C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

81 turn signal issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 9, 2014 | 05:47 PM
  #1  
Johns89Corvette's Avatar
Johns89Corvette
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Default 81 turn signal issue

Proud new owner of a 1981. My problem is with the front directionals. All bulbs work, but when I turn on the left or right directional both fronts flash. I checked with VOM the light blue and dark blue wires at the base of the steering column. I get the 12V reading on both whether left or right is on. Could the problem be the directional switch itself? Anyone have a write up on how to change out the switch in the column.
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2014 | 06:22 PM
  #2  
F22's Avatar
F22
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
Default

Originally Posted by Johns89Corvette
Proud new owner of a 1981. My problem is with the front directionals. All bulbs work, but when I turn on the left or right directional both fronts flash. I checked with VOM the light blue and dark blue wires at the base of the steering column. I get the 12V reading on both whether left or right is on. Could the problem be the directional switch itself? Anyone have a write up on how to change out the switch in the column.
Do the rear turn signals flash in unison as well? Have you looked at the Hazard light circuit yet? Because that's what it's supposed to do. Finally, do you have a wiring diagram for your car?
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2014 | 07:44 PM
  #3  
Johns89Corvette's Avatar
Johns89Corvette
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by F22
Do the rear turn signals flash in unison as well? Have you looked at the Hazard light circuit yet? Because that's what it's supposed to do. Finally, do you have a wiring diagram for your car?
the rears work fine left only and right only. it is just the fronts that both flash whether the right or left signal is on.
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2014 | 08:15 PM
  #4  
Peterbuilt's Avatar
Peterbuilt
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,427
Likes: 1,560
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Default

You might want to test the sockets up front before you tackle the directional switch,
Run a wire to a good ground and touch the other end of the wire to the bulb socket.
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2014 | 08:44 PM
  #5  
Johns89Corvette's Avatar
Johns89Corvette
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Peterbuilt
You might want to test the sockets up front before you tackle the directional switch,
Run a wire to a good ground and touch the other end of the wire to the bulb socket.
All bulbs and sockets work fine, the problem is that the front directionals do not seem to be wired seperately even though they are. That is why I tested voltage on both the left and right directional wires in the harness coming out of the steering column. If I turn on the left directional, both left and right front flash. If I turn on right directional both fronts flash. Rears are fine. That is why I suspect a problem in the column somewhere. such as the directional switch.
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2014 | 09:23 PM
  #6  
Peterbuilt's Avatar
Peterbuilt
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,427
Likes: 1,560
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Default

If you disconnect the harmonica connection and apply 12 volts to first "J" then "H" that might tell you if the problem is upfront or in the directional switch.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 81 turn signal issue





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:14 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE