How do turn signals work?

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==Problems==
 
==Problems==
 
Most commonly, problems occur when the system is wired incorrectly or bulbs are inserted into worn sockets upside down. This can cause malfunctioning of the brake lamp system, turn signals, 4-way emergency flashers, and brake lights (among other things).
 
Most commonly, problems occur when the system is wired incorrectly or bulbs are inserted into worn sockets upside down. This can cause malfunctioning of the brake lamp system, turn signals, 4-way emergency flashers, and brake lights (among other things).
 
  
 
The turn signal system is isolated from other lamp circuits, but appears to function with the brake lamp system, which, in part, is true.
 
The turn signal system is isolated from other lamp circuits, but appears to function with the brake lamp system, which, in part, is true.
  
 
The turn signal on a traditional system is a shared element with the brake lamp function at the bulb to the rear of the vehicle. The most common misconception is "I can wire my turn signals and brake lamps together at the light housing and it will be fine." That's typically where the trouble begins.
 
The turn signal on a traditional system is a shared element with the brake lamp function at the bulb to the rear of the vehicle. The most common misconception is "I can wire my turn signals and brake lamps together at the light housing and it will be fine." That's typically where the trouble begins.
 
  
 
==Power feed and flasher unit==
 
==Power feed and flasher unit==
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This is how the two systems are isolated. This is the most problematic issue for a novice to understand, primarily because nobody ever took the time to explain it to them in any detail.
 
This is how the two systems are isolated. This is the most problematic issue for a novice to understand, primarily because nobody ever took the time to explain it to them in any detail.
 
  
 
==Turn signal system troubleshooting==
 
==Turn signal system troubleshooting==
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#If you have either a cut condition, or a burned socket, check the other side of the column plug. It should read the same as the first reading. If you don't have that, pull the plug, inspect the pins for clean mating surfaces, and burned or bent pins or wires. Repair or replace as required.
 
#If you have either a cut condition, or a burned socket, check the other side of the column plug. It should read the same as the first reading. If you don't have that, pull the plug, inspect the pins for clean mating surfaces, and burned or bent pins or wires. Repair or replace as required.
 
#If you don't have either a cut condition, or a burned socket, and still dead, check any lead front, or rear of the selected side. It should have 12 volts, either steady or intermittent on it. If not, your trouble is in the column harness between the plug and the switch. Or, the switch itself is bad. Repair or replace as required.
 
#If you don't have either a cut condition, or a burned socket, and still dead, check any lead front, or rear of the selected side. It should have 12 volts, either steady or intermittent on it. If not, your trouble is in the column harness between the plug and the switch. Or, the switch itself is bad. Repair or replace as required.
 
  
 
===Front signals work, but rear signals are dead (or vice-versa)===
 
===Front signals work, but rear signals are dead (or vice-versa)===
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===Left or right side turn signals dead===
 
===Left or right side turn signals dead===
 
Follow the same procedure as outlined for front or rear dead above. However, apply it to the affected side.
 
Follow the same procedure as outlined for front or rear dead above. However, apply it to the affected side.
 
  
 
===All rear turn signals flashing===
 
===All rear turn signals flashing===

Revision as of 17:42, 10 July 2013

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