Shorted out lights

Topic: Shorted out lights (Read 1594 times) previous topic - next topic

Shorted out lights

February 26, 2007, 11:10:59 AM

I think it started right after I went through a carwash. My left side blinkers work fine but when I activate the right ones the arrow on the dash comes on but doesn't blink. The front blinker comes on but also doesn't blink. My rear blinkers don't come on at all on the right side and neither does the right brake light. Any tips about where to start looking?

Shorted out lights

Reply #1 – February 26, 2007, 11:39:31 AM

I had this happen one time, just for a day when the car saw snow for the first time, after the car warmed up it stopped. i sorta think it had something to do with the cold, dunno.

Shorted out lights

Reply #2 – February 26, 2007, 12:02:29 PM

Change the front bulb that doesn't work.Or both.Possibly T-switch

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Reply #3 – February 26, 2007, 10:35:36 PM

What's a t-switch? :hick:

I kinda thought the problem would go away when it warmed up too but I had the car on a good drive today and it didn't unstick. Guess I'll be mulling over those hideous wiring diagrams.

Shorted out lights

Reply #4 – February 26, 2007, 10:56:46 PM

bulbs or grounds. Sounds simple to me :hick:

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Reply #5 – February 26, 2007, 11:12:33 PM

I'll bet. But this is my first time getting deep into the electrical system. Not looking forward to it.

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Reply #6 – February 27, 2007, 12:10:10 AM

ah dont worry, get GOOD diagrams, make sure your not color blind and can remember numbers, make sure you have a good digital multi-meter and have at it.

Shorted out lights

Reply #7 – February 27, 2007, 10:39:53 AM

Okay so sure enough I found 2 cracked bulbs in that taillight assembly. Might account for it. Must've happened on one of the car's more romantic encounters with the pavement (damm py roads). Trouble is though, when I tried to unscrew them they shattered on me. Good thing I was wearing gloves. I have to go to work soon now but maybe I'll go at them with pliers later.

Shorted out lights

Reply #8 – March 06, 2007, 11:03:08 PM

Yup. The original turn signal relay depends on the load from ALL the bulbs on each side to function. IF there's not enough current (blown bulb or bad connection), the bimetal spring in the relay won't heat up and break the circuit to flash the lamps. Have you noticed a really slow blink at times? The original relay in mine got so slow, it took forever between blinks, with NO lights out. First of all, do yourself a favor, and toss the original relay. Get a solid-state turn signal relay and plug it in. The relay is the round thing about 1 inch in diameter in the fuse block. Then you get 1/2 second on, 1/2 second off, reliably, EVERY time, regardless of how many bulbs are blown. This was a "built-in-lamp-check", not a problem, if you ask a Ford stealership. Front turnies are nice, but back ones much more important for lane changes on a busy interstate. It just lets Alabama drivers know it's time to speed up and not let you over. I get to say that, because I AM an Alabama driver.

Oh yeah, one more thing. My old duck is the same blue as yours, with the same pinstripes. About the only difference I can see is yours has the wire wheel covers. Mine had the cheapo immitation molded wheels. Faked me out thinking they were aluminum when I bought it until I pulled one off the first time and saw the steel inside. Idiots at tire shops have spun holes in the center caps twice now on the fake lugs on the cap. GEEZ!! Any idea how hard those things are to find?

Shorted out lights

Reply #9 – March 08, 2007, 08:52:23 AM

Quote

I think it started right after I went through a carwash.
My rear blinkers don't come on at all on the right side...

Hot bulb + cold water = kablooie.

My left side lens isn't quite attached to the housing properly, and it leaks a bit. Almost every time I go through the wash, the same bulb pops. I really should pull the assembly and silicone it up again.

Shorted out lights

Reply #10 – March 09, 2007, 08:59:32 PM

Sorry I didn't update

Replacing those 2 bulbs did indeed fix the problem.
Actually I have noticed the blinkers going pretty slowly sometimes. Doesn't make me feel particularly safe. I may try what you suggested.
Lol. You know I actually did have those wire wheel covers originally. Cheap plastic things were busted up and looked like to me. It's hard to tell from that picture but those are actually "spoked edge" ones with the large Tbird logo imprinted in them. Salvaged from the junkyard. I'm actually planning to have them chromed, I think they'll look awesome.