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Help with wiring directionals.

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by krupanut, May 17, 2004.

  1. krupanut
    Joined: May 4, 2001
    Posts: 1,619

    krupanut
    Member

    Wired a turn signal switch in the 51 chebby yesterday.
    Installed it in the brake light circuit per the instructions.

    Everything worked at first, flashers on both sides, brake lights work fine, but when I turn on the tail lights the flashers stop working. [​IMG]

    The two systems are wired in completely separate circuits.

    Is the switch on the column not getting a good enough ground?

    I'm stumped [​IMG]
     
  2. Petejoe
    Joined: Nov 27, 2002
    Posts: 12,546

    Petejoe
    Member
    from Zoar, Ohio

    Well if this is a totally separate wiring circuit, the only choice I can think of would be a feed problem through the turn signal switch. Are you running a hot lead from your tail light switch to power the signals.Your getting a stray feed somewhere. As always go through the process of elimination to find you problem. Start eliminating each wire one at a time till you find it.
     
  3. krupanut
    Joined: May 4, 2001
    Posts: 1,619

    krupanut
    Member

    [ QUOTE ]
    Well if this is a totally separate wiring circuit, the only choice I can think of would be a feed problem through the turn signal switch. Are you running a hot lead from your tail light switch to power the signals.Your getting a stray feed somewhere.

    [/ QUOTE ]

    No, the hot lead for the signal switch is running from the ignition switch.

    Hot to the brake light switch is running from it's own constant hot off the fuse panel.

    None of the hot feeds share a source.
     
  4. post deleted by TooMany2count....... why.... cause i'm a fucking asshole and even when i give good info, i'm passed right up, sooooooooooooo fuck it.. but then who the fuck cares... not me
     
  5. Plowboy
    Joined: Nov 8, 2002
    Posts: 4,281

    Plowboy
    Member

    I got one of those cheepo 20 dollar turn signal switches that So Cal, Moon, and speedway sell (made in china). I wired it per instruction and nothing worked right. The diagram was WRONG. I had to figure it all out on my own. If you can't get it to work after checking all of your grounds and stuff, unhook everything and use a test light to figure out what is what.
     
  6. Krupa, I would start at the rear of the car. Without looking at it, my guess is that the problem is in the bulb socket. some how the electricity sent to the tail light is providing feedback to the flasher. Given your description, the only place that can happen is at the bulb.


    Here is what I'd do:

    Turn the signal lights off. Turn the tail light on. With a
    Test light, see if you have e'tricity at the tail light wire at the back of the tail light housing. I expect you will given the tail light should be on. Next, check to see if you have e'tricity coming out of the other wire (signal/brake). You shouldn't, but I suspect you do. If you do, then you know the "what" but not the "why". Next, I'd disconnect the brake/signal wire from the housing. Now, run the same test. If the disconnected signal/brake wire coming from the tail light housing indicates e'tricity, then the problem is in the housing/bulb area. If the other side of the disconnected brake/signal wire (the side that goes back to your signal switch) indicates e'tricity, then the problem is between there and your turn signal switch....indicating a bad switch or that the two wires are shorting somewhere in your harness.


    let me know if that helps you at all....or if my rambling confused the problem even more.
     
  7. BoomBoom
    Joined: Jun 17, 2002
    Posts: 875

    BoomBoom
    Member

    Krupa, I had a similar problem rewireing with a Painless kit. I think I probably had the same signal unit as youve got. Turned out I needed a three prong flasher instead of the 2 prong that came with the kit. Just an idea. Ive got the wireing diagram at home if you need me to send you a copy. Good luck man, rewiring can drive ya crazy! [​IMG]
     
  8. krupanut
    Joined: May 4, 2001
    Posts: 1,619

    krupanut
    Member

    [ QUOTE ]
    Krupa, I had a similar problem rewireing with a Painless kit. I think I probably had the same signal unit as youve got. Turned out I needed a three prong flasher instead of the 2 prong that came with the kit. Just an idea. Ive got the wireing diagram at home if you need me to send you a copy. Good luck man, rewiring can drive ya crazy! [​IMG]

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Boomboom, I did use a two prong flasher, the insructions said to use a two or three prong. I try a three prong.

    Hotwheel, Understood it all, That's almost word for word what Mercury Charlie told me on the phone. [​IMG] Glad I got you guys in my corner! I check it all out tonight.

    I thought it was all good when buzzard and I wired it in yesterday.
    I forgot to check it with the lights on untill after ya'll left last night.
    [​IMG]
     
  9. buzzard
    Joined: Apr 20, 2001
    Posts: 4,335

    buzzard
    Alliance Member

    Sorry, I thought we checked all the possibles. I was too busy being anxious to hear it run!
     
  10. Hey Shaun

    Pretty soon you'll be giving tech posts on "How To Wire a Car"...!

    That's how you become an expert..., by doing...!

    Don't forget the "Fosters" (Ausie for "hydraulic diagnostic brain power"! [​IMG]) [​IMG]

    Wish I was there to help Bro..., but it sounds like you've gotten plenty of the right advice already!

