|My Website,"North Of The 49th"]


 
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2002 | 11:46 AM
  #11  
LxMan1's Avatar
LxMan1
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
Turn signals not working?

Ok, thanks guys.
 
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2002 | 12:41 PM
  #12  
Torque1st's Avatar
Torque1st
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Turn signals not working?

 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Evel K
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Jun 26, 2014 08:34 AM
The other Joe
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
16
Jul 17, 2013 05:01 PM
tcoates
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Mar 9, 2009 03:41 PM
Virto
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Oct 9, 2007 11:53 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:48 AM.

story-0
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die

Slideshow: 10 Fords to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-22 14:29:44


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition

The latest Expedition is quite popular, but it certainly isn't perfect.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-22 14:23:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-4
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-6
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE