Need Help - Blinker Problem ( Daily Driver )

[69ShortStep]

Hey Guys,

Starting looking into a this problem last night. All blinkers work except for the the right rear blinker and brake light. The running light works for the right rear but nothing else. The front right blinker works and the right indicator light on the dash works but not for the right rear.

Using a multimeter, when I put the right blinker on, there is no power at the right rear light. I switched tail lamp assemblies and the right lamp works. I unplugged the rear harness and tested the plug at the end of the chassis and found no power. Went to the firewall and uplugged the rear harness and found no power. Got under the dash and cleaned the U connector but still have no power when using the right blinker. At that point I ran out of time.

When I turn on the flashers or left blinker there is power to half of the connectors ( red below) at the firewall and rear harness at the rear of the chassis.

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Not sure where to go from here. Was thinking about pulling the wheel and checking the turn signal switch. Any help would be appreciated as I want to get this fixed quickly.

[tim21391]

my guess would be a ground problem... thats what im guessing but i may be wrong

[jhow66]

Turn signal switch worn out.

[ChevLoRay]

Before you jump into the turn signal switch, you should remove the complete taillight ass'y and clean every possible point of contact. This will ensure the complete circuitry to ground. Take a test light and check for the 12V needed at the connector. Lisle sells a brush that you use to clean the sockets of the light assy's., with the power off. If you have power to the tail light at the last connector, then it's either the wiring from that point, or the ground, that is bad. When you have exhausted all of the possibles, then you should look at replacing the turn signal switch.

It very well may be the TS switch, but having had a stroke that was first diagnosed as hydrocephalus, then being told by my PA brother-in-law, "When you hear hoofbeats, don't go looking for a Zebra"....well, let's just say that it is our nature to think that a problem may be caused by the most inaccessible part that we can think of. TS switches aren't inaccessible, but it could be a zebra, in this situation. It may be more work to check out all the other possibilities, but you'll have the piece of mind that you need to make other decisions as you resolve your problem.

[kcjones]

ChevLoRay's got it - it's usually the simple stuff...wiring is inherently simple, too: 12v in, 12v to ground, something powered in between.

But you're saying when the turn signal is on (to the right), your front signal flashes, and the rear doesn't? And you don't have power in the harness connector that goes out back? Check the left (which works front and back, right?) so you understand which wire should be getting the intermittent power, and which doesn't/don't.

[Longhorn321]

I could be wrong but wouldnt the RF be inop too if it were the switch? And as far as a ground problem goes, he said he had no power....As important as ground is, it's not going to matter if there is no power.

[Longhorn Man]

longhorn321 is right... on one of those.
If the test light is grounded, then it'll read power regardless if the lamp assembly is grounded or not. He has power to light the tail light. That means there is a ground. There is a very very slight chance that the ground could be 'not grounded enough'... but then it'd be dooing stupid things like... the parking light going out when the turn signal should be coming on.
However, his other comment... phrased as a question, is not true. The front and rear are seperate parts of the turn signal switch. Otherwise, the brake lights would work up front too.
You can keep working your way up with the test light, from the firewall to the turn signal switch... but you have a 99% chance of replacing the switch anyways.
I would stop testing with the test light... check the connections at the U connector, and if nothing lights up, go buy a switch.

[69ShortStep]

Thanks to Everyone for the replies.

I have checked and cleaned the U connector without any success so it looks like I will be shopping for a new turn signal switch. Have seen a few online but not locally.

[Longhorn321]

=Longhorn Man; The front and rear are seperate parts of the turn signal switch. .

Yeah, I didn't know because I really havn't researched the subject. Good to know.

[Longhorn Man]

it's all good man.

[GKsport67]

where is the turn signal switch?

[PanelDeland]

The turn signal switch is in the column under the wheel.It's also under the horn.The wiring runs down the column.

[GKsport67]

ok,thanks! i have he same problem. they show red @ night but dont blink!

[Longhorn Man]

You checked the flasher in the fuse block?
Do they light up bright, just no flash?

[scott's69]

I know things are simple with these trucks but, I had a similar issue. I tried to track down the ground issue. Replaced harnesses and rewired stuff. The actual issue was a bad bulb. Replacing bulbs are a lot cheaper than other solutions. Try it,...cant hurt. Good luck.

[Gary 70 Jimmy]

Maybe the light bulb burned out.
Just kidding I think its the ground
There is no cover over the wires going to the back on the frame
One time my reverse lights didn't work I didn't find the problem until I took my jimmy apart and saw that the wire had rubbed throw on the frame.

[69ShortStep]

Hey Guys,

Just wanted to follow up to thank everyone and maybe help someone in the future.

It ended up being a ground. I followed a light green wire that runs from the U connector back through the fuse box to a funny V shaped black clip/connector that was not attached to anything.

I grounded the light green wire (as well as a dark greeen wire that was also attached to the V shaped clip/connector) to the floor and everything started working. I don't know how it ever worked in the past.

I also got a pleasant surprise as this solved a long time problem. I now have the lights that illuminate the guages at night which is great.

Thanks Again for all of the help and support!!!!!

[tim21391]

69shortstep im glad i could help.. i have had some electric problems and since im in highschool not making big bucks i have to fix my own problems.. since parents dont give me any money to go get stuff fixed..... like i said glad to see your back on the road!!