Need help with electrical oddity
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
Need help with electrical oddity
This is about a 1971 LS5.
The problem only occures when the headlights are turned on. As I drive, the right turn signal indicator turns on and off in a erratic manner. When it is off, all lights work as they are supposed to work. However, when the right turn signal indicator(on the dash)is on, the right turn signals (front and rear) don't work at all.
:banghead:
Does anyone have a clue of where I should start looking?
Any help would be appreciated.
[Modified by ATHANASE, 7:30 PM 11/26/2003]
The problem only occures when the headlights are turned on. As I drive, the right turn signal indicator turns on and off in a erratic manner. When it is off, all lights work as they are supposed to work. However, when the right turn signal indicator(on the dash)is on, the right turn signals (front and rear) don't work at all.
:banghead:
Does anyone have a clue of where I should start looking?
Any help would be appreciated.
[Modified by ATHANASE, 7:30 PM 11/26/2003]
Pro
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Re: Need help with electrical oddity (ATHANASE)
I hope this can help...
About 5 yrs ago, my right turn light would be constantly on if I turned on the headlights. I finally checked it after two days, and sure enough, the bulb was burnt out.
Maybe they have the circuit set up so that when a bulb burns out, you have the turn signal light lit to warn you (they did have a fiberoptic setup for just this purpose in the older 'vettes).
Next step for you is to check the status of the bulbs. From there, you might want to check the harnesses for shorts or broken wire.
My scenario revolved around the front bulb only, and I don't recall if the rear turn signal was operating or not - so I think there might be something more sinister going on.
Electrical gremlins seem to be the worst breed.
I though about the flasher going bad, but that would affect both left and right turn signals, right??
Somebody's bound to have and answer for you.
Good luck!
About 5 yrs ago, my right turn light would be constantly on if I turned on the headlights. I finally checked it after two days, and sure enough, the bulb was burnt out.
Maybe they have the circuit set up so that when a bulb burns out, you have the turn signal light lit to warn you (they did have a fiberoptic setup for just this purpose in the older 'vettes).
Next step for you is to check the status of the bulbs. From there, you might want to check the harnesses for shorts or broken wire.
My scenario revolved around the front bulb only, and I don't recall if the rear turn signal was operating or not - so I think there might be something more sinister going on.
Electrical gremlins seem to be the worst breed.
I though about the flasher going bad, but that would affect both left and right turn signals, right??
Somebody's bound to have and answer for you.
Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Re: Need help with electrical oddity ('75 383 ElkGrove)
Yes, it is designed so that if a bulb is out, the flasher will not work. Lets you know that something is wrong. But the fact that the flashers work when the HLs are off would indicate a ground problem on the side that does not work properly. Check the grounds on the socket.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 3
From: South Central Louisiana
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Need help with electrical oddity (ATHANASE)
My guess, try replacing both dual element bulbs(front and rear) on the troubled side, unless the defective one is visibly obvious. Me thinks ground is not the problem in this situation.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Need help with electrical oddity (LAvetteman)
IMO....all bets are off in a buzzy old electrical system like any old car has, as to just exactly what is the trouble.....but I would say to take electr5ical cleaner from a parts house, and spray each socket and put in a new bulb....
it starts there.....scrub the bulb in and out of position a few times, if the socket is highly/visibly corroded, replace or clean with small wire brush....
;then try it,....after that juggle the wiring for loose wires, bet that not it though....then juggle around the steering column t/s switch and that flat plug on the bottom....
GENE
it starts there.....scrub the bulb in and out of position a few times, if the socket is highly/visibly corroded, replace or clean with small wire brush....
;then try it,....after that juggle the wiring for loose wires, bet that not it though....then juggle around the steering column t/s switch and that flat plug on the bottom....
GENE
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
Re: Need help with electrical oddity (ATHANASE)
Thanks for your advices folks!
I am will change the bulbs to check because it doesn't take much to do, but I am somewhat sceptical: The trun signal works fine with the headlights off.
So, I tend to believe the problem is a little more serious. I will follow your advices step by step and let you know. Thanks again.
I am will change the bulbs to check because it doesn't take much to do, but I am somewhat sceptical: The trun signal works fine with the headlights off.
So, I tend to believe the problem is a little more serious. I will follow your advices step by step and let you know. Thanks again.
