Turn Signal ?

[Dutch]

My right turn signal is giving fits and I'm looking for a direction. If no other electrical (A/C particularly) are on then it will operate pretty normally. If the main lights are on then the turn signal shines bright (constant on but not blinking). If A/C on then I get nothing at all. At idle the signal is intermittent but noticeably slower than when the motor is revved up. The left signal is fine under all conditions. I suspect a bad ground or possibly whatever the signal stalk is connected to inside the steering column is wearing out. Where would I look for a corroded ground specific to the right turn signal? If it's inside the column how much of a PITA to replace/repair? I need to take care of this soon because I think it's an invitation to get pulled over.

Thanks
Dutch

[Dive 30]

Do you have any other symptoms? Head lights dim/bright AC/Heat fans speed-up/slow down as you increase or decrease RPM? The turn signal flasher actually works by voltage heating up a plate that expands and kicks off the switch, then it cools causing it to snap back. Thus, a low or high voltage or a low or high resistance problem will cause the flasher to speed up or slow down. Both signals use the same flasher. Sounds like you are picking up resistance specific to one side. I shy away from a ground problem because each of the six lamps (three left, three right)in the system have individual grounds. Also, the rear lamps have separate power feeds from the front four. Have you tried the hazards? The hazards use a different flasher, but the same output wires as the turn signals. If the hazards worked fine, that would move your problem from the lamps themselves to the multi-function switch or before. The multi-function switch is accessed through the steering wheel, haynes manual has a good write-up. You will need a steering wheel puller and a lock plate removal tool (both available from auto store or Sears). Switch should be available from auto parts store (they keep the cams, lock cylinders and ignition switches in stock, they should have the turn switch.) There is a wiring harnes disconnect for the turn signals on the passenger side of the steering wheel, you will have to remove it from its holder to access/troubleshoot those wires which means dropping the driver's side AC section (watch out for the light and the AC temp switch wiring). From there you can check continuity through the steering wheel switch (use the good side to see if it differs from the bad side) as well as checking voltage out to the lamps. E-mail me if you need me to scan in the wiring diagram and e-mail it to you. Hope that helps.

edit: try it without the motor running. your park lights use the same grounds as the turn signals, you could use that to eliminate a ground problem also.

[ September 18, 2001: Message edited by: Dive 30 ]

[Ralph]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and suggest that it might be a wiring problem.

Either that or electrical.