Left turn blinker (front and rear) does not work.

[mgood]

Hi all, a problem came up the other day (the left turn signal quit working) and I'm not that up on electronics in the car.  The car is 1976 280Z (11/75), all original has had no modifications to electrical at all.  53K miles on the car.

What I know so far.

1. The blinkers hazards (4 way's work).  Even the left side.

2. New bulbs as of this year.

3. Right turn side works and at the correct blinking speed.

4. I did take out the turn signal switch out and it looks and seems ok, no wear or burning.

5. I do have a service manual and tried to see what it could be (not much experience in reading electrical), it looks like there are two flasher units, one for the 4 ways and one for the turn signals.  

Question, could only one side of the turn signal flasher go bad?

Thanks, I know this has probably been discussed before, I'm hoping its a real simple fix.

Mike

 

[cgsheen1]

It's probably the switch itself and it's a very common problem. Lots of threads about these issues.

Left is pretty common because the mechanics of the switch causes the contact end to be pushed up. Gravity and worn parts tend to pull the contact away or cause it not to fully engage.

[siteunseen]

I found a thread with EScanlon and Fastwoman's input. Electrical came natural to them it seems so here something to read until SteveJ replies. 

 

[SteveJ]

The construction of the 280Z turn signal switch is quite different from the 240Z switch. 

Inside the switch there is a "bridge" that will connect the contact for the power wire to the contact for the left and right signals. 

As you can see, there is a spring to press the rounded side down.

Here is a picture of the contact pads for the turn signals.

This is before I clean up this switch. When the stalk is in the neutral position, the bridge rests on the brown areas between the contact pads.

You can take apart the switch and clean it up to make it nice and shiny!

If you don't feel comfortable taking apart the switch, send me a PM, and we can discuss my cleaning services.

Here's a brief description of what I did with that switch: https://fiddlingwithzcars.wordpress.com/2013/07/11/late-280z-turn-signal-switch/

 

Edited July 3, 2022 by SteveJ

[mgood]

Hay all thanks for the info.  I did take it apart a little to see what was inside.  If the switch in the left turn position and I check the pins number 10 and 14 in the 3 pin terminal, I should get a completed circuit that I can check with a multi meter.  This should tell me if the switch is closing, right?

Mike

[SteveJ]

3 hours ago, mgood said:

Hay all thanks for the info.  I did take it apart a little to see what was inside.  If the switch in the left turn position and I check the pins number 10 and 14 in the 3 pin terminal, I should get a completed circuit that I can check with a multi meter.  This should tell me if the switch is closing, right?

Mike

You should see continuity at the two wires with the turn signal stalk in the down position.

If you don't, it is likely that there is too much build-up on the contacts.

Other possible issues:

1. Bad solder joints where the wires are mated to the contacts
2. Broken wire for the left turn circuit
3. Contact is not in the board for the left turn signal (low probability)
4. Corrosion at the connector.