Topic: Turn Signals Malfunctioning
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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OK, so I started removing the bulbs one at a time.
Started on the front left with the left turn signals on.
I worked my way towards the back.
Of course, the last bulb that I removed, the left tail light, was the one that made the problem of cross powering the right side go away.
The socket felt loose, compared to the left front and left side. And the bulb was difficult to remove.
But looking at the socket, I don't see anything unusual.
So how can I tell if it is the socket or the wiring somewhere along the circuit?
Another thing that I observed when I put the bulbs back in was that only the left front blinked with the rear tail light removed. No side flashing.
Is that normal?
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Another observation that may or may not be related to the power cross over.
When I removed the right tail light holder from the housing, with the bulb on, the bulb flickered off and on. It might be a loose connection between the bulb and the socket, or it might be the wires. I couldn't tell.
I put the right tail light bulb back in, so now I have one brake light and front turn signals.
On a somewhat related matter, while I was under the rear bumper messing with the tail lights, I noticed there in a mini light UNDER the license plate. It was not working and the bulb and socket contacts were corroded.
I put a new bulb in, but when is that supposed to come on? What what is it for?
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Yep..spare tire lamp. What'll they think of next, eh? 
Not sure when it should be on...perhaps with the door open?
There is one on my '85, too...I've never even looked to see when it comes on. Now I have to know...
The front turn sig flashes with the rear bulb out???? That's not normal. Usually, if there is a bulb burned out, the light will light up, but it won't flash. The flasher needs a certain amount of heat build up in it to open the circuit, and make the lamps flash. If on of the bulbs is out, the circuit doesn't have as much of an amperage draw, and the flasher won't get hot enough to flash.
Have you tried a NEW bulb in the left rear yet?
Not sure when it should be on...perhaps with the door open?
There is one on my '85, too...I've never even looked to see when it comes on. Now I have to know...
The front turn sig flashes with the rear bulb out???? That's not normal. Usually, if there is a bulb burned out, the light will light up, but it won't flash. The flasher needs a certain amount of heat build up in it to open the circuit, and make the lamps flash. If on of the bulbs is out, the circuit doesn't have as much of an amperage draw, and the flasher won't get hot enough to flash.
Have you tried a NEW bulb in the left rear yet?
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I put all new bulbs in. No change.
I am 99% sure it is in the tail light circuit and most likely the left side.
That is the side that will cause the cluster lights and buzzer to go on when the bulb is in.
Looks like I will be going to Hot Springs with one tail light and no rear signals.
Could be worse.
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I guess I better keep my eyes open following you. Maybe someone else has cruise control.
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
Sometimes the simpliest solutions are right in front of you.
I gave up trying to find the short and took it to a shop that I trust completely.
He solved the mystry in 60 seconds.
Are you ready for this?
I don't know how I did this, but I had single-element bulbs in the rear tail light sockets when they must be double-element.
So the mechanic put the correct bulbs in and the problem went away.
Both Joel and Ken were pointing me in the right location, they just under estimated how ignorant I could be.
Of course now it all makes sense.
Another lesson learned.
For all you guys that were behind me in Hot Springs, SORRY!
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]I've seen some bulbs that would go in either way due to the bulb socket being messed up, or worn, or even one of the pins on the bulb is damaged. If you do this, then the bulb itself will create a "short" in the circuit, basically back-feeding the circuit...it's a long shot, but it can, and has happened.[/QUOTE]
Thus the backfeed back to the dash lights...
I wonder how you got the bulbs in the socket? The little pins on the sides of the bulbs should keep that from happening, as they are staggered on twin element bulbs, but straight across on singles.
Oh well...glad you got some lights now!
Adams' Apple 2008-05-21 10:24:34
Thus the backfeed back to the dash lights...
I wonder how you got the bulbs in the socket? The little pins on the sides of the bulbs should keep that from happening, as they are staggered on twin element bulbs, but straight across on singles.
Oh well...glad you got some lights now!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Glad you're lamps are in working order now, before the next trip.
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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