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Replaced Turn Signal Switch, Indicators still not working
Hey everyone, thanks in advance for any assistance or ideas provided.
1980 Corvette, L48, Tilt and Telescopic Steering wheel.
We've been dealing with ongoing issues with the Turn Signals not blinking or turning on.
Some background information; the 4-way plastic screw-in connection was broken, and we weren't getting any turn signals when we used the indicator. We purchased a Duralast SW326 switch and replaced the turn signal switch in the steering column.
The 4-ways lights work and blink, we still do not have turn signals. What we did as a test is plugged in the original turn signal switch just into the connector, and while fidgeting we knocked the broken 4-ways switch, and the car will indicate left or right correctly (along with the 4-ways working, but the housing is still broken). We still cannot get the new turn signal switch to indicate. Thinking it may be a simple faulty turn signal switch, we bought 2 additional of the same model. Same issue.
Any ideas as to what would cause the new turn signal switch (which online and in-store says compatible, has the 13 connectors on the harmonica) to not function, but the old one to "function" (with some finicky touching)
Are you able to use a ohm meter and check for continuity?
Are you able to check if all the wires are pinned up correctly in the connector? Does the new switch wiring match up pin for pin with the wiring on the car?
Last edited by 4-vettes; May 16, 2026 at 09:15 PM.
Unfortunately when it comes to Ohms or resistance or anything of the like, I'm clueless. I'm assuming continuity because the old system "works" as intended with a little fidgeting. From what I can tell, everything is connecting correctly. 4-ways still flashes with the new system, it's just the turn signals which no longer want to function properly with the new connections.
We do have LED Lights involved, I did get 2 items for the Fuse Box that were supposed to help make LEDs function better compared to without.
I suggest going back to all incandescent lamps, inspect each one to ensure the filaments are not broken or otherwise touching. THEN do your tests. You may not have a problem at all.
After that test you can then choose and test each lamp as you re-install LEDs. Hopefully you did NOT put LEDs in the dash since they're such a pain in the dash (well on earlier C3s...not sure on 1980s).
A friend of mine just happened to mention his turn signals weren't working correct......I asked him if he'd installed LED lamps....sure enough.... I told him to install the old ones to test the circuits and THEN decide his path forward. Yep..... that's what it was.
Sounds like you have a similar issue and that you thought ahead but I still think the easiest and cheapest test is to go back to incandescent lamps and the plan your path forward again.
Originally Posted by jstobs
Unfortunately when it comes to Ohms or resistance or anything of the like, I'm clueless. I'm assuming continuity because the old system "works" as intended with a little fidgeting. From what I can tell, everything is connecting correctly. 4-ways still flashes with the new system, it's just the turn signals which no longer want to function properly with the new connections.
We do have LED Lights involved, I did get 2 items for the Fuse Box that were supposed to help make LEDs function better compared to without.
Last edited by carriljc; May 20, 2026 at 03:30 PM.
Unfortunately when it comes to Ohms or resistance or anything of the like, I'm clueless. I'm assuming continuity because the old system "works" as intended with a little fidgeting. From what I can tell, everything is connecting correctly. 4-ways still flashes with the new system, it's just the turn signals which no longer want to function properly with the new connections.
We do have LED Lights involved, I did get 2 items for the Fuse Box that were supposed to help make LEDs function better compared to without.
What did you get? If it doesn't have 3 wires (2 spades and a ground wire), it won't work with a C3. You'll also likely need the reversing base (at least, I did in one of my car's two positions). It gets worse if you do the front side marker lights.
power to relay or from relay to light harness indicators
hi guys im back , i need to know the indicator relay 2 blade slot is getting 12v , when i torn L or R on they do not click , the 4 ways work okay to rear only
when leaver is moved L or R to indicate walk me thro where power comes from wire color where it goes to , an where in the fuse box it comes out to the wires an what color the wire is
all fuses good , all new 3 wire relays an i switched them an tried old relay still no indicators front or rear
any in puts pls
Did you install LEDs in the front parking lights/ turn signals? Even with the solid state electronic flashers, LEDs will not work. I know, I tried on my 73. When you reinstall the incandescent bulbs make sure they are inserted correctly, the old plastic bulb housing will sometimes let the bulbs be installed backwards!
Replaced Turn Signal Switch, Indicators still not working
