Turn Signal Problem
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Turn Signal Problem
The left turn signal on my 1986 works off and on. One time it will work, and a second later, it will fail. The right turn signal works fine. With the left signal on, the outside signal lights come on, but do not flash. My book said to look for a bad bulb, and I did have a bad side-amber bulb - replaced it - but still same problem. I tended to discount the bad bulb idea since it works at times, and other times don't. I wiggled the turn signal lever to check for bad connection, but no indication there. One other thing, the left turn indicator light on the dash burns all the time when the headlights are on, but doesn't when headlights are off unless the lever is moved to the left-turn position. The front left amber turn signal lamp seems a bit dimmer than the right, but I'm assuming that may be due to the fact that it is not flashing. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Try wiggling the wires near the turn signal bulb and side marker.
When I had this problem I eventually found that some idiot had spliced the wires by simply wrapping and taping them. Of course, over time the copper wires oxidized, causing the problem. After I trimmed back the corroded wires, soldered & shrink-wrapped them there has not been a problem.
When I had this problem I eventually found that some idiot had spliced the wires by simply wrapping and taping them. Of course, over time the copper wires oxidized, causing the problem. After I trimmed back the corroded wires, soldered & shrink-wrapped them there has not been a problem.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,836
Likes: 337
From: Database Error Indiana
Try the signals with the column tilted up and down. If it works in some positions and not others you will find a bad wire in the harness that goes down in the column. Had to fix one a couple months ago. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
I would get myself a Helms manual with the electrical diagrams, and trace out the grounds for that blinker.
I agree with you and the other posters; if it's an intermittant glitch like that- you're problem probably isn't the bulbs but bad wiring somewhere.
I agree with you and the other posters; if it's an intermittant glitch like that- you're problem probably isn't the bulbs but bad wiring somewhere.
