Front turn signal bulb question

[lucifer572]

'86 Carerra Coupé.

So my turn signals all work as expected. Recently I started getting the fast blink when signaling a right turn after the front passenger side turn signal bulb burned out. The parking light filament was still good. Bought the correct bulbs and replaced both turn signal lights in the front.

After replacing the bulbs the drivers side lights work fine as before but I still get the fast blink for the passenger side. Only the rear light blinks (fast) and no blink on the front. The light still only works for parking lights. I checked the fuse and all appears normal. What gives?

On a side note, I'm looking to replace the socket for the drivers side front parking light (the side light). Can you purchase just the socket without the wiring?

[Algernon]

I bet the front passenger side socket, or the wiring just before it are causing the trouble. Test for voltage at the socket pin! Then check the harness.

[lucifer572]

Roger

[1990C4S]

Are you sure the wattage of your bulbs is correct?

[lucifer572]

Yes, I checked and rechecks the bulbs sold at FLAPS. I kept the original German bulbs as reference. Do you know what they're supposed to be?

[1990C4S]

I do not recall the correct size, but I do know when I was not careful I had a similar, if not the same, issue.

[lucifer572]

Well before I learn how to use a volt meter I'll try some different bulbs.

[Algernon]

Originally Posted by lucifer572

Well before I learn how to use a volt meter I'll try some different bulbs.

The bulbs you should be using will have 2 filaments, as you noticed. This also means the bulb will have 2 metal contacts in the base, and the locating pins sticking out from the sides of the base are NOT symmetrical. So the bulb can only go in one way. If you look into the bulb socket, in the car, you will see 2 pins that will line up with the bulb contacts when it is inserted. Get a Multimeter, and set it on 20 Volts range. Put the emergency flashers on, but leave this bulb socket empty. Then take the multimeter probes, the black one to the lamp housing, and the red one to carefully touch one of the 2 pins in the socket. The multimeter should jump from 12v to 0v in time with the flashing of the other bulbs. If not, carefully probe the other pin instead, with the red probe. If you get one of them to jump to 12v and back to 0v, then power is getting to the pin - great! This is fault condition "A". If neither gives a jumping voltage, you have condition "B".
Condition B means the fault is in the wiring or back of the socket.
If condition A, than the pin in the socket is the problem. It either needs carefully cleaning (With all systems turned off!), or the pin is sticking in. This requires a new socket!! However, adding solder to the bulb contact will fix it.
Let us know what you find!

[lucifer572]

THIS IS WHY ALL YOU PELICAN GUYS ARE Die Scheiße!!!!!!!!!!
Strippers and shots for everyone.

I'll check that and let you know.

As a routine, we spend so mix time going thru forums that don't really answer a question. But low and behold Algernon hooks me up with some solid Intel. Thanks boys. Heading out to get tasered by the p-car now.

[lucifer572]

Looks like for my issue was a Condition B. Cleaned the wiring behind the socket with some dielectric grease and Bob's your Uncle. Thanks again.