turn signals ?? wierd

[onephat66]

This issue was happening to us, brake lights worked. turn on the left turn signal and the left light would go out on the front running light and the rear brake light. The dash turn signal light would stay on to indicate the light wasn't flashing. Everything was connected. Did a ground test on the front turn signal light for "chit's and giggles" and found out that was what was causing the problem. It was actually the front housing, not the socket that wasn't grounding. Sorry for the misinformation on my first response. Anywho, we had to reground the front turn signal housing to the bumper with a thin wahser between the housing and the bumper and it worked fine after that.

EXACTLY what I was getting at. I know switches can be bought new and be faulty out of the box, bought many of them, I just was trying to point out the importance of checking grounds, which many have dismissed, plus I've experienced this issue before and it wasn't the switch. Just sayin'......

 

[moparmarks]

I don't disagree with you on checking the grounds. Yes he should check the grounds. I just don't think that is the problem but I have been wrong before. Hell been through 3 wives so I been wrong before.

 

[onephat66]

Well 65-440, let's just say this, a few of us have experienced these issues before, the suggestions you've been given are all valid and between what you see before you from our ideas I'm pretty sure we've answered your question. At this point you just need to start with one and move on to the next until you've figured it out. Let me ask one question while I'm thinking about it, when you replaced the wiring harness in the column, did it come with the plug on the end or did you have to put each wire into the plug? You may have a couple wires switched going into the plug as well. On the '66s you don't get the plug with the harness (at least not 15 years ago when I did mine), so you have to plug each wire into the actual plug, and get 2 wires switched it'll cause a "head scratcher".

 

[65-440]

WOW ! I post a topic and disappear over thanksgiving weekend and you guys give me a bunch to read !! ok, first off thanks for the responses ... now, yes I have a wire diagram, used it quite a bit so far. The steering column was on a bench when I swapped out the switch/harness ... took a picture of the connector and drew a picture with wire colors and pin locations just to be sure so I am 100% that the connector wires are good. However I will double check the pin connections .. I did not replace the flashers, I just assumed since both turn signals and hazards worked that the flashers were good. As far as grounds go, if all exterior lamps are working wouldn't that eliminate any ground issue concerning turn signal/brake lamp issues ? The fact that the left brake lamp goes out with the right turn signal on is weird, doesn't the brake lamp circuit go through the turn signal switch ? I really hope I don't have to replace that $120 switch again !

 

[A383Wing]

yes, brake light circuit goes through the turn switch......if the left brake light goes out when the right turn signal is on, then sounds like you need a new turn signal switch

 

[moparmarks]

You can use a test lamp or volt meter and check the wiring at the connector to see if it is the switch.

 

[65-440]

yes, brake light circuit goes through the turn switch......if the left brake light goes out when the right turn signal is on, then sounds like you need a new turn signal switch

tail lamp stay light but not the 2nd filament for the brake lamp

 

[A383Wing]

tail lamp stay light but not the 2nd filament for the brake lamp

time for a new switch then....tail lights and brake lights are 2 different circuits...the tail lights do not go through the turn switch like the brake lights do

 

[moparmarks]

Also make sure that the bulb is seated into the socket correctly. These old sockets can get loose and corroded allowing the bulb to move.

 

[65-440]

Finally got around to messing with the turn signal issue. Looks like I'll be replacing the turn signal switch, crap ! With the right turn signal on and brake pedal pressed the left brake lamp doesn't work, if I lightly pull down on the turn signal stalk the left brake lamp comes on.

 

[threewood]

I had the same issue. My old switch was still good, only sloppy returning to neutral. Everything worked fine. Swapped in "made in the usa" touted switch that cost over $80 and had same issues. Wiring was correct to the connectors. Swapped back to old switch, no issues. Tossed that new garbage switch in my parts box.

 

[bigmanjbmopar]

I lightly sanded the contacts points and lubed all spots and mine works like a charm, I have also found the flasher relay screws things up too.

 

[65-440]

I lightly sanded the contacts pints and lubed all spots and mine works like a charm, I have also found the flasher relay screws things up too.

i'll give that a shot, its better than replacing the stupid thing again. I replaced it when the column was out of the car, wasn't terrible ... not sure about doing in the car though ! I called classic ind up, hopefully they will do the right thing and replace the part ....

- - - Updated - - -

I had the same issue. My old switch was still good, only sloppy returning to neutral. Everything worked fine. Swapped in "made in the usa" touted switch that cost over $80 and had same issues. Wiring was correct to the connectors. Swapped back to old switch, no issues. Tossed that new garbage switch in my parts box.

Mine cost me $114 through classic ind, I thought I would be getting a decent part that's why I bit the bullet and ordered it .... boy was I wrong !

 

[miller]

Some electrical parts are either good, or bad, and can't do anything about it. But, something like that turn signal switch...might be worth the time to look it over real good. Most of the time, it can be something real simple, that is causing a problem. At least, I damn sure would.

 

[72RoadrunnerGTX]

This issue was happening to us, brake lights worked. turn on the left turn signal and the left light would go out on the front running light and the rear brake light. The dash turn signal light would stay on to indicate the light wasn't flashing. Everything was connected. Did a ground test on the front turn signal light for "chit's and giggles" and found out that was what was causing the problem. It was actually the front housing, not the socket that wasn't grounding. Sorry for the misinformation on my first response. Anywho, we had to reground the front turn signal housing to the bumper with a thin wahser between the housing and the bumper and it worked fine after that.

Read the specific symptoms as described by the OP, can only be a problem within the turn signal switch. The brake/turn signal filament in the left rear housing IS working correctly in two of the three turn signal positions. A problem with a ground, flasher, wiring at any point in the lighting system can not explain these symptoms.

 

[65-440]

well. after 2 months of no good replacement from classic industries I decided to tear the 1st switch apart. removed the cam from the switch plate and found two of the fixed metal pins attached to the back side of the cam bent at a 45 degree angle instead of being straight. straightened the pins and tested before assembling in the car, BAM what do ya know everything is working as it should ! Some quality control on that one .....

 

[miller]

Ya call that re-manufactured manufactured!!