turn signals FJ40

I am currently trying to get my 1975 FJ-40 ready for Texas state inspection. The only problem I am having is the drivers side turn signal is malfunctioning. When the blinker is activated on that side, it just burns steady. The passenger side works just fine. When the hazards are activated, both sides flash properly. The drivers side turn signal is new. I have tried replacing all the bulbs. Any suggestions as to what may be wrong?

Sometimes mine does this and when I rev up the engine slightly it begins to work properly. Try putting in a new flasher as they measure current draw and can become out of spec. as they get old. The lights can all be good but the current draw in the wiring on one side might make the flasher work while the other side is off just enough to act like a bulb is burned out.

If I ever have any blinker problems at all I always put in a new flasher first. They're cheap and easy to change, and usually the problem.

GROUND.....GROUND....GROUND......GROUND......GROUN D

Anytime you have an electrical problem, always check the GROUND first!!!!!!! Most electrical problems can be fixed by making sure there is a good ground connection. Inorder to have a good ground, you must have bare metal-to-metal contact. Of course this bare metal-to-metal contact also leads to rust and corrosion which is what causes flakey grounding and things to not quite work properly.

I would check the ground connection at the following places: base of the light bulb, were the light mounts to the fender, the 2 plugs at the wiring harness, and most importantly, at the fuse panel. All it takes is a little sand paper to clean up a rusty ground connection.

Good luck.

--Eric

I agree with the diagnosis of a bad ground. My cruiser front fenders were so rusty that I ran a seperate ground wire up to each turn signal. They work great now although they're being held on the fenders with bailing wire.

I just wanted to note that I thought it humorous when I read about your left turn signal not working. Mine does that too, it usually works for a week, goes off for a week, and so on. I'm sure it is a short. The way I see it though, better the left turn signal going out than the right. If you turn left you can just point out your window to the left, but if it's the right you have to point your arm straight up and nobody knows what the heck you're doing. They just get mad because you didn't use your signal.

Well, that's my two cents.
James Luntz
'76 FJ40
16 and not a care in the world (Except for my TLC)
that has got to be some kind of oxy-moron