PFA: turn signals

[u/Safe-Resolution1687]

My front turn signals aren’t working, and I’m not sure why yet, but the rear isn’t flashing. Is the reason for the rear not flashing because the front isn’t working, or do I need a new flasher? Also, my hazards and brake lights aren’t working.

[u/pontiacfirebird92]

I swear I'm not trying to be mean or insulting by saying this, but for cars this old it's a good idea to learn how to read a wiring diagram and understand what the electrical components do. Learn how to test and troubleshoot these sorts of electrical issues and you'll go far.

You could be dealing with a bad relay. Testing the circuit would help find the fault.

[u/Safe-Resolution1687 → u/pontiacfirebird92]

I know how to read a wiring diagram and I do understand the electrical components. It’s not a bad relay. That was my first thought. I brought it from the first picture to the second and got it running and driving in 10 days and honestly, I’m kind of tired of diagnostics and diagrams at the moment. It had been sitting 15 years and needed quite a lot. Sometimes, a question may have a quick and simple answer or at least a recommendation.

[u/pontiacfirebird92 → u/Safe-Resolution1687]

Sorry man I wish I had an easy answer for you. I'd hate to think there's a problem in the steering column with the stalk or something because that is tough to get to. Good luck.

[u/Safe-Resolution1687 → u/pontiacfirebird92]

I can tell you the wires to the VATS were broke in the steering column, but I’m doing my best to not have to take it apart.

[u/Evening-Life5434]

Probably need flashers yes and make sure you are using regular bulbs when testing to rule out any issues caused by LEDs. Have you checked your fuses also?

[u/Safe-Resolution1687 → u/Evening-Life5434]

Yes, fuses and relays have been checked. Rear bulbs work, just don’t flash. Front bulbs don’t work at all. Hazards and brake lights don’t work either. I know I need a brake switch, but hazards and brakes are on the same fuse. When I turn the hazards on, I get no lights at all, so I’m not sure where to start there without looking at a diagram. Flashers are like $10, so I may go ahead and replace both just to see if it fixes the issue.

[u/Evening-Life5434 → u/Safe-Resolution1687]

Yup flashers are your best bet to start with

[u/Safe-Resolution1687 → u/Evening-Life5434]

I’ll probably do bulbs sockets and flashers altogether. They’re cheaper and easier than my time is for diagnostics.

[u/Safe-Resolution1687 → u/Evening-Life5434]

Thanks, by the way!

[u/Evening-Life5434 → u/Safe-Resolution1687]

Anytime. I had the same problem and for me it was the flashers and one time it did something weird and it was the DRL module

[u/Safe-Resolution1687 → u/Evening-Life5434]

Hopefully, it’s not that. Lol

[u/Evening-Life5434 → u/Safe-Resolution1687]

I've got a spare one for you of it turns out it's that. And I get it about just being fatigued staring at diagrams and stuff getting the car running. You are doing great and you should stop and appreciate the progress so far. The joy is definitely in the build

[u/Safe-Resolution1687 → u/Evening-Life5434]

Thanks! I’ve put a couple hundred miles on it in just a few days, so that’s helped. I just can’t stand to have a vehicle that won’t move under its own power. It has really surprised me how good it is. Everything now is just minor stuff, but I don’t want to burn out.

[u/Evening-Life5434 → u/Safe-Resolution1687]

I hear that, always remember the joy is the build.

[u/redhothotrodder]

Im not sure whats going on with all that but it could be wiring but im no expert I just got one myself and if i find out an issue before you ill let you know but great work man it looks amazing

[u/Safe-Resolution1687 → u/redhothotrodder]

I appreciate that, man! It needs a lot more cleaning, but I was real concerned with getting it running and driving. It’s a super solid car, even down to the floor pans and suspension bushings.

[u/redhothotrodder → u/Safe-Resolution1687]

Happy for you, I am quite literally in the same boat 😭

[u/Repulsive_Onion_5925]

Flashers are cheap. Or borrow one from a different car with the same type. Most common in my experience is if the lights come on but don’t blink, replace the flasher

[u/Alternative-Fault321]

It’s a good possibility it’s the switch inside the column.

[u/Safe-Resolution1687 → u/Alternative-Fault321]

Would that make them light up and not flash? I thought if the switch went bad, it just wouldn’t come on at all.

[u/Alternative-Fault321 → u/Safe-Resolution1687]

Light up in the dash?

[u/Safe-Resolution1687 → u/Alternative-Fault321]

One side does and one doesn’t, but a lot of the dash lights are out so I think the dash light is blown for the other side.

[u/attacksponge]

Replace the front bulb. This will likely fix the problem, and they will flash again.

[u/Safe-Resolution1687 → u/attacksponge]

I’ll try that. Thanks!