The turn signals stopped working

[Stallion]

I was out cruising. Then I noticed that the turn signals just stopped working!! They weren't working on the lights, and I didn't see the little lit picture in front of me. So I pulled over, looked at the wires under me, made sure the fuse connections were fine.

And then the turn signals started working! And for the rest of the night, they were fine. My question is, what could possibly this have been? What was going on?

And another thing. When they started working again, the blinking didn't seem to be steady. For instance, it would be quick blinking for a couple of seconds, and then slow.

Any ideas?? :confused

Thanks.

TR

 

[matchframe]

Flasher may be going bad.

You may need to replace the flasher. On your fusebox, there is a round silver thing that plugs straight in, that is the flasher. You should be able to get one at a parts store, not necessarily a dealer. Been a while since I have bought one, but if I remember right, they don't cost too much.

Bill

 

[ChuckG]

Check the connector under the dash where the steering column wires plug into the main under-dash wiring harness. If it's loose or corroded, it will cause wierd problems....no turn signals, both/left/right, no 4 was flashers, and even no brake lights. Chuck

 

[Stallion]

You may need to replace the flasher. On your fusebox, there is a round silver thing that plugs straight in, that is the flasher.

I'll try to look for it. It connects right into the fuse box? I'll have a look at my wiring diagrams and the fuse box layout and then I"ll get under there. What would be involved though? Would I need to clip the current connector and then just replace it? Or what do you mean?

Check the connector under the dash where the steering column wires plug into the main under-dash wiring harness.

Do you mean where it is snaked up from the fuse box? Would I need to dis-assemble part of the dash to get at this? Hopefully it's just the flasher, as said above.

Thanks, guys.

TR

 

[JonM]

In this pic the flasher is the round Tridon 552 Dot...yours may be a different number but looks the same. They are only about 3 or 4 bucks.

 

[Stallion]

Hmmm...is that the fuse box in that picture? That's right above the clutch pedal, right? It should be readily available to just see I think. I'll take a look out for that.

So you think that's all it is probably? It just...burned out?

 

[JonM]

So you think that's all it is probably? It just...burned out?

It could be the flasher...it also could be a corroded ground someplace...barely making a connection.

 

[Stallion]

This is right above the clutch/brake compartment, right? I'll go take a look now. Thanks!

 

[Rip]

Hmmmm......maybe I'm not remembering correctly, but I think the flasher in the pic on the fuse block is the hazzard flasher. The directional signal flasher is mounted on a clip under the passenger side dash behind the map pocket. If I'm thinking right it should be real easy to find.

Have a look at this diagram.......it will show both flashers.
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/tunedport78/electricaltroubleshootingmanual/index12.shtml

 

[Stallion]

So say it is behind the passenger's side dash, that wouldn't be hard to get at? :confused I'm really scared about messing with the dash. I've heard some bad and tragic stories about messing with the dash. What do you think?

I couldn't really make out of that diagram, but down below it says "Directional Signal Flasher...Figure C...behind map pockect". But the funny thing is, '78 was the first year they took out the map pocket. It's a storing compartment now, wilth a holder for 8-tracks. :confused

Any ideas?

TR

 

[Rip]

It's not behind the dash......there's nothing to remove to get to it. You can probably feel it by just reaching just under the lower lip of the dash. Just get under there with a flashlight and look for a flasher that looks like the one on the fuse block......there should be a two wire plug going to it.

On my 74 I can reach under the dash right next to the AC vent and feel it.

 

[Stallion]

Okay, I'll try to get at it and get back with results. Given enough room, I'll take pictures to just make sure this is what I need.

 

[Robin7TFour]

hello all, the turn signal relay is,indeed, on the passengers side on a clip. 4-way is near the fuse panel .
the dash isn't that scarey to remove. i have mine out right now. took only about 45-60 minutes to take both sides out. a bit longer for the center section. make sure to keep the screws organized. they can get confusing sometimes as which goes where.....

good luck

robin

 

[Stallion]

I see where it is in a diagram. It should be close to the radio. Right under the lip of the dash, I think.

 

[Rip]

Can't say for sure on your 78......but on the74 it's much closer to the door than the radio.... real close to the AC vent.

 

[Stallion]

It might be closer to the door. It was a drawn diagram I saw. But it's right under there, so I'm good I think.