Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi gang,
Kind of a long standing problem that I have tried to fix, did the search but am a bit stuck. They did work at one time, months ago.
My front turn signals are not working, parking lights are working though, also headlights, brake lights and rear turn signals, and hazards flash in back, but not in front as I recall. Both blinker cans are new and I can hear them working. With key on and turn signal on, there does not seem to be any power at the turn signal wires in front when I checked with the multimeter (assuming I checked correctly) Turn signal switch was cleaned recently so all contacts are good there I believe. The front and rear grounds are clean. Front bulbs are new and correct, as are the rear bulbs. Sockets are clean.
Not sure where to check next. I have the wiring diagram but I am not sure where the wires go exactly. All wires at clutch master area are clean. The wires at the driver's side footwell are an unknown and the fuse box is clean but some pins seem wobbly. I never was able to fix them.
Any ideas? Trying to gather some info for the weekend.
TIA,

Linda

I would bet on the connectors under the dash going from the dash harness to the engine bay harness.

I would use a test light...start at the can with power. Test light is just easier to hook up and move from place to place. Go along every few feet till you loose the power. Or use the ohm meter and check the whole wire (s). You have to disconnect each wire to put the meter wires on each end. Good luck. Check the bulb grounds too. The ones at the bulb socket. Not just the car grounds.

Richard

Linda:
Didn't you have a problem with your switch flying apart or some such thing at the steering wheel? Did the turn signal problem crop up after that?
Was it working correctly after you solved that issue, or has this popped up since? Do the rears flash normally, or are they flashing "fast". Typically non-functioning turn signals cause the others to flash rapidly, if they are flashing normally and not working it would seem that the whole portion of the system is "not seen" so either completely disconnected from the power source (power wire) or isolated disconnected, perhaps due to a bad common ground.

If it just started, and is not related to the steering wheel issue, I'd lean toward a common power wire or common ground to the front turn signals and of course the above suggestions are good too.
Tom

Do they work when you pull the hazzard switch?

Yes, I had a flying retainer ring problem on the turn signal collar, so that got fixed and all contacts were cleaned. Front blinkers were not working before that. Rear flashers seem to be flashing normally. Not sure where the "common ground" would be…the one up at the front by the alternator on the driver's side?
I'm not that good at using the multimeter, but I assume I set the dial on 15 volts then black probe is grounded to the car and then DC the next connection down from the cans which I think would be the front driver's side plugs under the dash at the floor, and see if any of the wires related to turn signals, G, GW register on the meter? I don't know where to go from there..fuse box?
Also the hazard switch has been cleaned and lubed with dialectic grease, and the connector plug. Rear flashers work with hazards, but I don't think front flashers work
Electrickery in action

Linda

Linda,

Buy a good test light. $10-12. Then you can prob the wires and get into the connectors. Without unplugging them. Key on for all tests. Make sure the test light is working each time used..just touch the battery. Some times just the ground from the test light being used will make things work if it is a bad ground. 15 on ohm meter should work well for volts. But they are used to your advantage best on ohms to check wires that may be broken. Key off. Or to check charging systems engine running. Just my .02

Richard

Linda,
I would bet its one of the input wires to the t/s switch.
Which year is yours 68?

Phil,
My car is a 68. Not sure which would be input wire on TS, but I know most easily accessible wires under the dash and around steering wheel have been cleaned. But I will recheck.
Thanks,
Linda

Linda,

my next move would be to take both turn signals assy. out of the body. Leave them hang loose. They should have a plug ( or crimped) into the wiring harness. Would be easier to test I think. Make sure the springs in the socket are free....they can rust. So they push the socket up to the bulb end. You can take a ground wire to the socket base to make sure you have a good ground. Or just unplug the whole thing and put it to a battery. You can make up a jumper wire with alligator clips. Like the purple on in the picture. I like the test light on the left. Big clip, will hook nicely to the brake or clutch peddle for a ground to work under dash. The other 2 I just put in tool box in car for a just encase.The meter on the left is a old Sears unit...had it for 20 years. I like the smaller one from Radio Shack. Digital and has a buzzer for checking continuity....U dont have to watch the meter you have sound. No sound if checking for power in the volt position. But works well $ 30ish.
Hope this helps some P.S. Recheck your bulbs, one filament can burn out not the other. Check fuse if separate for lights, power on both side.

Richard

Linda:

I'm sure that you're already done this but, just in case . . .

One of the cars I purchased had a problem with the turn signals. I found the problem was that the wires were crossed between the relay "cans" for the turn signal and hazard lights under the dash.

You might want to check.

Shannon

Shannon,
Thanks for suggestion, I did check, GW and L with fuse to one can, and G and W to the other.

Linda

Sorry Linda,
I was just trying to give you a few ideas for your weekend project. I picked up my first tool when I was about 10 or 12. Which mean I have been under and over cars and trucks for 50 yrs now. No, I dont know everything..... wish I did. But trouble shooting is a very important part of fixing things. And not just putting a band aid on it. Hope you get those pesty blinkers working.

Richard

You might check the connections at the flasher switch.

Linda,
If the rear lights work then its not in the T/S switch or flasher.

Run 12V (hot from the battery) to the Green/Black wire on the right side. If the turnsignal lights up bright, its in the wiring, if not its the blub/ socket/ground.
Same for the left except the wire is green/red.

Have you cleaned the connection in the front of the engine compartment were the wires go into the wheel well?

Thats were I would apply the 12V check.

Phil