Flasher Issues
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Flasher Issues
Just bought a 1979 C3 and I am in the process of fixing it up. Right now I'm working on fixing the directional indicators. I know the switch in the steering column works because when I flip the lever for the right side the right rear indicator turns off but the left one stays on and vice versa. Also the indicator on the dash, that has the arrow to show which indicator is on, does not turn on no matter what. If anyone has had similar issues or knows how to fix it let me know. I can provide more info or clear some stuff up let me know.
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,199
Likes: 7,798
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
You believe that the switch is good, yet when you flip it to the right, the left rear indicator turns on???
The indicator lights in the dash are on the same line as the front indicators.
Do you have a wiring schematic? Do you have a test light?
Do the brake lights which also go through the turn signal switch work?
Do you have power to the turn signal flasher? Do the 4 way flashers work? Have you tryed switching the 2 flashers around?
The indicator lights in the dash are on the same line as the front indicators.
Do you have a wiring schematic? Do you have a test light?
Do the brake lights which also go through the turn signal switch work?
Do you have power to the turn signal flasher? Do the 4 way flashers work? Have you tryed switching the 2 flashers around?
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I think I phrased it wrong, normally both lights would be on and when I turn it as if I'm indicating to go right the right light turns off.
I do have a wiring schematic and a test light.
The break lights work.
I know the flasher works, ill see if its receiving power, not sure about the 4 way flashers and ill see what happens if I switch the flashers.
I do have a wiring schematic and a test light.
The break lights work.
I know the flasher works, ill see if its receiving power, not sure about the 4 way flashers and ill see what happens if I switch the flashers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 721
From: Marietta GA
Check to be sure the bulbs are the correct type for the turn signals. Examine the bulb holders and make sure all the contacts are clean. Check that the grounds at the bulb holders to ensure they are good. The 4 way flasher will give you the answer to the questions, if all lights are flashing then it most likely is the turn signal board in the steering column.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 700
Likes: 335
From: Aubrey TX
Check to be sure the bulbs are the correct type for the turn signals. Examine the bulb holders and make sure all the contacts are clean. Check that the grounds at the bulb holders to ensure they are good. The 4 way flasher will give you the answer to the questions, if all lights are flashing then it most likely is the turn signal board in the steering column.
Checking all the bulbs and sockets is the best place to start.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 79
Likes: 21
From: Michigan
Classic ground issues. Power is always looking for ground and if the chassis grounds are bad, odd lighting issues evolve. Look for and clean lighting grounds on rear frame corners. Grind rust off frame at ground screw. Replace or add star washers, replace ring terminals if needed, and replace screws if needed. Front light grounds may be on the horn brackets. Difficult to access if hood is on. Brake and turn signal sockets were filled with a grease at factory to keep moisture out of the socket. After 40+ years, the grease is hard and makes changing bubs very difficult. You can carefully take the plastic sockets apart to remove the hard grease and clean corrosion off contacts and ground points. Otherwise look for replacement sockets. Once that is done, then check lighting operations for correct on incorrect operation.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,728
Likes: 1,379
Maus1717
My recommendation of what to do.
1. I would swap the flashers first.
-check operation
2. I would replace each and every turn signal lamp with new incandescent lamps....ensuring that each one works as I installed it. Both brake light operation and turn signal operation.
-check operation
3. Then it gets tougher. Inspect the turn signal switch wiring at the steering column.... and then remove the wheel and inspect the actual turn signal switch assembly ( no real "board' in a 1979 as far as I can tell).
FYI- when i was having issues with my brake lights and turn signals on my 1968 it turned out to be a worn and failing turn signal switch assembly.
They're relatively inexpensive anyway:
see here: https://www.corvettecentral.com/sear...tch&Years=1979
My recommendation of what to do.
1. I would swap the flashers first.
-check operation
2. I would replace each and every turn signal lamp with new incandescent lamps....ensuring that each one works as I installed it. Both brake light operation and turn signal operation.
-check operation
3. Then it gets tougher. Inspect the turn signal switch wiring at the steering column.... and then remove the wheel and inspect the actual turn signal switch assembly ( no real "board' in a 1979 as far as I can tell).
FYI- when i was having issues with my brake lights and turn signals on my 1968 it turned out to be a worn and failing turn signal switch assembly.
They're relatively inexpensive anyway:
see here: https://www.corvettecentral.com/sear...tch&Years=1979
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Brett Foote
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 156
Likes: 43
From: Baltimore MD
All the above comments are what to do. I had this issue and went through a turn signal switch replacement, flashers, and new rear bulb sockets. Ended up being the wrong kind of bulb jammed into the rear turn signal sockets. Don't be me. Bulbs & flashers then grounds then the annoying stuff.
