Side Marker Upgrade Problem

[northernz]

I just installed the headlight relay upgrade and side marker conversion kits from MSA. What a great improvement in the headlights! However the driver side turn signal no longer works. It worked great when first installed but now nothing. The park lights work fine, the passenger side is fine but when the drivers side turn signal is activated there is a drop in revs at idle and the amp gauge deflects violently in time to the blinker unit. The rear turn signal is noticeably dimmer as well . Any suggestions?

[Arne]

I'd guess that the left front side marker has a ground problem. No metal parts of the sidemarker can contact the fender. Try removing the sidemarker from the fender and just let it hang by the wires, and see if that works. If it does, when you put it back make certain to keep the metal isolated.

[northernz]

Thanks Arne, I'll try that! Note that the turn signal is also inop. I'll try removing the new part and see what happens.

Mark

[Arne]

The new sidemarker adapter will affect both park and blinkers on that side.

[northernz]

Ok, It seems to be working now. I removed the light as suggested and it worked fine, when I reinstalled it the other side stopped working!Removed that side and IT worked fine! Both are working now but as I did not change anything I'm not sure why or for how long.The instructions state that if the metal frame of side marker touches the body, the light won't work, it doesn't, but the screw that holds the light would seem to provide a path from frame of light to body.Not being familiar with electrical theroy, I'm puzzled.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Arne, I just noticed that you list 12746 in your info, Thats only 5 away from mine! What colour was it?

Mark

[Arne]

In most cases, the screws should be able to pass through the holes in the marker plate without contacting the metal. But that can be tricky on some cars. Some users have slightly enlarged the holes in the backing plate to make certain the screws miss the metal. One user even slipped a bit of shrink-tube over the screw to prevent this.

12746 was a yellow automatic, and originally sold in Montana, not that far from you.

[northernz]

Thanks for the tips Arne,everything is working now! On to the side marker relay upgrade!

[Zs-ondabrain]

Actually, It's called the "Parking light Upgrade harness" As the sidemarkers, dash lights, front markers and rear taillights are ALL on the same circuit. The PLH is a very simple instal...... Just remove the fuse, mount the power wire to the battery's (+) post, run the power wire thru the firewall bood (engine harness boot) and over to the steering column.

Remove the steering column cover, unplug the combo (headlight switch) run the "T" harness over the column and plug it into the open combo switch connectors. Then remove the relay from the socket, insert the power wire terminal into the relay socket's outermost hole until it clicks in place. Then remove the steering column bolt that sits closets to you, on the left hand side. Run that bolt thru the ring terminal on the ground wire then thru the relay tab.

Mount the relay to the underside using the bolt, tighten down and you're done.. Replace the fuse into the fuse-holder at the battery and Test it out.

The Upgrade will stop ALL the hi amperage that normally goes thru the Fusebox and combo switch. Enjoy!!

And Yes, I'm the guy that makes all the upgrades on MSA's "New Technologies" page. Except the fusebox, that's not mine.

Dave

[northernz]

Thanks Dave, Your headlight relay upgrade was amazing! I'd read the others experiences but seeing is believing! The difference in brightness is fantastic. Once I've got the Parking light upgrade installed I'll let you know what I think. Your parts are money well spent!

Mark

[bpilati]

Dave makes good stuff.