Hello All,
I'm having an intermittent problem with my right turn signal. Sometimes it
flashes fine, sometimes it flashes fast but only the rear light works.
Usually, if I hold the signal switch like I'm simply passing someone it
works fine but if I flick it all the way up it may flash fast with only the
rear light working or it may work just fine.
I'm not sure if this is simply a light bulb going bad or if there's a short
in my signal switch. Any thoughts on this one? I'm simply trying to get an
idea of what the problem could be before I take it to the shop.
Thanks!
Troy
Clark - 20 Nov 2004 23:42 GMT
Light bulbs are cheap and fairly easy to replace. I would certainly try
that before I took it to the shop. Sounds like it may be a light bulb or a
bad connection. Maybe reseating the bulb would help. Do you have any other
lights that blink with the signal?
Clark
> Hello All,
>
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> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.797 / Virus Database: 541 - Release Date: 11/16/2004
T.D. Hilton - 21 Nov 2004 01:10 GMT
Nope, just the signals, well and the dash indicators. They are fine. My
concern is that it's a short in the turn signal lever which is a money job
to fix. Not what I can afford right now.
Troy
> Light bulbs are cheap and fairly easy to replace. I would certainly try
> that before I took it to the shop. Sounds like it may be a light bulb or a
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
> > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> > Version: 6.0.797 / Virus Database: 541 - Release Date: 11/16/2004
Clark - 21 Nov 2004 02:38 GMT
It looks to me like the right rear signal is on one contact and the front
signal and turn indicator light are on the other.
Does the inside turn indicator act like the front turn signal? What happens
with the Hazard flashers, do they all flash? Does it make a difference
whether the lights are on or off?
You may just have a corroded or dirty connection or the bulb isn't seated
well. The bulb may have a broken filament that is making partial contact.
I remember once I had dim headlights, and of course it was because the
ground wire had worked loose from the connection.
Clark
> Nope, just the signals, well and the dash indicators. They are fine. My
> concern is that it's a short in the turn signal lever which is a money job
[quoted text clipped - 40 lines]
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.797 / Virus Database: 541 - Release Date: 11/16/2004
T.D. Hilton - 21 Nov 2004 03:18 GMT
Yes, the indicator light works like the front turn signal. The 4-way
flashers work just fine. It only seems to be an issue with the right, front
turn signal. Doesn't matter if the headlights are on or off. And there seems
to be no pattern to whether they work or not.
I'm going to check the front turn signal tomorrow and see if that resolves
the problem.
Troy
> It looks to me like the right rear signal is on one contact and the front
> signal and turn indicator light are on the other.
[quoted text clipped - 55 lines]
> > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> > Version: 6.0.797 / Virus Database: 541 - Release Date: 11/16/2004
Clark - 21 Nov 2004 08:18 GMT
Well, it looks to me that your answers, according to the schematic, would
lead to a bad switch. I say that because both the lights on the one contact
are acting up. The Hazard flashers bypass that contact and seem to be
working alright. I don't know if spraying contact cleaner would help.
Hopefully you will find something else when you check the light.
Clark
> Yes, the indicator light works like the front turn signal. The 4-way
> flashers work just fine. It only seems to be an issue with the right,
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> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.797 / Virus Database: 541 - Release Date: 11/16/2004
ajeeperman - 21 Nov 2004 02:20 GMT
it is probably a bad switch because the light often works and they do not
get intermittant, just quit.
Also you said holding the switch on helps, indicating a bad contact.
old john
> Hello All,
>
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.797 / Virus Database: 541 - Release Date: 11/16/2004
T.D. Hilton - 21 Nov 2004 20:27 GMT
OK, next question: is this something I can do myself or should I trust it to
the dealer?
Troy
> it is probably a bad switch because the light often works and they do not
> get intermittant, just quit.
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
> > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> > Version: 6.0.797 / Virus Database: 541 - Release Date: 11/16/2004
Clark - 22 Nov 2004 16:55 GMT
There is no way we can answer that question since we don't know you. If you
are a fairly good shadetree mechanic, you should be able to do it. It
requires basically dismantling the steering column.
I changed one in an older truck so I suppose if you have the tools and the
time you could do it. Get a service manual ($15) and check out what you
would need to do.
Clark
> OK, next question: is this something I can do myself or should I trust it
> to
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> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.797 / Virus Database: 541 - Release Date: 11/17/2004
T.D. Hilton - 22 Nov 2004 23:41 GMT
Aw, c'mon. I thought everybody knew me! ;o) Just kiddin of course.
My shade tree mechanic days only seem to involve lawn mowers these days but
I can turn a wrench when needed. I'm just wondering if it's worth my time to
do it myself or just go ahead and pay someone to do it.
Thanks for the advice though.
Troy
> There is no way we can answer that question since we don't know you. If you
> are a fairly good shadetree mechanic, you should be able to do it. It
[quoted text clipped - 47 lines]
> > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> > Version: 6.0.797 / Virus Database: 541 - Release Date: 11/17/2004
T.D. Hilton - 27 Nov 2004 20:42 GMT
Just an update:
I replaced the multi-switch (turn signal switch) yesterday. It took my
father-in-law and I about 45 minutes to do. Tools required: a Philips
screwdriver and a driver with a "star" bit. Sorry, but I don't know exactly
what the bit type is called.
Anyway, I removed the 3 screws from the bottom of the steering column to
loosen the plastic covering. We also had to remove the ignition switch in
order to remove the top cover.
The star bit was used to remove the two screws that attached the
multi-switch to the steering column. It took a bit of doing to get the
wiring clips removed as it took two people to remove it: one to lift the
lock clips and one to actually pull the wiring out.
Also, in terms of putting the plastic covers back on I found that you have
to install the screws on the right side if the column first in order for
everything to line up properly.
That's it. Everything's working just fine. Thanks for all the advice!
Troy
> Hello All,
>
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.797 / Virus Database: 541 - Release Date: 11/16/2004
GW Bush - 28 Nov 2004 05:41 GMT
> Just an update:
>
> I replaced the multi-switch (turn signal switch) yesterday. It took my
> father-in-law and I about 45 minutes to do. Tools required: a Philips
> screwdriver and a driver with a "star" bit. Sorry, but I don't know exactly
> what the bit type is called.
"Torx" is the correct name that you are looking for.