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Old January 9th, 2017, 06:52 PM
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AZKen AZKen is offline
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Default Re: trouble shooting turn signal switch

The first place to always look is ground.

REAR: Since the turn signal filament is the same as the brake, the rear sockets must be getting good ground. If brake works, then socket it grounded and bulb is good.

FRONT: Since you say right brake light is bright. It could be the front right bulb or the front right bulb socket ground. Switch that bulb with a known good bulb and test the bulb socket for good ground to chassis. While the weak front bulb is flashing, create a temp ground from bulb socket to nearby clean chassis metal. That may brighten the weak flashing bulb(s). WARNING: This can fool you if you do not find a good test ground spot.

No luck with above? Then:
This could be a CONNECTOR. First check all connectors that would be before the front and rear lights. This would be any column connector and the main firewall connector. These connectors have individual contacts. Either blade or round. The connector contacts that are for right turn lights must be intermittent or corroded or broken inside or crimped wire is almost off. To trouble shoot, bypass the connectors at these points. Temporary jumper wire or long temporary replacement wires. You can also tap in at various points with ice pick probe light to detect where weakness starts. Make sure you probe the left first so that you know what your test bulb should look like on a good circuit. You will, of course, need to have key on and turn signal switch clicked to left and right. Your probe light bulb will flash with the front and rear bulbs. An intermittent connection could cause heat. But smoking? Are you sure? From where exactly? Also check flasher unit, try other bulbs, check fuses and wiring AGAIN! Let us know what you discover. It will be a series of clues and a bulb will go off in your head.

Last edited by AZKen; January 10th, 2017 at 01:54 AM.
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