    Mark
     
  11. krupanut
    Joined: May 4, 2001
    Posts: 1,619

    krupanut
    Member

    [ QUOTE ]
    Hey Shaun

    Pretty soon you'll be giving tech posts on "How To Wire a Car"...!

    That's how you become an expert..., by doing...!

    Don't forget the "Fosters" (Ausie for "hydraulic diagnostic brain power"! [​IMG]) [​IMG]

    Wish I was there to help Bro..., but it sounds like you've gotten plenty of the right advice already!

    Mark

    [/ QUOTE ]

    That's where it went wroung! I totally forgot the Fosters pre trouble shooting lube! [​IMG]
    It did work before!

    Yeah Mark, I'm already getting a permanent flat spot on back of my head from standing on it under the dash so much. [​IMG]
     
  12. krupanut
    Joined: May 4, 2001
    Posts: 1,619

    krupanut
    Member

    [ QUOTE ]
    Sorry, I thought we checked all the possibles. I was too busy being anxious to hear it run!

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Yeah man, I was too. That's what I get for being all cocky.
    I should'nt have thrown that "shoot no promblem" look at the car when we checked it. [​IMG]
     
  13. [quote) That's where it went wroung! I totally forgot the Fosters pre trouble shooting lube! [​IMG]
    It did work before!

    Yeah Mark, I'm already getting a permanent flat spot on back of my head from standing on it under the dash so much. [​IMG]

    [/ QUOTE ]

    When the flat spot turns into a bald spot..., "You've Arrived...!"

    Interesting note...,
    Bald on the back of head..., means a man is a "Good Lover", [​IMG]

    Bald on front of head..., means that a man is a "Good Thinker", [​IMG]

    Bald all over..., means that a man "Thinks he's a Good Lover!" [​IMG]

    So be careful on how you stand on your head!!!! [​IMG]

    Mark

     
  14. krupanut
    Joined: May 4, 2001
    Posts: 1,619

    krupanut
    Member

    Well dang it all!

    I spent a couple hours last night trying to figure this one out to no availe.

    I'm not getting a feed back through the tail light socket.

    I tried the three prong flasher. [​IMG]

    I'm starting to suspect my high dollar turn signal switch.

    I may just pick up a littler three way switch and test the system and see if it is a problem in the switch.

    Luckly I kinda like wiring. It beats sanding filler.


     
  15. krupanut
    Joined: May 4, 2001
    Posts: 1,619

    krupanut
    Member

    [ QUOTE ]
    post deleted by TooMany2count....... why.... cause i'm a fucking asshole and even when i give good info, i'm passed right up, sooooooooooooo fuck it.. but then who the fuck cares... not me

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Dude, what's your deal?

    I saw the wiring diagrams you posted and I apreciate your help.

    It was good info but not what I needed.
    I already have the system wired just like the diagram.



     
  16. Petejoe
    Joined: Nov 27, 2002
    Posts: 12,546

    Petejoe
    Member
    from Zoar, Ohio

    Don't discount the tailight sockets as not being the problem. Either one of them. Also, but not likely, if there's new wiring run to the rear end consider the wires being skinned during installation and shorting onto one another. Now that you have found the rampant feed. Trace it all the way back to the source.
     
  17. [ QUOTE ]
    Well dang it all!

    I spent a couple hours last night trying to figure this one out to no availe.

    I'm not getting a feed back through the tail light socket.



    [/ QUOTE ]
    Krupa, did you check both tail lights? The brake/signal wires for each has dedicated wiring and either can cause the problem.

    I'd be surprised if it is your switch unless the tail light wire somehow feeds thru the switch.

    I'm with pj in that I too believe the problem is at the tail light sockets.
     
  18. [ QUOTE ]
    Dude, what's your deal?
    I saw the wiring diagrams you posted and I apreciate your help.

    [/ QUOTE ]

    what's my deal?????? the problem is this, yes i may be still a new guy here but all it takes is a simple "THANKS" to make me happy when i help someone (which you just did & thanks for saying it) . i'm just a tad pissed off that very few of the folks even know how to say it.
    how would you like it if people always ask you for help or advice & ya dont even get a fuck'n thanks from them. i would bet you'd get tired of it fast.
    i'll do anything i can to help someone, if they want to pay me fine, but i normally tell them NO, hell all i want is a simple "thank you".
    hell i have given away parts & even drove several hours to take them to them FOR FREE, so ya see i'm very easy to get along with.
    and just to show what kind of guy i am, even though i can be a prick & an asshole at times here's the site & info that was there before i deleted it.....


    http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/Tech/SignalWiring.html

    ---All switches are used with three prong flashers marked, (X) = power, (L) = Load, (P) = Pilot
    ---Flasher and flasher connector are not included with switches. Use no.9186 connector assembly when required.
    ---Use no. 9191 for replacement handle and hi-lo beam switch.

