Odd turn signal problem
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Joined: Feb 2003
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Odd turn signal problem
I replaced my bulbs today to fix a few turn signal/brake lamp problems.
They are all fixed save one. My left front turn signal does not light when turned on by the turn lever. It does work fine for the running light and also works for the hazards. The interior dash indicator does not work either when trying to use the left signal, but works fine with the hazards. Left rear works correctly.
1989 F350 4x4 crew cab
Ideas?
They are all fixed save one. My left front turn signal does not light when turned on by the turn lever. It does work fine for the running light and also works for the hazards. The interior dash indicator does not work either when trying to use the left signal, but works fine with the hazards. Left rear works correctly.
1989 F350 4x4 crew cab
Ideas?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Odd turn signal problem
Sounds like the whiskers on the turn signal cam are bent/damaged. It's difficult to get to, and even more difficult to explain, but you can find a cruddy aftermarket Motormite HELP! replacement cam at most parts stores and look at it. The instructions on the back give an indication of what a pain it is to do, but the $130 for the Ford replacement turn signal switch assembly may make you go for the HELP! part. Expect it never to work like the factory one.
Some diagnosis may prove another source for your problem, though.
Some diagnosis may prove another source for your problem, though.
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Odd turn signal problem
Thanks for the reply.
Not having seen the part/mechanism in question, would that account for the rear turn signal working?
My redneck engineer side of me can't picture a cam mechanism that would have two contacts to run one circuit.
Not having seen the part/mechanism in question, would that account for the rear turn signal working?
My redneck engineer side of me can't picture a cam mechanism that would have two contacts to run one circuit.
New User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 23
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From: Ely, Minnesota
Odd turn signal problem
Had the same problem with my truck, pulled the steering wheel off, took out the one screw that holds the turn signal cam and saw that one of the whiskers was bent. Straightened out the whisker and has been working perfectly ever since... Autozone will lend you the steering wheel puller to help do the job.. It was an aftermarket switch that I had bought from napa.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
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From: Memphis, TN
Odd turn signal problem
8n
Can you picture a cam with a spring hook on each end, 2 wire whiskers that span it, and a wire riveted to each whisker? Then try to picture it resting in a pocket with a flat spring pressing on 2 tiny posts to hold it straight, but 2 pegs to catch the 2 hooks when it's turned, and like 6 contacts for the 2 whiskers' 4 ends to wipe across.
Got it?
That's why I didn't try to describe it before.
Can you picture a cam with a spring hook on each end, 2 wire whiskers that span it, and a wire riveted to each whisker? Then try to picture it resting in a pocket with a flat spring pressing on 2 tiny posts to hold it straight, but 2 pegs to catch the 2 hooks when it's turned, and like 6 contacts for the 2 whiskers' 4 ends to wipe across.
Got it?
That's why I didn't try to describe it before.
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From: cambridge guernsey
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Odd turn signal problem
Steve,
Got it. Thanks for the help.
I'll put this on the "to do" list after I take out the new oil pump I have in my new motor in my Mustang that has 300 miles on it. Gotta love bad parts. Ugh!
OBTW, love your site. Great info there. I bookmarked it for future "projects".
Got it. Thanks for the help.
I'll put this on the "to do" list after I take out the new oil pump I have in my new motor in my Mustang that has 300 miles on it. Gotta love bad parts. Ugh!
OBTW, love your site. Great info there. I bookmarked it for future "projects".
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Odd turn signal problem
ditto on the "great threads!! Learning new things everyday..."
comment above. I am grateful to the people who make this forum work.
I had the same problem on my 91 E350, and used the HELP! replacement cam ($10 ).
I had to file a bit on the new part to get it to work, and the crimp- on connectors into the wiring failed after a few days, had to remake the splice with solder and heat shrink tubing, but it does work.
Alan P
comment above. I am grateful to the people who make this forum work.
I had the same problem on my 91 E350, and used the HELP! replacement cam ($10 ).
I had to file a bit on the new part to get it to work, and the crimp- on connectors into the wiring failed after a few days, had to remake the splice with solder and heat shrink tubing, but it does work.
Alan P
