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Turn Signal Indicators

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memphis

memphis

Jedi Hopeful
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Hello!

I noticed yesterday that after the first time (after starting the engine) using my turn signals, that both indicator lights on the dash retain a "glow", remain on sort of.... The glow is not as bright as when the signal is engaged...

Note: My car has the separate indicators lights and both indicators work, flash.

Does anyone know what causes this? Is there a fix?

Thanks in advance for your help!
Bob
 
Our cars do tell us things don't they.
And usually when it's things like the bulbs are still lit, it's telling us to look into it to find out why, and correct it.

I'm curious to find what the answer is too.

They should not be on at all if the directional tab is not engaged.

Cheers,
Roger
 
One more thing to add....

When I engage the turn signal, both front & back blinks very fast.

Do you think it's the flasher relay causing my issues?

Thanks,
Bob
 
memphis said:
Hello!

I noticed yesterday that after the first time (after starting the engine) using my turn signals,
Click to expand...

Have you just rebuilt your electrics / car? or is it the first time starting this year?
 
Hi Bob,

No, all electrics were redone a year ago. I have been driving the car on and off all winter, weather permitting. Yesterday when I drove the car it was cloudy and dark outside, so the dim glow was noticeable. If it were sunny, I'm not sure I would see it...?

I did recently have the condenser on the Mallory fail, but I think that was caused by the fact that it was not grounded properly (rust protective coating on Mallory condenser not scratched off....).

Bob
 
Are you sure both front and rear flashers are working? If a bulb is out that usually causes the signals to flash rapidly.
 
memphis said:
Hi Bob,

No, all electrics were redone a year ago. I have been driving the car on and off all winter, weather permitting. Yesterday when I drove the car it was cloudy and dark outside, so the dim glow was noticeable. If it were sunny, I'm not sure I would see it...?

I did recently have the condenser on the Mallory fail, but I think that was caused by the fact that it was not grounded properly (rust protective coating on Mallory condenser not scratched off....).

Bob
Click to expand...
My personal experiences with "dim glow"
problem(s) were usually corrected with repairing a bad ground wire attachment.
Patrick
 
Memphis, I don't have any answers to offer but you are not alone.

Mine is the earlier system with just one indicator light and for the last 15 years or so the indicator light is lit all the time the key is on - but it is very dim and goes proper bright when the signals are activated. The signals at each corner work fine and are full bright. But when you turn off the turn-signal the indicator light goes to very dim but not off (can't hardly see it in the daylight but is obvious at night). Oh yeah, there is one other oddity: as I drive along with the indicator light dimmly glowing, it will occasionally give a brief 'flash'(perhaps every minute or so), ie go as bright as it is when indicating. This momentary bright 'flash' only happens to the indicator and not the turn signal lights themselves.

I initially tried changing everything - control box, flasher, rewired, re-soldered bullet connectors, etc. and nothing made any difference....so I just live with it. Figured when I saw this thread, I'd add mine to the list of "what goes on?"

Will be watching to see if anybogy has any ideas?

Dave
 
Hi Bob: I have seen this problem some time ago but the exact fix escapes me now. However it seems that it involved a bad ground somewhere in this circuit so check them all out. Further open p the front turn signals and make sure there is no rust on the bulb base or its holder,__Fwiw--Keoke
 
Keoke said:
Hi Bob: I have seen this problem some time ago but the exact fix escapes me now. However it seems that it involved a bad ground somewhere in this circuit so check them all out. Further open p the front turn signals and make sure there is no rust on the bulb base or its holder,__Fwiw--Keoke
Click to expand...

Hey Keoke,

Looks like I have some "home work". I'll run through and check the grounds and also the bulb contacts in the lens.
Thanks,
Bob
 
I agree about bad grounds often being the problem.

However, when the turn signal switch is off, the indicator lights should not be an energized circuit - so where is the juice coming from (and how can a bad ground cause there to be juice in a circuit that isn't energized)?

I know I am clearly indicating my ignorance of electrical things, but this is one I would like to understand.

Dave
 
red57 said:
I agree about bad grounds often being the problem.

However, when the turn signal switch is off, the indicator lights should not be an energized circuit - so where is the juice coming from (and how can a bad ground cause there to be juice in a circuit that isn't energized)?

I know I am clearly indicating my ignorance of electrical things, but this is one I would like to understand.

Dave
Click to expand...
I have had one experience where a circuit was getting power from another circuit due to melted wiring in the harness that runs under the car. I have disected many of those harnesses that were thrown away and found the red wires usually with melted insulation. No blown fuses! A bad ground on one circuit will have that circuit searching for a good ground on an other circuit. Since owning my 67BJ8 since 1972 I've only replaced one blown fuse! I have replaced one harness and repaired the harness a few times since then.
Patrick
 
Patrick67BJ8 said:
I have disected many of those harnesses that were thrown away and found the red wires usually with melted insulation. No blown fuses!
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, that is because the car didn't come with a fuse for that circuit. :crazyeyes:
 
memphis said:
One more thing to add....

When I engage the turn signal, both front & back blinks very fast.

Do you think it's the flasher relay causing my issues?

Thanks,
Bob
Click to expand...
Hi Bob,
Couple questions. On the fast blink, is the rate the same for both left and right? Regarding the glow, do the exterior lights glow also, or just the dash?
 
Bob

If both dash board indicator lights are on at the same time and on the subject of getting the go-juice from somewhere, could it be the direction switch itself is at fault? Try disconnecting one of the wires from the base of the steering column, the bullet connections should be found just under the bonnet catch some where. You should be looking for either green - should go to the flasher unit- both lights in the dash should go out, green with blue ( left light should go out) or green with yellow ( right light should go out) if the wiring is as the book.

I have had problems with the relay unit but that was due to poor connections at the terminals, I cleaned up all the forks and the terminals and my problems disappeared. Having said that, Red 57 replaced his so that may be a blind alley.

Bob
 
Hey Guys,

Lots of great suggestions and ideas. I really appreciate it!
Gives me ideas and confidence that the issue is solvable.

I will have to put this issue to the side for the next week or so. I will keep this thread updated as I dig more into this issue.
Leaving for Amelia Island Concours D'e tomorrow. My first, and looking forward to seeing some fine autos.

Thanks again!
Bob
 
Hi Memphis,

Am I correct that BOTH indicators retain a low level glow when not in use? Have you checked the front and rear signal lights for low-level activity during these incidents (you may need a meter as the bulb resistance may eliminate any signs of light)?

From your descriptions, I believe you are experiencing a situation where a loose circuit is looking for a ground and following a convenient access path through the bulb filaments to find one. At this point, although a burned wire within your harness could be your culprit, I would first look toward the dash and firewall for any wires that could come in contact with the flasher/signal-circuit.

To eliminate an easy problem, and since the flasher provides power and ground for the indicator lights, I would check the area and then pull the flasher to see if the condition persists. If it does not, I suggest borrowing a replacement flasher to see if the problem has disappeared.

Memphis, I would also make a list of active electrical components when the problem happens (radio, blower, wipers, lights, etc.). Since the flasher seems to be providing an inadvertent ground for another circuit, eliminating the signal ground could turn off the interfering unit.

Good luck and all the best,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
 
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