    How to Wire Model 900,901 and 910 switch
    [​IMG]
    1--Mount switch on steering column.
    2--Remove flasher during wiring. Replace flasher only after wiring is completed and checked.
    3--Wire as indicated in accompanying diagram A.
    4--Tape ends of unused wires to prevent shorts.
    5--Replace flasher to complete installation.

    How to Wire Model 902 and 903 Switch
    [​IMG]
    1--Mount switch on steering column.
    2--Remove flasher from harness during wiring. Replace after wiring has been completed and checked.
    3--Wire as indicated in accompanying diagram B.
    4--Replace flasher to complete installation.

    How to Wire Model 905 Switch
    [​IMG]
    1--Mount switch on steering column.
    2--Wire turn signal and hazard warning functions as indicated for 900 Switch in Fig. A.
    3--Disconnect ground cable from battery.
    4--Wire headlight Hi/Lo beam circuit as indicated on accompanying diagram C.
    5--Replace ground cable to complete installation.
     
  19. Sounds like the ground in the taillights.
     
  20. krupanut
    Joined: May 4, 2001
    Posts: 1,619

    krupanut
    Member

    Man I'm really stumped.

    I finally cut the newly run wires to the brake lights and check the leads at the turn signal switch.

    It lights up a test light at the switch but will not flash.
    I've tried two different flashers.

    I'm starting to think it's the switch.

    Gave up on it last night and started welding up holes in the rockers.

    I've got all the body work ruffed in, drive shaft being made, making some progress.
     
  21. Andy
    Joined: Nov 17, 2002
    Posts: 5,352

    Andy
    Member

    The test light may not flash because it does not draw enough current to work the flasher. Get a socket for the bulb and grond the socket. Then use that for the test light. That one circuit posted was screwy because it only had one wire to the brake switch. Sure needs two to work!
     
  22. krupanut
    Joined: May 4, 2001
    Posts: 1,619

    krupanut
    Member

    [ QUOTE ]
    The test light may not flash because it does not draw enough current to work the flasher. Get a socket for the bulb and grond the socket. Then use that for the test light. That one circuit posted was screwy because it only had one wire to the brake switch. Sure needs two to work!

    [/ QUOTE ]

    I'll check it all out again with a differnt switch and see If it's the switch thats messed up.

    If so I'll just hook it all back up stock so I'll have brake lights and tail lights and worry about directionals later.

    The switch is band new but has been sitting in the back seat for about two years. [​IMG]

    Andy, do you drive that blue baby Hemi powered roadster?


     
  23. Petejoe
    Joined: Nov 27, 2002
    Posts: 12,546

    Petejoe
    Member
    from Zoar, Ohio

    [ QUOTE ]
    I'll check it all out again with a differnt switch and see If it's the switch thats messed up.


    [/ QUOTE ]
    I feel Andy may be right with the test light not activating the flasher. I too would try another way to test it before changing the switch.
    [ QUOTE ]
    Gave up on it last night and started welding up holes in the rockers.


    [/ QUOTE ] Yea, thats whats great on working on a project and not a vehicle that has to be used the next day. When you get frustrated you can always quit and do some other area until you come up with an answer.
     
  24. 53choptop
    Joined: Mar 5, 2001
    Posts: 1,205

    53choptop
    Member

    I know this is a 5 year old thread, but I am having the exact same problem krupa was with my model 900 switch. Its been working fine for 10 months now all of a sudden boom no turn signals or hazards. I have traced all wires replaced flasher made sure fuse is good and have done everything mentioned in the thread but still cant seem to get it to work.

    Could it be the switch? That thing is heavy duty I opened it up and it seems fine.

    IM STUMPED.
     
  25. 53choptop
    Joined: Mar 5, 2001
    Posts: 1,205

    53choptop
    Member

    BTTT for the morning crew. AHHHHH i couldn't sleep last night trying to run through the wiring in my head.
     
  26. 53choptop
    Joined: Mar 5, 2001
    Posts: 1,205

    53choptop
    Member

    Thanks and you are probably right I should have started another thread.

    the bulbs are dual filament, one for parking and the other for stop/turns, stop lights work when brake is pressed, when brake lights are on and I move switch lever to go either right or left on the switch to that side of the light goes completely off including the park light.

    Anyhow, I will go through this again, i am just frustrated i guess, the wiring harness is a new EZ wiring harness and the switch is a black model 900 signal-stat unit.

    I will also mention that the way the flasher is wired is the L and P plugs are the only ones being used on the flasher, the X plug is not. That was the only way I could get it to work when i wire it up originally. i know this is probably going to confuse the matter more, but thats how it was working all along.
     
  27. 53choptop
    Joined: Mar 5, 2001
    Posts: 1,205

    53choptop
    Member

    Just a quick update, it turns out that the way I had the flasher wired, only using the L and P plugs the whole flasher system stopped working. Once I added power to the x plug, all started to work again.

    Apparently from the beginning the way the flasher was wired was a fluke and should not have worked like that, but it did. I saw flashing so I went with it. But it all came to an end and started to malfunction and not work, like it was suppose to.

    But not all wires are in their proper order.

    All back to normal.
     
  28. Cosmo hit it on the head. I had the same problem.
     

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