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

Turn Signal Issues

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 7, 2009 | 05:49 PM
  #1  
cwatson1982's Avatar
cwatson1982
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Turn Signal Issues

Recently bought a 78 F250 4x4 and am trying to sort out electrical issues. I have one left and it is really stumping me.

My turn signals stop working as soon as I turn my dash-lights on. The headlights themselves don't seem to effect it. With the dash-lights on both turn signal indicators on the dash will come on and stay that way, none of the actual turn signal lights will come on.

Also, using a test light both wires going to the signal flasher become hot when the dash lights are on, otherwise only the blue wire is hot.

anyone have any ideas?
 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2009 | 01:36 PM
  #2  
cwatson1982's Avatar
cwatson1982
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
The lamp sockets were bad/corroded/loose for future reference.
 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2009 | 09:22 PM
  #3  
79fordf250pickup's Avatar
79fordf250pickup
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Holden
my 78 supercab does the same thing only it does it on just the right side. i cant figure it out.when i have no dash lights on my turn signals work great, but as soon as i turn on my lights my right indicator in the dash stays on and my right side signal stops working. please help
 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2009 | 10:54 PM
  #4  
cwatson1982's Avatar
cwatson1982
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Check the turn signal socket on that side for corrosion and loose wires and check the bulb on that side.

The running light filament in the turn signal comes on when you turn your dash lights on and for some reason leads to that symptom if either the filaments are semi damaged or the ground inside the socket is iffy. (I'm horrible with wiring and just got lucky with a test light so I have no idea what actually causes it!).

You might be able to just turn the bulb a tiny bit to get it to work temporarily (one of mine started working after I played with it a bit)
 
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2009 | 08:51 AM
  #5  
fmc400's Avatar
fmc400
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Club FTE Gold Member
This sounds like a ground issue at the turn signal bulb sockets. I'm assuming you replaced the bulb sockets, correct? Also make sure that the sockets are grounded to clean metal at the body, and make sure you have a healthy ground strap from the frame to the cab, and the engine to the firewall.
 
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2009 | 09:40 AM
  #6  
NumberDummy's Avatar
NumberDummy
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by fmc400
This sounds like a ground issue at the turn signal bulb sockets. I'm assuming you replaced the bulb sockets, correct?

Also make sure that the sockets are grounded to clean metal at the body.
How can you ground the (replacable) socket since it's made from plastic, and the parking lamp is also plastic?

D1FZ13234A .. Parking Lamp Socket-Plastic / Obsolete

Fits: 1975 F100/350 from serial number C50,001 & 1976/86 F100/350.

Fits: 1975/86 Econoline // 1978/86 Bronco // 1971/73 & 1976 Pinto/Bobcat // 1973 Mustang & Torino.

1973/74 and 1975 F100/350's before serial number C50,001: The metal socket is part of the metal parklamp body, the lens was available separately.

After C50,001, the parklamp body/lens is a one piece plastic assembly, the socket was available by itself.
 
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2009 | 08:39 PM
  #7  
79fordf250pickup's Avatar
79fordf250pickup
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Holden
got it fixed. I replaced the socket with one from a parts truck and it works fine. I was sure it was a ground problem but I guess not.
 
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2012 | 01:31 AM
  #8  
bluoval21's Avatar
bluoval21
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: ATTALLA, AL
I had the exact same problem on my 78 F100 Lariat with the left turn signal staying on. After reading a couple of these threads, I replaced the bulbs, sanded the ground areas. When none of this worked, I replace both left sockets and everything works perfectly now. Thanks so much for your posts. I would never have fixed it without them.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
troverman
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
48
Aug 21, 2016 10:32 PM
co997
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
7
May 9, 2016 06:35 PM
lanier1974
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
14
Mar 29, 2016 09:55 AM
mondo89
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Oct 14, 2014 11:14 PM
mondo89
New Member Introductions
1
Oct 14, 2014 09:16 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:49 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE