ANOTHER Turn Signal Issue

[Mikey Likes It]

I searched the forums but haven't found an issue like I'm having.

I'm in the process of getting my newly acquired Z ready for the state inspection and after I thought it was all ready to go, I'm now stumped.

Initially, all switches and lights worked but the horn wasn't working. After checking the fuses and making sure they were OK, I looked around the area by the grille where the horns are and noticed that one of the wires was not connected to the tab on one of the horns. I connected the wire and the horn started working (albeit very weakly).

Problem now is that only the turn signals are not working. Every other electrical system seems to be functioning OK but no part of the turn signals work (no noise, no dash indicator lights, no signals).

I have replaced the t.s. fuse but that didn't work. I even disconnected the horn, but that didn't work either.

Where do I go from here??

Mike

[Pennyman]

My '76 Z had the same problem when I bought it. What I ended up doing was checking connections along each section of the turn signal wiring, checking to see where I had a curcuit and where I didn't. I found that there was one segment of wire that ran through the dash where the connection was bad. Having narrowed it down to a single segment of wire, I then spliced in a new wire on eather side of the break and everything worked fine! It's not a totally pretty fix, but at least, i know there the problem is and fixed it in the most REALISTIC way possible. Goodluck with your troubleshooting.

[Mikey Likes It]

What's the best tool to get to test the wires and the best place to find one?

(I know, that's a dumb question)

[Pennyman]

Use a volt meter to test the wires, and you can get them at any electronics store relatively cheap. Try Radio Shack.

[TBK1]

You dont perhaps have your center console out or some of the wires under/behind it disconnected do you??? Had the the same issues, got the wiring diagram, blew it up REALLY big, put the console in and BAM!!! the circuit runs thru some of those wires and switches!!

[First Gen Z]

I think I'd try a different turn signal flasher before I did anything. If that doesn't work then try the wire continuity search. Harbor Freight is also a good source of inexpensive digital volt meters.

[Mikey Likes It]

Thanks for the help. Couple of questions.

1) Where can a find a turn signal flasher and how much can I expect to pay?

2) There is a toggle switch on the side of the console and I have no earthly idea what it is for. The wires for the switch are sitting inside of the fuse box. I suppose it is possible that when I took off the fuse box cover, I messed up those wires. How do I find out what the toggle switch is for?

Thanks again.

[zoom240]

Couple things I've done for turn signal problems:

Make sure the connections for the center console are all plugged in. The power on my 260 routes through it (believe it's the emergency flasher switch) and the turn signals don't work with the console unplugged. That took me an embarassingly long time to figure out.

Sometimes the connections get a bit corroded where all the plugs plug in next to the fuse box. Just pop them in & out a few times - or spray some electrical cleaner on them and work the corrosion off.

Usually when the flasher's out, the lights come on but don't flash.

You'll need a multi-meter to sort out anything more than try&see.

My bet is that switch is something setup to crank the antenna up and down, but with an old car it could be anything.

Dave

[schroyh]

Everything works fine electrically on my 77 280Z, except when I push on the brake pedal the panel lights come on the Hazard switch lights up and the front parking lights illuminate ? Any ideas on this one ? Harry

[Arne]

Everything works fine electrically on my 77 280Z, except when I push on the brake pedal the panel lights come on the Hazard switch lights up and the front parking lights illuminate ? Any ideas on this one ? Harry

Check for a bad ground in the rear body wiring.

[EScanlon]

This was mentioned before, IIRC the problem was the wrong type of bulb inserted into the tail-lamp socket (Single into a Double) which bridged both the turn signal/brake circuit with the parking lamp.

2¢

E

[Arne]

This was mentioned before, IIRC the problem was the wrong type of bulb inserted into the tail-lamp socket (Single into a Double) which bridged both the turn signal/brake circuit with the parking lamp.

2¢

E

True, that would do it too.