C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Electrical demons...

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Old Nov 1, 2010 | 12:57 PM
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Default Electrical demons...

Hey guys I am new to the forum and really need some help with my 1985 Corvette. My drivers side fron turn signal is not working when I turn the headlights on. It works if headlights aren't on, but as soon as I hit the headlight switch the side marker light goes out and will not stay on or work when I use the signal. The front parking light remains on when the headlights are turned on also. Rear turn signal works and hazards lights work. Any help would really be appreciated, I failed a inspection this morning and need to get this resolved asap.
Thanks
Doug
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Old Nov 1, 2010 | 04:29 PM
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Could be corroded ground wire at that corner. Not familiar w/ wiring diagram for your year, but you could look under the hood in back of front bumper for ground connections. Also, sockets sometimes get corroded inside, also causing ground issues. Does the tail light go off also?
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Old Nov 1, 2010 | 05:03 PM
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Thought those early models used relays instead of a module to activate the headlights.

Might want to poke around in that area and give everything a good look over to ensure someone (previous owner)hasn't done some creative wiring.

Does the instrument panel turn signal illumnate when the driversides turn signal isn't working?

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Old Nov 1, 2010 | 06:24 PM
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You clearly have a poor ground connection and both the headlight and the turn signal lamps which share the same ground. Follow the black wire from each lamp, they go to a splice in the wiring harness and then to a frame ground behind the LH park/turn lamp. I would clean the frame ground first and then see if your lights work properly and if not, cut through the insulation on the splice and check the quality of the splce and repair it if necessary. Proof is in your LH headlight not working at full brilliance.
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Old Nov 1, 2010 | 08:41 PM
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I really appreciate the quick responses. Ok, tail light does not go out. Tailight works normal and blinks properly when the turn signal is on, until the headlights are turned on. Then it will illuminate brighter but will not blink. Also the instrument panel indicator blinks when used until the headlights/parking lights are turned on, then it remains on solid. Alright, headed to the garage to check grounds and replace bulbs. Will update with results. Thanks for all your help.

Doug
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 10:41 AM
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Ok found a bad ground and rewired, now lights work as they should. Thanks for all your help. Next question. Where is the horn relay on a 1985 and how do I get to it.

Doug
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 11:23 AM
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Ok I found the horn fuse. It was blown. Put in a new one, it blew. Unhooked horns put in a new fuse. It blew also. Any ideas? Relay? Horn button on steering wheel?
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 11:25 AM
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Cant remember if the security system was tied into the horn circuit on the '84 or the '85 maybe somone else will chime in.

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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Swatlord
Ok I found the horn fuse. It was blown. Put in a new one, it blew. Unhooked horns put in a new fuse. It blew also. Any ideas? Relay? Horn button on steering wheel?
It seems to me that you have a short to ground on the power side of the circuit. If the ground side were shorted, the horns would blow continuously. You will probably have to check portions of the circuit using a continuity tester or ohmmeter to ground. For this you will need a wiring diagram with color codes and circuit identification. Maybe someone with your year FSM can post it.

The horn circuit works by completing the path to ground thru the horn button, so your problem is not in the column. Not sure if your car has a horn relay, but if so, this could also be shorted to ground, which would blow the fuse instantly.
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 01:50 PM
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Check the horn relay behind the radio.
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