Need help with electrical oddity

[Christian]

This is about a 1971 LS5.

The problem only occures when the headlights are turned on. As I drive, the right turn signal indicator turns on and off in a erratic manner. When it is off, all lights work as they are supposed to work. However, when the right turn signal indicator(on the dash)is on, the right turn signals (front and rear) don't work at all.

Does anyone have a clue of where I should start looking?
Any help would be appreciated.

Christian

 

[Mac]

The trick of troubleshooting electrical problems is working one step at a time.

Start with the bulbs for the signal lights- here's why....

I had a problem similar to yours and it turned out to be a single turn signal bulb which was shorted out inside so it was creating a feedback condition, sending 12 v through the ground side of the circuit. Whenever I put the turn signal on, it would make the dashlights flash (on the same circuit & ground) among other things. I did my troubleshooting backwards (started under the dash) and nearly drove myself insane.

If your bulbs all check out okay, then look at the grounds to ensure they're all up to standard. Vettes are notorious for ground problems; fibreglass doesn't conduct like a metal body.

If the grounds are good, then start tracing the wires back to see if there's any pinches, split insulation or frays. If you're good back to the firewall, then I'd head toward the switching mechanism in the steering column.

Good luck!!

 

[Christian]

I thought of the ground problem but I did not know where to start with. So, on your advice, I'll start with the bulbs and let you know. Hopefully it will stop there. Thanks!

 

[ChuckG]

Agree with Mac 100%. One other spot to check early on in your troubleshooting would be the turn signal harness coming out of the steering column, and maybe the turn signal mechanism within the column.

Check the big 4 inch connector under the dash where it connects to the column harness. Virtually all of my turn signal/dash "cherry" gremlins have originated there. Chuck

 

[elseyj]

I had the same problem in an 81 Chevy truck - turned out to be a corroded turn signal lamp socket.