HELP, can't get turn signals to work - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Zachary Watts · 01-23-2010, 09:05 PM

Hi everyone, I have a 78 chevy that was a 3 speed stick shift on the column and I converted it over to an automactic. I put a non cruise auto tilt column in that came out of a 79 and now I can not get the turn signals to work. I think the turn signal switch may be different form 78 to 79 but I am not sure. Any one know or have any ideas why it's not working? I am a idiot when it comes to wiring. So I need help. Thanks

**old Rusty C10** · 01-23-2010, 11:50 PM

as long as the columns were the same no cruise no wipers one would think they would interchange. It is possible that either there is a bad ground or the switch in the new column is bad. In any event the switch out of the 78 should fit right into the 79 column so maybe you should try swapping it out..

Zachary Watts · 01-24-2010, 12:07 AM

old Rusty c10 I was thinking of changeing out the turn signal switch in the morning. It may have a possible short out in the wiring. Because I keep the positive cable unhooked from the battery and I noticed when I go to hook up the battery cable it makes a spark when the turn signal switch is connected under the dash. But if I unhook the turn signal switch it does not make a spark when I go to hook up the positive battery cable to the battery. So that would mean it's either shorted out or the turn signal switch wiring is different? Thus meaning it's hooked up wrong. Causeing the short?

Big Port Jimmy 6 · 01-24-2010, 12:21 AM

Wiring on the switches was the same forever. Check the connectors in the truck side of the plug, they will back out a bit and not work. Jay

Zachary Watts · 01-24-2010, 02:15 PM

No luck the switch in the Oringnal 78 column was broken. but I am sure that the switch wiring is different because In my classicindustries catalog they sell a replacement switch that is suppost to fit 1977-83 models but note that a Adapter harness is required to fit 77-78 models. Thus meaning the turn signal switch wiring is different. What I need to now is to know how to rewire the 79 switch to make it work in the 78. Should be a matter of swapping around the pins on the connector. I don't care if the damn thing color coded or not. I just want it to work does any one have a diagrame or could tell me how to rewire it. thanks zack

fixit-p · 01-24-2010, 04:02 PM

If the plugs fit together check that the wire colors match up on both plugs, here is a diagram for 77-80. Taken from http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...?topic=11766.0

01-23-2010, 09:05 PM	#1
Zachary Watts Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocahontas Ar Posts: 23	HELP, can't get turn signals to work Hi everyone, I have a 78 chevy that was a 3 speed stick shift on the column and I converted it over to an automactic. I put a non cruise auto tilt column in that came out of a 79 and now I can not get the turn signals to work. I think the turn signal switch may be different form 78 to 79 but I am not sure. Any one know or have any ideas why it's not working? I am a idiot when it comes to wiring. So I need help. Thanks Last edited by Zachary Watts; 01-23-2010 at 11:05 PM.

01-23-2010, 11:50 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,277	Re: HELP, can't get turn signals to work as long as the columns were the same no cruise no wipers one would think they would interchange. It is possible that either there is a bad ground or the switch in the new column is bad. In any event the switch out of the 78 should fit right into the 79 column so maybe you should try swapping it out.. __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

01-24-2010, 12:07 AM	#3
Zachary Watts Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocahontas Ar Posts: 23	Re: HELP, can't get turn signals to work old Rusty c10 I was thinking of changeing out the turn signal switch in the morning. It may have a possible short out in the wiring. Because I keep the positive cable unhooked from the battery and I noticed when I go to hook up the battery cable it makes a spark when the turn signal switch is connected under the dash. But if I unhook the turn signal switch it does not make a spark when I go to hook up the positive battery cable to the battery. So that would mean it's either shorted out or the turn signal switch wiring is different? Thus meaning it's hooked up wrong. Causeing the short?

01-24-2010, 12:21 AM	#4
Big Port Jimmy 6 Addicted to Rust Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Abbeville SC Posts: 1,030	Re: HELP, can't get turn signals to work Wiring on the switches was the same forever. Check the connectors in the truck side of the plug, they will back out a bit and not work. Jay __________________ Current trucks: (48 GMC100 320 inliner) Gone (48 Suburban in pieces) Sold 87 GMC CCSB 5.3 4l60E Daily Driver ECTA National record holder XO/PP We never really grow up, we just learn how to act in public.

01-24-2010, 02:15 PM	#5
Zachary Watts Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocahontas Ar Posts: 23	Re: HELP, can't get turn signals to work No luck the switch in the Oringnal 78 column was broken. but I am sure that the switch wiring is different because In my classicindustries catalog they sell a replacement switch that is suppost to fit 1977-83 models but note that a Adapter harness is required to fit 77-78 models. Thus meaning the turn signal switch wiring is different. What I need to now is to know how to rewire the 79 switch to make it work in the 78. Should be a matter of swapping around the pins on the connector. I don't care if the damn thing color coded or not. I just want it to work does any one have a diagrame or could tell me how to rewire it. thanks zack Last edited by Zachary Watts; 01-24-2010 at 02:16 PM.



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