Flashers not working. Where would you start - happened quick, 1988 Carrera

GrowIt · 04:56 PM

This is a 1988 not 1998 like title says. Noticed today turn signals not working. The 4-way hazards do not work either. I have read some info on the search option and not sure where to start. I have nothing in flashers - dash or lights. I have checked the ground for the circuit (G106 or something like that). I hear a slight click in the ignition switch when the hazard button is pushed. No signal indicator on tach either. 1988 vehicle. Not really too sure where to start on this one. I have had some ground issues in the rear tailights that I repaired a couple years ago. Please let me know where you would start to solve this issue. Thanks in advance for all suggestions.

Mitch Leland · Mitch Leland's Garage

Kevin,

I'm assuming that you have already checked out the fuses... Bentleys has good schematics, I'm sure there is a common thread to each of these non functioning lights and tach. Do you have a voltage meter, if so you could see if you have power to the flasher. I'm assuming that the interior lights, dash lights, starter and other electrical accessories are working?

The 4 way hazard and flasher are all the same business. Electrical problems like this are a giant PIA, a flat tire is a flat tire, but who knows what lurks in all those wires.

Hopefully some one will come along and tell you what you need to do.

GrowIt · 05-10-2008, 05:14 PM

Thanks Mitch,
I do wish it was just a fuse or two. I f the fuses were blown this problem would be easier to trace and fix (I think). Yes, every thing on the same circuits are working fine. I think the slight click coming from the ignition switch when the hazard button is pushed has reason to the problem. I hate these electric gremlins. Thanks for your reply and input. Hopefully someone will chime in with other options or staring place. I am trying to avoid the buying parts till it is fixed route for now.
Kevin

otto in norway · otto in norway's Garage

Your problem is the "flasher" relay. This relay provides a flashin light for your indicators, as well as your emergency flash.
Replace this relay, and your'e good to go!

ossiblue · 05-10-2008, 05:34 PM

Steps to help you diagnose:

Turn on the ignition and move the turn indicator stalk on the steering column "up"--do the right side lights come on, front and rear but not blink? (If you don't turn on the ignition, the moving of the stalk will light the parking light--you don't want that.)

Do the same for the left side.

Turn off the ignition.

If both sides light (front and rear) but don't blink, likely cause is the relay or bad grounds.
If the lights don't light, likely cause is fuse.
If only some of the lights on one side light, then likely bad bulb or connection--both will wreak havoc on the flashing system.

Good luck, and keep us updated.

GrowIt · 05-10-2008, 05:54 PM

Thanks ossiblue and otto in norway,

ossiblue - "Turn on the ignition and move the turn indicator stalk on the steering column "up"--do the right side lights come on, front and rear but not blink?"

- With ignition on - nothing happens (right or left) - No lights or blinking.

Fuse appears to be complete with no breaks. Bentleys says there are three fuses for flashers and all look good (brass is intact and full).

Is it possible one bulb being bad could wreak havoc on the electric flow. I find it hard to believe that all bulbs went bad at one time.

Headlights and all other lights work as they should including bright light switch.

Thanks again all.

rick-l · 05-10-2008, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otto in norway

Your problem is the "flasher" relay. This relay provides a flashin light for your indicators, as well as your emergency flash.
Replace this relay, and your'e good to go!

+1

If you don't want the shotgun approach you could get out your meter and verify 12 volts on pins 49 and 49a.

dshepp806 · dshepp806's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrowIt

Thanks ossiblue and otto in norway,

ossiblue - "Turn on the ignition and move the turn indicator stalk on the steering column "up"--do the right side lights come on, front and rear but not blink?"

- With ignition on - nothing happens (right or left) - No lights or blinking.

Fuse appears to be complete with no breaks. Bentleys says there are three fuses for flashers and all look good (brass is intact and full).

Is it possible one bulb being bad could wreak havoc on the electric flow. I find it hard to believe that all bulbs went bad at one time.

Headlights and all other lights work as they should including bright light switch.

Thanks again all.

Verify fuse is functional by measuring both sides of the fuse, as "visual" won't cut the mustard (i.e., "looks ok" not good enough). Have you changed out ALL circuit related fuses?

Sounds like a relay issue,..(so far)..

Best,

GrowIt · 05-11-2008, 06:54 AM

Changed all related fuses still nothing. I see what appears to be a relay on the Bentley wiring diagram but can not find it on car. It is labeled "Flasher" in the book. It looks like it is wired between the Hazard Light Switch and Turn Signal Switch. This is the only thing that looks like a possible relay. Can anyone tell me where to find this thing.
Thanks

ossiblue · 05-11-2008, 07:08 AM

Not familiar with the 1988, but typically the flasher is in the luggage compartment, behind the cardboard cover that is beneath the cowel. Remove the cover and look under the cowel on the driver's side, just infront of the fuel gauge. You should see a cluster of relays. The cube shaped one is the flasher relay.

dshepp806 · dshepp806's Garage

If she's like the 89 (and I do think she is), it would be reachable under the bonnet, reaching the old arm in,..I don't recall taking anything apart to get to it. I've had all of 'em in the location out, to clean and reseat. I think this thread lays it out?

ID of Relays Behind Dash

EDIT CONTENT: oops,..the thread doesn't denote the year car (sorry). I'll try and have a look under mine.

Best,

GrowIt · 07:27 AM

Excellent and thank you very much. I did not find that thread when I searched prior to me starting this thread. This is the exact problem .
I will report my fix when complete.
Thanks again to all.

GrowIt · 05-13-2008, 04:43 PM

Wow this was easy! - Thanks to everyone!
Ended up being the Flasher relay. I found the relay at Carquest #FSH 7060. I would have purchased from PP but was convinced it was more than just a relay (Please support Pelican Parts when possible).
The one I purchased is a very cheap feeling part from Japan. But it works and I need the vehicle this weekend.
Thanks again to all for the direction.
Kevin