Turn signal problem

[70CHEVYBB]

I installed a 72 column in my 70. I used the guts for the 70 in the 72 column to keep everything the same. I now have both turn signal indicators glowing when I turn on the head lights. They blink fine but not sure why they stay on?

[70STOVEBOLT]

You have a ground wire issue somewhere.

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by 70STOVEBOLT

You have a ground wire issue somewhere.

What he said. Sounds like a circuit looking for a ground feeding back.

[davepl]

Front only or rears too?

My truck has a feature that I've never seen pre-1970, which is that the front marker lights flash with the signals. If its front only, I'd suspect that circuit specifically.

When I was a wee lad I'd play in my Dad's 68 GMC and I remember if you played with the Hazard switch just right you could (a) flash just one light and (b) make both signal lights come on steady. So that switch, if malfunctioning, could also cause it.

Can someone explain to me why a ground circuit issue would cause this? I could see it not lighting, or not blinking when trying to signal, but don't know why turning on the headlights would light the park/signal lights due to bad ground.

[hugger6933]

Did you check to make sure that the emergency button is pulled out?

[Andy4639]

There should be a ground wire attached to the cluster also. If it's not plugged up all kinds of stuff will light up are maybe not light up.

[70CHEVYBB]

I added a ground to the cluster and one to the column as I just painted it. I did have to buy a new head light switch as I broke the old one. now when I turn on the lights both indicators turn on and they dim along with the rest of the dash lights. They work properly with the headlights off but when on the indicators alternately flash. They all work properly outside. I did find a blown fuse and replkaced it that mad e the hazards work.

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by 70CHEVYBB

I added a ground to the cluster and one to the column as I just painted it. I did have to buy a new head light switch as I broke the old one. now when I turn on the lights both indicators turn on and they dim along with the rest of the dash lights. They work properly with the headlights off but when on the indicators alternately flash. They all work properly outside. I did find a blown fuse and replkaced it that mad e the hazards work.

If it's not working as it did before, and you want that, then it sounds like the only thing different is the new headlight switch.

So, you broke the old headlight switch. If you only broke it in a way that it won't install properly and if it's still intact electrically, try plugging it in and see if the problems go away. If so, the new switch is bad.

[70CHEVYBB]

tried another head light switch, nothing changed. here is a quick list of what I changed. Everything worked when I drove it home. I added a late model serp belt system and eliminated the external regulator. I put in a new starter , I pulled the gauge cluster to add put in a new dash pad, add a automatic column( I put the original turn signal switch in the automatic column) and make it easy to install a hydro-boost brake system. If I dim the dash lights the high beam light lights up also and the turn signal indicators dim with the dash lights. It is driving me crazy as I will not drive it til its fixed.

[70STOVEBOLT]

The ground issue is most likely in the forward lighting harness. Mine had been spliced on the right front signal and the ground wire was not making a good connection and it would light the indicator on the dash when the lights were on. If yours is doing it on both sides, and only in the front, I would check the grounds on the forward lighting harness.

[70CHEVYBB]

I will check that as I did see where the right front grille light has been spliced at one time.

[praisegeetarman]

Possibly a body to frame ground. When you turn on the running lights that element in the tail light bulb seeks a path to ground through the turn signal element and back through the turn signal switch, which will slightly light the turn signal indicators. Look for a bad ground cable from the body to the frame. Usually it's under the vehicle below the passenger side.

Keith

[70CHEVYBB]

still no luck added two more grounds from firewall to engine and engine to frame. checked and cleaned the factory body ground on the right side. pulled the fuse block apart and checked for corrosion and any bad wires, none found. I did remember that after I pulled the seat and what was left of the floor mat I needed to get rid of the mouse nests in the vents. I did spend a hour with the garden hose inside of the truck. I then looked at my dimmer switch and its all corroded and It took all I had to pull the plug off the terminals. With that being said the signal indicators do get brighter and dimmer with the use of the dimmer switch. I will be adding a new one tonight and see what happens.

[70CHEVYBB]

Once again a new dimmer switch and another head light switch still has the same problem. I do see the signal lights dim with the use of the dimer switch. Any other suggestions????? I am slowly dying here.

Thanks, Wes

[Sklptrljay]

Have you tried removing the lamps? If the lamp sockets aren't grounded well, it could cause an indicator arrow light to glow. I would start by removing a turn signal lamp at one corner and work my way around the truck until the indicators stop glowing.

[70CHEVYBB]

Thanks, I will try to get that done tonight

[Rocket3]

Try new bulbs. I recently had 1 bad tail light bulb in my S-10 that was causing some weird problems.

[john]

Mine did the same thing, and I found both front turn signal sockets had lost their ground to the housing.

[hardwaycooke]

Originally Posted by Andy4639

There should be a ground wire attached to the cluster also. If it's not plugged up all kinds of stuff will light up are maybe not light up.

AMEN!! Took Andy and VVette to fix mine...LOL

[slikside]

I had a similar problem (only one front blinker constantly illuminating) after reinstalling my front bumper. It had been off for a while, and I had taped the blinker lights up to the bumper brackets....

Anyway, I ran a separate ground wire from the housing of the affected blinker light to the frame, and that fixed it. Never had a problem since. It doesn't look factory though!

[Sklptrljay]

Did you ever get this figured out?

[70CHEVYBB]

I have not. the really weird thing is when the head lights are on and the turn signal indicators are on they dim with the dash lights. I was thinking the green ribbon circuit could be bad but that should have nothing to do with the dimmer on the head light switch

[70CHEVYBB]

I can turn on the head lights and remove the tail light bulbs and the indicators do not go out. I can remove the front signal bulbs and the indicators go out.

[70CHEVYBB]

I pulled all the dash lights and polished every contact point on the sockets. I put in new bulbs and everything works. There must have been something that was not making contact and back feeding power to the headlight switch or something. All I know is it works and I am happy .

Thanks for every one for all the help. Thanks, Wes

[70STOVEBOLT]

Wes, glad to hear you got the problem solved!

Take care,
Mark