Turn signal function!?

Capsule · Post by **Capsule** » Tue May 15, 2007 9:17 am

Hey guys,

I just finnished changing just about every light bulp in my car and fixed a few old "wire repairs" from previous owners. Now all the lights work fine, except my turn signals will only function when the motor is running!! (The hazard-light works fine without the motor running as it should)

Now my question is, should it be like that; the turn signals not working when the motor is not running?

If not, how could I fix this?

Thanks,
Capsule

72GY9Runner · Post by **72GY9Runner** » Tue May 15, 2007 11:09 am

My first thoughts would be a bad ground, or a weak signal light flasher. If I remember correctly there is a separate flasher for signals and hazard lights, which might explain why one works and the other doesn't. The signals should definitely work with the key in the on position and the engine off. I assume you mean engine off, but key on. Signals wont work with the key in the off position.

Capsule · Post by **Capsule** » Tue May 15, 2007 4:19 pm

Yes the flasher was bad and I changed it for a new one. The flasher for the hazard light works fine. I even tried to swap the two flashers, but still the turn signals will only work when the motor is running. The turn signal won't work with the key in ON position and the motor not running!

Capsule

road chicken · Post by **road chicken** » Tue May 15, 2007 5:29 pm

It is very possible that with the Key on and the engine not running.... the voltage drop is sufficent so the signals will not work.

That is not unusual for these cars.

aerodynamic · Post by **aerodynamic** » Wed May 16, 2007 6:30 am

Are you planning to turn much without the engine running??

Just kidding!

72GY9Runner · Post by **72GY9Runner** » Wed May 16, 2007 12:45 pm

What Road Chicken says is very possible. If you're battery isn't all that strong, it may not have enough voltage to get things flashing. That said, it is odd that the flashers would work and not the signals.

I've got a brand new 800CCA battery in mine, and the signals flash slower but do flash. For that matter the signals in all of my old mopars flash with the engine off. Really go over all of your ground connections. From past experience, I've found that rusty, painted or loose ground points have been the cause of most of my wiring issues.

Probably not a major concern as long as they work when the engine runs.

road chicken · Post by **road chicken** » Wed May 16, 2007 5:32 pm

The Hazards have a direct connection to the battery. The turnsignals have to go through the ignition switch, then the turnsignal switch. Each time it has to go through a switch connection- there is a voltage drop. Those extra connections are enough to give you the situation your describing.

It's not anything out of the ordinary. Mine does the same thing.

Capsule · Post by **Capsule** » Thu May 17, 2007 3:23 am

Hi guys,

thanks for your help.

I have charged my battery and now the turn signals actually work when the key is on and motor not running. Still, as you described, once the motor runs the signals work better.

I think its okey, now I just need to fix the wind screen wipers.

Capsule