Turn Signals quit working -- need ideas to fix.

[Redwing]

As some of you have experienced, my turn signals suddenly quit.  Now I need help.

When RedBird arrived here on 3/15, they were not working.  Being a compulsive person, I continued to use them, it is so ingrained in me.   After months of being without and driving cautiously with hand signals, they suddenly started working again.  Hooray!  They continued to work until 8/16 the right side quit.  Sam the mechanic that was installing the A/C, replaced the bulb.  Yay, that was easy.   Now, about a week ago they both quit again.  

I am searching for what I need to do to get them working.  Mark suggested that I use a volt meter and check the connections.  And also put some Deoxit on the connections.  This is good information, but 2 things are in my way.  

1)  I don't  know where all the connections are.  I've  been looking in my FSM with little success.  Would someone please aim me at the section or chart where I can find the connections I need to check.

2)  I am just now learning how to use my volt meter, and I'm  afraid I'll  make a mistake.  Mark has sent me info on how to use it, hopefully I'll be  able to put his info into a good success.

If anyone has other ideas on what to do, or check, or other suggestions, I'd be most happy to hear them.  

Thank you all so much.

Jai

 

 

[dmorales-bello]

Hi Jai, I guess you already checked your bulbs, right? My next step would be to check the connectors for the 2 flasher relays under the drivers side dash. One is located above the ECU while the other is above the steering column. Cleaning those connections or changing the flasher relays for new ones might be easy fixes. You can escalate your troubleshooting if that doesn't work.

[Redwing]

dmoralesbello,

Thanks for your information,  I'll have to look up the connectors for the flasher relays in my FSM, as I have no idea what they look like.  I'll  get on this after Church tomorrow.  

Jai  

[dmorales-bello]

The Hazard flasher is the one above the ECU. 

The turn signal flasher is above the steering column.

I think both flashers have to work in order to to retain turn signal function. You can unplug the connectors and check for corrosion or just change the flasher modules for new ones from your local auto parts store.

I hope those pics help.

Dave

[Patcon]

By the way Jai neither of these are real easy to get to. Do able but not easy

[Zed Head]

I seem to recall some contacts under the horn button or under the steering wheel itself.  Can't remember if they're electrical or mechanical or both.  But they get gummed up and don't work right.  If you haven't had the horn button and/or steering wheel off, it might be a good place to start.  I'd post a link to pictures in the FSM but they kind of overlook that part of the system.  Can't find any.

[Redwing]

Dmoralesbello, Patcon, & ZedHead.

Thank each of you for sending in ideas and photos, that's a big help.

BUT....

When I came out of church this morning, my turn signals were working again!!!  

Praise the Lord!!!!!

Without thinking I flip them on, (years of habit) and there was that green arrow flashing at me. I know I need to go ahead and Deoxit the connections because they'll go out again sometime.

Isn't that great? I'm so happy!!! Takes the immediate pressure off me.

Thanks again for help sent to me!  You are the best!!!

Jai

[dmorales-bello]

Amen, sister!

[Stanley]

Better get out and check while it's parked. Flashing indicator light doesn't necessarily mean it's working.

[Redwing]

Right!

My way is to go in front of a store and view the lights mirrored in the window.  I can check them all that way.

I did last night on the way home, and she passed inspection ok.

Thank you,

Jai

[ksechler]

It's most likely the relay in dmoralesbello's second picture.  I have the same problem with my '76.  Sometimes they blink and sometimes they don't.  The hazards work fine, though.  My plan is to replace the relay.  

[rcb280z]

Jai, I would take a look at the switch mechanism's like ZedHead mentioned. I had something pretty similar happening several years ago and procrastinated and then I had smoke one evening billowing from the turn signal switch area in the steering column. One of my wires burnt up. There was quit a bit of corrosion in my switches. I had to rebuild them. Not saying this is your problem nor am I trying to scare you but, waiting and hoping it will go away isn't good.  I would have it fixed as soon as you can.