Turn Signal and Buzzing Issues
 

In addition to difficulty with starting (it takes 8-10 attempts for the engine to turn over), I have the following problems:

1. There is a buzzing/crackling sound that seems to be coming from behind the dash or bulkhead when the ignition is turned to the on position.

2. If the hand brake is engaged, in addition to the alternator light, the red brake light on the tach and left arrow glow continuously even without the left turn signal engaged. There is also an additional high-pitched buzz/whine.

3. Once the left turn signal is engaged, the red brake light on the tach and the left arrow glow continuously, but slightly dimmer. The left corner lights do not blink. The pitch of the buzz/whine increases.

4. Once the right turn signal is engaged, the red brake light on the tach blinks, the left arrow goes dark and the right arrow does not light. The right corner lights work appropriately. The buzz/whine resolves.

Hazard lights work appropriately.

With respect to the buzzing/crackling sound, I am wondering if it may be the fuel pump relay.

With respect to the high-pitched sound, I am thinking it may be a ground issue. The turn signal assembly is less than a year old.

I have read numerous threads with similar, but not identical, symptoms. I will begin chasing grounds, loose wires and clean contacts throughout the system.

I just wanted to post this to see if anyone has other suggestions or a magic bullet.

Thanks in advance.

what year car?

Good Lord! Can't believe I forgot to include that.

1973.5 T

Sorry. And thanks.

When you say "it takes 8-10 attempts for the engine to turn over" are you saying you have to move the key that many times before the starter finally engages, or are you saying that they starter is engaging all the time, it just takes 8-10 tries before the engine fires up?

When you hear the buzzing/crackling sound, you should be able to lightly touch the relay and feel a vibration on a relay that s doing it. Can you try that and report which is making that sound? Be careful, just lightly touch the plastic housing of the relay.

Oh, and did the turn signal switch that you replaced a year ago ever work correctly?

Items 1-4 lead me to the emergency flasher relay (behind the dash?). That relay is used for turn signals, hazards, and if I read the schematic for a 1973 correctly the brake warning light. Most of your issues appear to be related there. I would check the grounding for that relay or the operation of the relay itself.

I would also be checking the turn signal switch connections.

I had the same problem, it made me totally crazy!
I even thought for a moment to replace all the electric wires of the car.
In fact, it was the fuse of the blinking unit that was completly oxidized.
I have changed all the fuses and since I have never had any problem like this one.

Buzzing sound.
 

^^^^^
Yes, along with an open ground are the suspects.

Also, recheck your turn signal connections.

Gerry