Electrical Problem
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Electrical Problem
96 B-4000, 4x4 LE model - 271,000 miles, original owner. Looking for ideas on a problem. When I use the left turn signal my clock radio flashes as well as the dash instrument lights...but when I have the headlights/park light on, the left turn indicator light on the dash lights up, as do the left side turn signal lights, but they do not flash (and the clock radio does flash not either) Right turn signal works as it should. Replaced multi-switch on the steering column, it seemed that it was the only place that all these circuits had in common...no change...any ideas?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Welcome to FTE.
Seeing as how you've replaced the multfunction switch, I'd guess it's a ground loop problem of some sort.
So maybe begin doing an inspection of the system grounds for that side.
Eveything needs to be clean bright & tight.
I've also seen a blown filiment in a multi-filiment lamp cause some crazy problems too. So check all the lamps in that side.
Let us know what you find.
Seeing as how you've replaced the multfunction switch, I'd guess it's a ground loop problem of some sort.
So maybe begin doing an inspection of the system grounds for that side.
Eveything needs to be clean bright & tight.
I've also seen a blown filiment in a multi-filiment lamp cause some crazy problems too. So check all the lamps in that side.
Let us know what you find.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Yup, ground loops can cause crazy things to happen & can be a bear to isolate & run down sometimes.
If you get to a suspect point, you might consider a good quality, low resistance large gauge wire, one end connectred directly to the battery B- post, the other end as a ground probe, to supply a known good ground to the suspect.
I've used my 20ft long heavy gauge jumper cables as a portable ground probe, or as a parallel connection across a suspect cable, wire, or connecton, to run down suspect wire runs, high resistance, loose, corroded crimp connections, suspect battey to body & engine grounds, ect.
I've done this technique with a B+ feed too, but one needs to be Plenty careful doing that, especially if the jump isn't fuse protected.
More thoughts for pondering.
Keep us posted on your trouble shoot.
If you get to a suspect point, you might consider a good quality, low resistance large gauge wire, one end connectred directly to the battery B- post, the other end as a ground probe, to supply a known good ground to the suspect.
I've used my 20ft long heavy gauge jumper cables as a portable ground probe, or as a parallel connection across a suspect cable, wire, or connecton, to run down suspect wire runs, high resistance, loose, corroded crimp connections, suspect battey to body & engine grounds, ect.
I've done this technique with a B+ feed too, but one needs to be Plenty careful doing that, especially if the jump isn't fuse protected.
More thoughts for pondering.
Keep us posted on your trouble shoot.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
Electrical Problem
Thanks for the help - been out of town a lot, so haven't had much time to work on it, or reply. Researched it more, went looking for a "parking lamp relay" parts house said it was a DEALER only item...Mazda couldn't find it...they saw a reference on a drawing and a listing of it...but no part # or any such thing. Their Mechanic told me check all the park and turn signal light bulbs...he thought it might be something to do with a funny bulb...in the meantime, while in Sioux City, IA...it all started working again and I have not had a problem since...go figure. still plan to check the park light bulbs and such...I had already checked the turn signal bulbs before talking to Mazda...so still know nothing, will post if I ever do find the problem.
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