Turn signal issue

Topic: Turn signal issue (Read 1235 times) previous topic - next topic

Turn signal issue

March 08, 2010, 12:17:51 PM

Pulling this from my other thread.

Working on the '80, one of the small issues is that the right turn signals do not "blink". The lefts work fine, and the rights work when the hazards are on, so I'm trying to sort this out.

Both turn signal circuits work through the same blinker module, so it's not that if one side works.

Could it be an issue with the multi-switch on the column? Do the blinker modules require a certain voltage to operate properly? Perhaps there is an issue with the right circuit that is causing too much voltage drop, and thus the blinker module isn't working properly?

Looking for a couple ideas.

Turn signal issue

Reply #1 – March 08, 2010, 05:37:47 PM

Check your bulbs. A burned out bulb will prevent the old fashioned thermal flashers from flashing. If the bulbs are all OK you might have a broken turn signal switch that is not sending current to one of the corners of the car. Swap in a Tridon HD12 electronic heavy duty flasher (these will flash whether bulbs are burned out or not) and try your lights. If they all work with hazard but not with turn signals it would be the switch.

Turn signal issue

Reply #2 – March 08, 2010, 05:46:32 PM

TC-
Like I said, they all work with the hazards... 4 corners and all bulbs blink. I can light them with the turn switch, but I have to manually make them blink on the right side. Left turns work normally.

Turn signal issue

Reply #3 – March 08, 2010, 06:12:05 PM

I've had to rebuild a few multi-function switches due to erratic signals. It couldn't hurt to pull the switch and take it apart to inspect the contacts. This was in an MN12 and an Exploder, so I'm not sure how similar the Fox units might be.

Turn signal issue

Reply #4 – March 08, 2010, 06:37:33 PM

could it be a flasher issue? are there flashers for each side?

Turn signal issue

Reply #5 – March 08, 2010, 06:47:50 PM

Quote from: 88turbo;313243

could it be a flasher issue? are there flashers for each side?

As I mentioned in the first post, both turn signal circuits work through the same flasher.
The hazard flasher is different.

Turn signal issue

Reply #6 – March 08, 2010, 07:19:13 PM

Quote from: Chuck W;313245

As I mentioned in the first post, both turn signal circuits work through the same flasher.
The hazard flasher is different.

Oddly I have seen a bad flasher have this same symptom . It baffled me for days , It still makes no sense :hick:

Turn signal issue

Reply #7 – March 08, 2010, 07:41:56 PM

Chuck, just read thru my 80 shop manual and you are correct, it says there are 2 flasher units used ,1 for t/s and 1 for hazzard . In my 80 EVTM for troubleshouting t/s not working it says start by checking fuse 14, replace t/s flasher, ck voltage of flasher, ck voltage at C237 and finally replace multi function switch. If you need any diagrams or pages out of the manual I can try and scan them and send them to you

Turn signal issue

Reply #8 – March 08, 2010, 09:10:33 PM

For some reason you are not drawing enough current through the flasher to make it work on the right side.
Are the lights equally bright on both sides?
Are the correct part number bulbs being used?
Does it have front cornering lamps and is it working on the right side?

Turn signal issue

Reply #9 – March 08, 2010, 10:06:34 PM

I have also had 1 sided flasher problems in the past. Changing the flasher also fixed the problem.
can you swap flashers to check?

Turn signal issue

Reply #10 – March 08, 2010, 11:12:33 PM

Dan - I have an 81 EVTM and a full set of 80 manuals, so I'm good there.

softtouch - I was thinking that myself. No cornering lamps and all bulbs are correct and the same brightness.

Jerry- I can probably pull the one from the '83 to test.

Turn signal issue

Reply #11 – March 08, 2010, 11:37:59 PM

My son had the problem with an old car he had. replaced every bulb, and socket. I walked by and said to swap the 4 way with the directional flasher to test see if it worked that way. guess what.... it was the flasher. boy was he pissed at me for not saying something a week ago, and many $s ago.

My 78 Monarch would do the same every springtime. always had a spare in the glove box
Sorry, felt like telling a story. lol

Turn signal issue

Reply #12 – March 09, 2010, 06:05:53 AM

check the position of the bulb in the socket, high and low tit in the correct slot.

like in the 83-88 tail lamp sockets, these sockets get soft and it allows you to install a double filliment bulb bassakwards. putting one in backwards will effect many other parallel bulbs downstream.

i dont have any 80 evtm resources though.

Turn signal issue

Reply #13 – March 12, 2010, 05:01:05 PM

I think it might be the problem with resistence wires. If your car have them, control them if they aren't cut out.