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Problem with Turn Signals

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Old Jun 5, 2026 | 02:16 PM
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Default Problem with Turn Signals

Hi

When I hit the left turn signal, left side works as expected but the right side indicator lights also flash dimly front and rear. The right side turn signals function as expected.

Dash lights also work as expected - no addtl. symptoms inside the car.

Replaced the turn signal switch a couple of years ago but noticed the issue recently. Also replaced the harnesses with Lectric Ltd a few years ago as well.

Anyone have this problem and can help me diagnose it? Saw a thread from 2023 with a similar issue, but not quite, and there was no resolution posted.

Checking grounds or replacing the switch are likely fixes, but hoping for something more specific (such as which grounds as there are many) and know replacing the switch is a PITA so saving that for last.

Thanks in advance!
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Old Jun 5, 2026 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by btwick
Hi

When I hit the left turn signal, left side works as expected but the right side indicator lights also flash dimly front and rear. The right side turn signals function as expected.

Dash lights also work as expected - no addtl. symptoms inside the car.

Replaced the turn signal switch a couple of years ago but noticed the issue recently. Also replaced the harnesses with Lectric Ltd a few years ago as well.

Anyone have this problem and can help me diagnose it? Saw a thread from 2023 with a similar issue, but not quite, and there was no resolution posted.

Checking grounds or replacing the switch are likely fixes, but hoping for something more specific (such as which grounds as there are many) and know replacing the switch is a PITA so saving that for last.

Thanks in advance!
I'd begin by checking the ground points at each of the bulbs.
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Old Jun 5, 2026 | 07:09 PM
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Bulbs installed 180 degrees off?
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Old Jun 5, 2026 | 09:06 PM
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Had this issue with my '72.
I ran a ground wire at each turn signal housing.
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Old Jun 5, 2026 | 11:13 PM
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I agree, it sounds like they are back feeding. Poor ground. Run some separate ground wires from the sockets to a good ground on the frame.
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Old Jun 6, 2026 | 02:17 AM
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Thanks for all the replies. Will run separate grounds from the sockets on each turn signal and report back. Cheers.
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Old Jun 6, 2026 | 09:26 AM
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The sockets that hold the bulbs can rot on the inside causing you to lose the ground connection.
To test for a good ground, attach a wire to a good ground and touch the other end of the wire to the brass part of the socket.
If the bulb lights up, replace the socket.




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Old Jun 6, 2026 | 07:35 PM
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Went around today and attached alligator clips and wire grounds to all the sockets.. Found a "builder error" (my mistake) as the left front turn signal had a dual strap socket for a dual filament bulb, but I had put in a single terminal bulb. Put a two contact and two filament bulb in there and no more cross leakage of juice to the wrong side. But, for some reason the rear running lights, which should activate when the turn signals are on don't light up.. So, yeah, solved one problem and still have another, albeit minor, issue with the rear running lights. They work fine when the overall lights are turned on, so no issue with bulb, socket, or grounds. All other lights work as desired. Can live with this issue and happy the switch deep in the column doesn't have to be replaced as it is a major PITA.. Hope your Sat is going well. Talk soon.
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Old Jun 6, 2026 | 07:37 PM
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Went around today and attached alligator clips and wire grounds to all the sockets.. Found a "builder error" (my mistake) as the left front turn signal had a dual strap socket for a dual filament bulb, but I had put in a single terminal bulb. Put a two contact and two filament bulb in there and no more cross leakage of juice to the wrong side. But, for some reason the rear running lights, which should activate when the turn signals are on don't light up.. So, yeah, solved one problem and still have another, albeit minor, issue with the rear running lights. They work fine when the overall lights are turned on, so no issue with bulb, socket, or grounds. All other lights work as desired. Can live with this issue and happy the switch deep in the column doesn't have to be replaced as it is a major PITA.. Appreciate all the comments.
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Old Jun 6, 2026 | 07:46 PM
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For the record. The front side marker lights double as turn signals. The rear side marker lights do not. They are only marker lights.
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Old Jun 6, 2026 | 08:08 PM
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Originally Posted by 4-vettes
For the record. The front side marker lights double as turn signals. The rear side marker lights do not. They are only marker lights.
Crazy with the wrong bulb up front the rear side markers were going on with turn signals when they're not supposed to. Electrical stuff is so challenging! Thanks for the clarification 4-vettes, as you've just confirmed I actually don't have a problem any more. Now its a great Saturday! Cheers
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Old Jun 6, 2026 | 08:47 PM
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