Turn signal took a crap

[Mightyfordranger]

The turn signal in my 88 dd stopped working yesterday. Now i k ow this has been a reoccuring issue on these trucks as old as they are. Anyone got any ideas on where to look first?

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[Mark_88]

Depends on what is happening. If the arm is flopping around loose then it's probably beyond repair. If you've lost some functionality like wipers or high beams...or the turn signals then it would probably help if you specified.

I actually kept one from my 88 and the intermittent wiper switch...I think that was an upgrade from the original one that just had on/off/high/low function.

But if your wipers work and you can flash to pass then describe what is happening and someone will be able to elaborate.

 

[Mightyfordranger]

Ok. everything else works fine.

High low beams work.
Pass t-signal works.
Intermittent wiper works but has hiccups from time to time.
Just when i turn on the driver side t-signal it wont flash it just stays lit.

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[Mightyfordranger]

I know on some cars if the bulb burns out it wont work but my lens are tinted so its hard to tell in daylight. (Previous owner tinted them)

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[adsm08]

So pull your lenses and look at your bulbs. I had the same thing and it was a blown bulb.

 

[Mark_88]

Yes, probably just a bulb issue with the signal.

The wipers working sporadically (or not working once in a while) could be a ground wire issue or the connector is falling apart. Inspect that connection closely and have a look at the back of the wiper motor through the grill.

If you see any rust on the back side of the wiper motor it may be a good opportunity to prevent some further rust and a possible ground issue that you can fix all with one repair...

Your truck is almost 30 years old and the original wiring can get brittle and the connectors corroded...mine needed a replacement harness for everything from the firewall out to the battery...but that is not the actual wiper harness...just an example that they can fall apart...as I'm sure you can appreciate.

 

[mplummer08]

Turn on your hazards. If the lights flash then the bulbs are obviously good. If so the flasher is bad and needs replaced.

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[Mightyfordranger]

So pull your lenses and look at your bulbs. I had the same thing and it was a blown bulb.

Good point lol and my hazards kinda work if i screw with the pull switch enough or rap in the column with my multi-tool.

But i bought a set of bulbs yesterday i been driven my b2 instead (needs driven anyway).

Ill dig into it today after work a bit and see what shakes loose

Also as for the wiper issue i will deff peek in the grille holes and have a look thanks for the heads up guys



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[Mark_88]

If you have problems with grounds some testing information and explanations can be found in the link below:

http://www.onallcylinders.com/2012/01/16/how-to-diagnose-electrical-ground-issues/

I'm always double checking things but I use these techniques so infrequently that I like to remind myself why or how I need to do them...

 

[swynx]

I would check the bulbs and verify grounds. Then I would probably check the flasher relay. It's a round aluminumthing in the fuse panel underdash. Sometimes they smell of smoke

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[Mightyfordranger]

Well i was diggin around in there looking for the problem and it randomly started working again so this is gonna suck to find whats causing it.
Gotta be a lose wire intermittent short...some dumb crap

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[Mark_88]

Thanks for the update...depending on where you were digging around...I'd suspect a bad wire or connection...done that many times and that was how I found out the ground circuit on the starter was wonky...

I'm sure it will come back at you again...

 

[Curious Hound]

Intermittent problems stink. Wherever you were diggin last should be close.



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[Mightyfordranger]

Yeah i was diggin round in the column lookin at the switch and it randomly started workin ill have more time to get into it today

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