Turn Signal Problem

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ZRexRider - 09 Apr 2005 14:36 GMT

Symptoms:

Left turn signals do not flash when I use the turn signal switch.
When I use 4-way flashers - both left and right sides all flash nicely.
Visual inspection - when left turn signal on - all bulbs are lit but
not flashing.
Right turn signals flash

According to the Haynes manual - this behaviour indicates a bad bulb
and however they are all clearly working and the 4-way flasher doesn't
seem to be confused.

All other lights have been checked - tail lights, brake lights, head
lights, parking lights, backup lights, instrument lights. They all
work - just he left side won't blink.

Since there is only one turn signal flasher unit - I guess it couldn't
be half-broke.

Any ideas?

Thanks

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Phil Randolph - 09 Apr 2005 15:10 GMT

Do the left side lights come on to their full brightness? Marker and
brake light bulbs have 2 filaments, one may be blown.

> Symptoms:
>
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>
> Thanks

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JazzMan - 09 Apr 2005 15:28 GMT

> Symptoms:
>
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>
> Any ideas?

The turn signals flash by running the bulb current through
a heater element bonded to a bimetal strip inside the flasher
can. The current heats the element, that heat warps the bimetal
strip, which in turn breaks the electrical connection. The
element cools, the strip warps back and makes connection again.
If there is a bad bulb or ground enough to raise the resistance
in the circuit or open the circuit the flasher cannot flash.
The hazard flasher operates the two signal circuits (lef and right)
in parallel so that even if one side is not working properly it
will still flash.

You've got a bad bulb or socket on the side that won't flash.

JazzMan

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ZRexRider - 09 Apr 2005 17:02 GMT

Thanks JazzMan

That was good information. When I was running the 4ways I didn't
notice that the left rear turnsignal is actually two components and the
outside (most left) bulb was not flashing. I took it out - filament
looks good but I swapped bulbs around and it's dead for sure.

Whew! Glad I didn't have to spend this beautiful day testing light
sockets!

Thanks All!

> > Symptoms:
> >
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> live under the laws of justice and mercy." - Wendell Berry
> **********************************************************

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R W Hughes - 09 Apr 2005 15:53 GMT

> Left turn signals do not flash when I use the turn signal switch.
> When I use 4-way flashers - both left and right sides all flash nicely.
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Since there is only one turn signal flasher unit - I guess it couldn't
> be half-broke.

Just to chime in on this, there are two flashers - one for turn and one
for emergency. Your present turn signal flasher may be bad, replace it
with a "heavy duty" flasher. These flashers don't care how big or small
the load is so they will make whatever is there blink.

Signature

Robert W. Hughes (Bob)
BackYard Engineering
29:40.237N, 95:28.726W or perhaps 30:55.265N, 95:20.590W
Houston, Texas "The city with too much Oxygen"
rwhughe@oplink.net

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ZRexRider - 09 Apr 2005 17:43 GMT

That sounds like a good idea. It seemed kinda silly that one of 4
bulbs on the left side goes dead and knocks down the whole side.

I'll look for one.

On the bright side - I sure like the Fiero's tail light assembly. It
couldn't have been easier. I have other cars (newer) that require a
PHD to pull a light.

Have a great weekend all!

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