1972 Turn Signal Problems

[Christopher R.]

Good Afternoon. I've been working on a 1972 Corvette with a 350 and 3 speed auto. Most of the electrical on the car has been replaced including the wiring harness, bulbs, fuses etc. However there is still a problem with the turn signals, reverse lights, and hazard lights. The three flashers have been replaced for the turn signals. All grounds on the car have been checked and are good. The main wiring harness ground has not been checked because instrument cluster has too come out to access the ground. A new headlight switch has been installed, and a new turn signal switch has been installed ( we are on our second one). There is also a new neutral safety switch installed in the car which I know works. I was wondering if anyone has any insight to what to look for or to check in order to get the lights working. Any help is appreciated, I just want to get the lights working. Thanks

[Thad L.]

Re: 1972 Turn Signal Problems

Still sounds like turn signal switch.

[William C.]

Re: 1972 Turn Signal Problems

I'm with Thad, All those things come together at the T/S switch

[Christopher R.]

Re: 1972 Turn Signal Problems

I'm with Thad, All those things come together at the T/S switch

I can understand that the turn signal switch would cause the gremlins for the flashers and the turn signals but would it also casue the problems with the reverse lights too? Also thank you for responding.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1972 Turn Signal Problems

Hi chris,
I realize you have checked the grounds… but have you doubled checked the ground connection at each of the rear lights and the one from the harness to the left side frame rail?
In the front, have you double checked the ground connection at the core support and the one at the horn mounting bolt?
It would be nice if you problem could be something easy like one of those!
Regards,
Alan

[Christopher R.]

Re: 1972 Turn Signal Problems

I haven't checked those yet but I will soon. We have redone the grounds on the back tail lights but not the front. All the wiring is new and all the bulbs were tested before they were put in. I have been restoring the car and it's so close to being done. I just have to sort out the electrical problems now. Thank you for your input.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1972 Turn Signal Problems

Chris, have you checked for power with the key on with a test light at the fuse block for turn and back up lights?

[Christopher R.]

Re: 1972 Turn Signal Problems

Chris, have you checked for power with the key on with a test light at the fuse block for turn and back up lights?

Not yet, that is another thing I will check for when I work on the car again. And thank you for the idea, I wouldn't have thought to try that.

[Christopher R.]

Re: 1972 Turn Signal Problems

I have re-checked the rear grounds and now that tail lights work for both parking and driving but still no Brake or turn signals so we are getting there
I will check the grounds in the front. I replaced the turnsignal switch and the brake light switch but nothing! frustrating to say the least.

[Christopher R.]

Re: 1972 Turn Signal Problems

In the event, that there is no power at the fuse block and the fuses are good? what are some potential troubleshooting i can do to chase that down. And Vice Versa - meaning we have power at the fuse block and still no lights!! I have replaced the turnsignal switch with a new one from lectric limited and it is USA made so I thought that would be magic fix, but no deal!

thanks for your input.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1972 Turn Signal Problems

Chris, if you have tail lights than the ground at the rear is good, same ground works all the lights for the rear and the same for the front. check for power at those fuses and let me know, maybe I can walk you through the problem.

[Christopher R.]

Re: 1972 Turn Signal Problems

Finally, I have an update. We replaced the turnsignal switch,rechecked all of the grounds and changed the fuses and we are now good. Brake lights work, Backup lights work and turn signals work. However, the hazard lights come on but don't blink!!! Anyone know what could be the root cause of that?????

[Mike E.]

Re: 1972 Turn Signal Problems

I read through your posts carefully, and didn't see anything indicating the separate flasher for the hazards. Have you installed/checked that one?

[Dave S.]

Re: 1972 Turn Signal Problems

I read through your posts carefully, and didn't see anything indicating the separate flasher for the hazards. Have you installed/checked that one?

It should be a silver plated #536 DOT Tung Sol silkscreen in the upper left corner of the fuse block.

[Christopher R.]

Re: 1972 Turn Signal Problems

Thanks I will recheck that again tonight.