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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Electrical => Topic started by: MichaelSnapper on August 05, 2016, 11:44:28 AM

Title: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: MichaelSnapper on August 05, 2016, 11:44:28 AM
Hello, I have an 86' C10 Silverado Edition. When I put the key in & turn to the on position, the turn signal fuse blows. Flashers okay. Any help, suggestions, diagrams would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: boulky12 on August 05, 2016, 01:57:12 PM
I might not be of much help, buut try looking at the actual wires for the turn signal lights.

Could be something as simple as a broken or exposed wire grounding out on metal.
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: MichaelSnapper on August 05, 2016, 02:00:37 PM
Hello, Thx. I did do a quick ck, nothing.
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 08, 2016, 12:46:17 PM
Not sure on an 86, but mine were not working at all either. I had bad bulbs AND a bad printed circut board.
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: MichaelSnapper on August 08, 2016, 01:33:54 PM
Hello, thx for your reply. Flashers are working, so bulbs ok. Board should be, will ck. Ty
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 08, 2016, 10:48:44 PM
Sounds like the switch in the column then. But i'm not an expert like some are on this site. Just sayin.
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: MichaelSnapper on August 08, 2016, 10:55:40 PM
I hoped to stay away from the column. Never took one apart. Another learning experience. Any advice? Thx.
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: bd on August 09, 2016, 12:08:32 AM
Does the turn fuse blow consistently as soon as the ignition is switched on?
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: MichaelSnapper on August 09, 2016, 02:12:35 AM
Yes, everytime.
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: bd on August 09, 2016, 09:58:09 AM
Unplug the turn flasher and switch the ignition on.  Does it still blow the fuse?

No - There is a shorted (blue) wire between the turn flasher and the turn switch.

Yes - Leave the flasher unplugged and unplug the harness from the backup light switch at the base of the steering column inside the cab.  Switch the ignition on.  Does the fuse still blow?

No - The backup light switch is shorted.

Yes - There is a shorted (blue) wire between the TURN-B/U fuse and the backup light switch.
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: MichaelSnapper on August 09, 2016, 01:31:13 PM
Did all you said. Unplugged harness, pull flasher unit, fuse still blows when I turn the ignition on.
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: bd on August 09, 2016, 02:19:17 PM
Did all you said. Unplugged harness, pull flasher unit, fuse still blows when I turn the ignition on.
...There is a shorted (blue) wire between the TURN-B/U fuse and the backup light switch.

This can be anywhere in the blue wire running between the TURN-B/U fuse and the backup light switch, or the short blue jumper connecting the fuse to the flasher socket - including behind the fuse box.
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: MichaelSnapper on August 09, 2016, 04:06:42 PM
Ok, if I understand. I have an issue between the fuse box & the harness, not in the column. I only have a test light no meter. Plz explain for my limited knowledge. Thank you.
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: bd on August 09, 2016, 04:41:42 PM
The problem is in the few feet of blue wire between the fuse box and the backup light switch.  OR, wires are shorted (pinched) behind the fuse box, between the fuse box and the bulkhead connector.

Removing the turn flasher isolated the fuse from the steering column wiring, so the short is not in the column.  Unplugging the backup light switch isolated the fuse form the backup wiring, so the short is not in the backup wiring outside of the cab.

You won't need a meter or test light.  Finding the short is a matter of following the wires and looking for physical damage or compromised insulation.

A tool that may assist you, however, is a 10-amp auto reset circuit breaker with a couple of test leads attached that you can substitute for the fuse while troubleshooting.
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: MichaelSnapper on August 14, 2016, 12:35:39 PM
Hello, haven't gotten to yet. I needed to say Thank you for your time & help! Will let you know my progress. Thx again, ttys!
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: MichaelSnapper on August 14, 2016, 12:56:07 PM
Oh, one thing. Never taken out a fuse box before any suggestions, tips, how many bolts, screws, clips, diagrams, etc? Thank you!
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: bd on August 14, 2016, 02:07:57 PM
Two ~2 1/2" long screws located diagonally (catty-corner) across the fuse box retain the fuse box and firewall bulkhead connector to the firewall.  The screws have 5.5 mm hexagonal heads, but a 7/32" hex head socket/nut driver will work.  Once the two screws are removed, there are two plastic clips (directly below the screws) that must be pried outward, gently and simultaneously, to release the fuse box from the bulkhead connector.  The fuse box can then be separated and rotated aside for inspection.  The bulkhead connector will remain loose in the firewall, held in place by the engine compartment harness.

Once you have determined the cause of the short, to gain better access to the fuse box wiring for repair, disconnect the battery ground cable then separate the engine compartment harness from the bulkhead connector using a 10 mm socket on the single bolt protruding from the center of the bulkhead connector on the engine compartment side.  Unscrewing the bolt will force the harness and connector apart.  The inside cab harness can then be pulled away from the firewall and down toward the floorboard.

When reassembling, take extra care to ensure that no wires become pinched.  Don't reconnect the battery ground cable until all harnesses are reconnected and properly anchored.
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: MichaelSnapper on December 07, 2016, 03:00:21 PM
Hello, plz excuse the delay in replying. Had a few back procedures, so was unable to get to repair. After doing everything you asked, would you be shocked to know the blue wire got stuck somehow between e-brake & shorted out. didn't see till very end. Oh well, fixed is the end result, so happy. Thank you again for all your time in regards to this matter. Sincerely, MichaelSnapper
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: bd on December 07, 2016, 04:05:25 PM
Hope the back procedures have you feeling better.

Well!  That's not the first time that under dash wiring has become entangled in the e-brake pedal assembly.  Think of how much more you know about the wiring now than when you began....   :P   Glad you got it sorted out.   :)
Title: Re: Turn Signals Stopped Working!
Post by: MichaelSnapper on December 07, 2016, 07:08:09 PM
Thank you for your well wishes!
Leaned a lot!
Thx again!