Turn signal switch blowing fuse and brake fuse

[PAPA KENT]

Hello, I hav'nt been on this board until now and I am having a problem with my sons 96 1/2t 4x4 and I could use some input.

About every 3rd time he would use his signals it would blow the signal fuse and take the brake light fuse with it,then it would blow the turn signal fuse all the time.He has looked at the sockets and wiring going to each light which looks good. Afterwards he found that if he wiggled the turn signal switch his gauge lights would also dim in and out.

He is coming back from North Dakota now and says that his brake lights are now working again which havn't been working for weeks.

I know the brake lights work through the turn signal switch and there also could be a short in any wire going to the signals except he feels with the way the switch is acting that the problem is there.This is a super clean and cared for truck with 160000 miles on it.

Now the last turn signal switch that I removed from a chevrolet had to be at least 20 years ago on a 1982 truck so my question is are the turn signal switches in these trucks prone to failure or does anyone have any other ideas?

I won't see the truck till later this week but I thought I would get jump on it.

Thanks for all your help,

Kent.

[Leinie]

The turn signal switch has just about every light function imaginable running through it and a few other functions like cruise control, wipers etc. When the switch ( actually called "multifunction switch") fails, all sorts of strange things can happen.
Look on u tube for instructions on how to put a new one in.
I think a new AC/Delco switch with cruise was close to $200.
I bought a cheaper replacement and every time I used the left turn signal, the cruise control would turn off.
I started having trouble when I bought a boat, so I had the trailer rewired, new trailer harness,etc etc before I found out it was that damn switch. It was just a coincidence it happened at the time I got the boat.

[PAPA KENT]

Originally Posted by Leinie

The turn signal switch has just about every light function imaginable running through it and a few other functions like cruise control, wipers etc. When the switch ( actually called "multifunction switch") fails, all sorts of strange things can happen.
Look on u tube for instructions on how to put a new one in.
I think a new AC/Delco switch with cruise was close to $200.
I bought a cheaper replacement and every time I used the left turn signal, the cruise control would turn off.
I started having trouble when I bought a boat, so I had the trailer rewired, new trailer harness,etc etc before I found out it was that damn switch. It was just a coincidence it happened at the time I got the boat.

Thanks Leinie, After talking again with our son today I think you are correct.Our son arrived home today and he mentioned some times the right brake light will work and the left one doesn't so I am tending to agree with you.

For years I have played with the 50's thru early 60's electrical systems so I figured I better ask some questions before diving in on this one.

Thanks Leinie,

Kent.

[Leinie]

I'm old school, too ! I have little patience for the newer stuff ( I call '96 new ) Anyway, I've found U tube to be awesome for help. It's not taking the actual part out that gets me, it's getting to the part in the first place.

There were lots of interior trim pieces missing from that truck when I got rid of it because I would loose it and just rip the stuff apart

[PAPA KENT]

Originally Posted by Leinie

I'm old school, too ! I have little patience for the newer stuff ( I call '96 new ) Anyway, I've found U tube to be awesome for help. It's not taking the actual part out that gets me, it's getting to the part in the first place.

There were lots of interior trim pieces missing from that truck when I got rid of it because I would loose it and just rip the stuff apart

Thanks Leinie, Yea this one is pretty new for me also. My son was lucky and found a bare wire grounding out so Thank you for all your help.

Kent.