Turn Signal Problem
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Turn Signal Problem
Hello Folks, I am new to the forum and had a problem I need your help with. I have recently rebuilt (with the help of a pro with the correct tools) my steering column. I replaced all the switches as well as the ***** and leavers. I have a 1977 Vette with Tilt and Telecsope wheel. It works perfectly but after I drive the car for about 20 minutes, the turn signal does not work. The hazards work fine, but when I turn left or right using my turn signal, I get nothing. No lights in the dash, and nothing out the tail lights. Matter fact, when I hit the turn signal, the tail light for that turn does not light up, it goes dark. I have also replaced both the flashers (passenger side and under center console) and still have the same problem. Can you help?
Thanks
Pat
Thanks
Pat
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 269
From: S.E. MI
St. Jude Donor '15
My Right Turn Signal Stopped Working Once. It Was A Bad Connection On The Connector On The Right Side Of The Steering Column. I Wiggled The Connector And Its Worked Ever Since.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 13,182
Likes: 99
From: West Chester OH
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In IX Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '13
I had a problem when I first replaced the turn signal switch on my '68, found the connection to the main harness at the base of the column wasn't fully seated. Got it in all the way and now works fine.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I have checked the switch connections. All looks good. I have checked the connections, and replaced the bulbs, and all looks fine. My hazard works, and so does the turn signals, but when the car warms up, they shut down.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Do you still have the original turn signal switch? Was it working correctly when you replaced it?
If the old switch was serviceable you can try the following:
You can disconnect the new switch that is in your steering column from the vehicle harness at the harmonica connector. Connect the old switch to the vehicle circuit (just leave the new one installed in the column.) Check turn signals for function using the old switch cobbled into the circuit. Go for a ride and determine if the malfunction occurs with the old switch or not. This at least should point to the new switch (or not) as being the culprit.
Jim
If the old switch was serviceable you can try the following:
You can disconnect the new switch that is in your steering column from the vehicle harness at the harmonica connector. Connect the old switch to the vehicle circuit (just leave the new one installed in the column.) Check turn signals for function using the old switch cobbled into the circuit. Go for a ride and determine if the malfunction occurs with the old switch or not. This at least should point to the new switch (or not) as being the culprit.
Jim
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Thanks Jim. I was given your name by my friend in hopes you would reply to my string. I was told YOU are an expert on Steering Columns.
To answer your question, yes, I did exactly that. I tested both old and with new, just as you described, and the problem is still there. It is so strange. It works GREAT the first 10-15minutes, then after that.....NOTHING!
What do you suggest now?
Pat
To answer your question, yes, I did exactly that. I tested both old and with new, just as you described, and the problem is still there. It is so strange. It works GREAT the first 10-15minutes, then after that.....NOTHING!
What do you suggest now?
Pat
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Well you can be 99% sure that the problem is not in the steering column wiring.
I am not an expert on the vehicle wiring for the turn signals. But I think that there are clues. One basic fact, the rear bulbs have two filaments in them. One for brakes, turn signals, and hazards the other for running lights.
So first, the hazards do work. So it seems that this circuit is operating correctly. QUESTION - I assume that the hazards work and the dash lights flash even after 10 minutes of running.
Second, when you step on your brakes the brake lamp filament will light on both sides. But then, when you activate the turn signal switch to one side of the other, that side should then go out. The flasher should then make that side flash on and off. This circuit works correctly until 10 minutes of running, then the turn signal portion does not work. QUESTION - I assume that the brake lights work correctly even after 10minutes of running.
In the turn signal system, the only thing that would seem to be affected by temperature would be the turn signal flasher. I know that you said that you replaced it. But it sure seems to be the one element in the circuit that would be causing your problems.
Jim
I am not an expert on the vehicle wiring for the turn signals. But I think that there are clues. One basic fact, the rear bulbs have two filaments in them. One for brakes, turn signals, and hazards the other for running lights.
So first, the hazards do work. So it seems that this circuit is operating correctly. QUESTION - I assume that the hazards work and the dash lights flash even after 10 minutes of running.
Second, when you step on your brakes the brake lamp filament will light on both sides. But then, when you activate the turn signal switch to one side of the other, that side should then go out. The flasher should then make that side flash on and off. This circuit works correctly until 10 minutes of running, then the turn signal portion does not work. QUESTION - I assume that the brake lights work correctly even after 10minutes of running.
In the turn signal system, the only thing that would seem to be affected by temperature would be the turn signal flasher. I know that you said that you replaced it. But it sure seems to be the one element in the circuit that would be causing your problems.
Jim
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22
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Turn signal wires ground location?
Where are the turn signal wires grounded on a 1979 Vette? I am getting variable voltage (0 to 8 volts) while the left turn signal is on, measured at the end of the connector that goes into the instrument cluster. The right turn signal is working fine.
Thanks
Thanks
