Turning Signals

Discussion in 'Technical' started by 1971 Mercury GT, May 20, 2009.

  1. 1971 Mercury GT

    1971 Mercury GT 1971 Mercury Comet

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    Turning signals just stopped working. Flashers are brand new. I looked at the fuse block and noticed a blown fuse. Replaced it and it blew out again. So it is safe to assume that there is a wiring issue. My question is this. How and where do start testing for the fault? :hmmm:What tools would I need? I am sure it is simple as a lot of the stuff is. Also I want to replace a lot of the old wiring with new wiring harnesses. Anyone recommend where to purchase this stuff?
     
  2. mean_maverick

    mean_maverick Senior Member

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    i'd first check all of the bulb sockets to make ssure there is no corrosion or anything in them, and to also make sure they're grounded properly. then, replace all the bulbs with new ones. i have done this one cars and it has solved ALOT of lighting issues for me. hope this helps :)
     
  3. rayzorsharp

    rayzorsharp I "AM" a Maverick!

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    If that doesn't fix it I'm betting you have a bad turn signal switch. Fairly common problem.
     
  4. mean_maverick

    mean_maverick Senior Member

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    yup, the old man has a point...... (i guess) lol :rolleyes:
     
  5. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    ive seen the element in the bulb brake loose and short accross some how and cause the fuese to blow. i would take out all the bulbs and then put a fuse in and see if it blows with them out. if it does then check the switch and wireing. if not then put the bulbs back in one at a time and see wich bulb causes it to blow.
     
  6. 1971 Mercury GT

    1971 Mercury GT 1971 Mercury Comet

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    Here's what I did. The back lights were fine. The wire there is gooey. I think I just need to clean that up. The bulbs are fine. I looked at the front turning signals and sure enough there was corrosion.So much that bulbs are fused together with the socket. I went over to auto zone and bought new bulbs and some sort of corrosion cleaner (which sucked a@#). First one, the bulb broke off and I was able to clean off the corrosion but the contacts are corroded as well. I didn't bother with the second it's much worse. I think I might need to purchase new contacts, wiring, and lamp housings because the corrosion is everywhere:mad:

    Anyone know where I can purchase this stuff besides the local auto zone? or better yet does anyone have a better approach?
     
    Last edited: May 22, 2009
  7. RASelkirk

    RASelkirk Retired!

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    Mine were corroded like that, I used a battery terminal brush to "ream" them out, soaked them in WD40, and used a screwdriver to repeatedly push down on the terminals until they freed up.

    HTH,

    Russ
     

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