• Notice for iPhone users: DO NOT use the image size reduction option when uploading photos to the forum. This causes portrait images to post as landscape. We have added a warning to the image insert pop-up as well.

Lights Questions Please

Wayne

Wayne

Legacy Registered User
City
Cape Coral
State
FL
Hello:
I know this is an open questions and probably sounds stupid, but in general, if you put the wrong size bulb in a tail light, a brake light could it effect that entire electrical system?

Also (I do have a wire diagram of the cluster somewhere), but would each electrical system have it;s own ground. I know there are fuses for tail lights, brakes main lights etc.. but would the lights for the signals have its own ground?

1. My right signal/indicator works, the left does not.
2. When I put the left signal on the left side fender light goes out/off (with the main lights on).
3.The bulbs in the cluster for the left and right signals do not light up.

Happy Friday and thanks as always,
Wayne.
 
Check a ground wire up by the grill. I had an issue with my turn signals and that fixed it. Sorry I can't remember exactly where the ground was.
 
Wayne said:
Hello:
I know this is an open questions and probably sounds stupid, but in general, if you put the wrong size bulb in a tail light, a brake light could it effect that entire electrical system?

Also (I do have a wire diagram of the cluster somewhere), but would each electrical system have it;s own ground. I know there are fuses for tail lights, brakes main lights etc.. but would the lights for the signals have its own ground?

1. My right signal/indicator works, the left does not.
2. When I put the left signal on the left side fender light goes out/off (with the main lights on).
3.The bulbs in the cluster for the left and right signals do not light up.

Happy Friday and thanks as always,
Wayne.
Click to expand...
The bulb types generally have different "nibs" on the sides to insure that they are used in the correct socket and are keyed correctly (contacts in the right spot), that said it is easy to put them in incorrectly. The contacts may not align and allow the function that you are needing at the time.
The turn signals rely on all the bulbs for that side to be operational as the flasher relay uses the load of the lamps to cause the relay to open due to the heat generated by the load, the thermal strip then cools and the circuit closes, the light illuminate, the strip heats up, the lights go off...
The point is that lower wattage or LED's will not function properly without replacing the old style thermal flashers. I know you didn't mention that but food for thought in the future.

On the grounds, there are several locations for the grounding and the instrument cluster is one of the most problematic as even though it's in the vehicle they are subject to moisture.

As far as your current turn signal issues I would start with the basics.
Try your hazard lights and see what works and what doesn't, they use the same filaments in the bulbs.
Swap known working bulbs from the right to left to determine if it's an isolated problem.
I assume you are referring to the front fender marker, that is interrelated to the turn signal in the grill which has its own ground connection and is a common problem.
I would get the exterior signals working first before working on the cluster indicators.
 
FLCJ8 said:
The bulb types generally have different "nibs" on the sides to insure that they are used in the correct socket and are keyed correctly (contacts in the right spot), that said it is easy to put them in incorrectly. The contacts may not align and allow the function that you are needing at the time.
The turn signals rely on all the bulbs for that side to be operational as the flasher relay uses the load of the lamps to cause the relay to open due to the heat generated by the load, the thermal strip then cools and the circuit closes, the light illuminate, the strip heats up, the lights go off...
The point is that lower wattage or LED's will not function properly without replacing the old style thermal flashers. I know you didn't mention that but food for thought in the future.

On the grounds, there are several locations for the grounding and the instrument cluster is one of the most problematic as even though it's in the vehicle they are subject to moisture.

As far as your current turn signal issues I would start with the basics.
Try your hazard lights and see what works and what doesn't, they use the same filaments in the bulbs.
Swap known working bulbs from the right to left to determine if it's an isolated problem.
I assume you are referring to the front fender marker, that is interrelated to the turn signal in the grill which has its own ground connection and is a common problem.
I would get the exterior signals working first before working on the cluster indicators.
Click to expand...
Much appreciated:
I will take a close look at bulbs and grounds.
Thank you.
Wayne.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top