1971 CJ5 4-way flashers -- BIZZARE

I have been having trouble with my 4-way flashers. The regular directional signals work fine. The problem used to be that just the front drivers side would flash, and sometimes would go out. I replaced the flasher unit for both the 4-ways and the directionals while I was in there. Now the 4-ways all work, but only if the directional is on (right or left). If the directional is in the middle position it doesn't do a thing.

Any guesses?

 

These things had flashers? Where is the switch supposed to be? My only guess would be a grounding problem. Or you lost power to the 4 way flasher and it is getting feedback from the directionals. Good luck.

 

My guess is that it's (4-way) not wired rite. Did it ever work correctly?

 

The DOT required 4-way flashers starting in 1966 or 1967 as I recall. Certainly, I would expect a '71 CJ to have 4-way flashers from the factory.

Do you have the original steering column and turn signal switch? A '71 should have the black bus wheel and a Signal-Stat style TSS with the rubber wheel that rides on the steering wheel.

 

I don't know if it ever worked correctly. I inherited the Jeep about a year ago when my uncle passed way. It didn't work when I got it.

It does have the great big bus steering wheel and the turn signal control is on the left side. It's a long stick that extends off a little black box with a little green light on it. It doesn't turn itself off, and I always forget to turn it off...

 

This means you have the factory setup. Power for the warning flashers, directional signals and brake lights goes through the turn signal switch. There is a filament in the signal bulbs that is used for both directionals and brakes. When the directionals are on, and you press on the brake, the directional keeps flashing but the opposite side brake light comes on. The switch on the steering column handles this.

It sounds like there is something wrong with the directional switch, if the directionals work but the hazards don't. Someone here (Howard?) has a tutorial about repairing the directional switch. You could take the switch apart and see if anything obvious is broken. Hard to suggest much more without a schematic.

 

First thing I would do is make sure all grounds are good. This will require that you remove all the light fixtures on all four corners. Thoroughly clean all mounting bolts and mounting points on the body. You can not tell if a ground is good by looking at it. A bad/weak ground in any part of the system will show up as goofy behavior.

Next, follow the wires from the turn signal switch up under the dash. You will find a "pyramid connector". This is a black connector in the shape of a pyramid. It just pulls apart. Thoroughly clean the brass blades and sockets.

If the above doesn't fix the problem, then you'll have to go into the TS switch itself. Not a big deal, a pretty simple device, and there are tutorials on the net with pics if you google. I'd save going into the switch for last, as even with a perfectly operating switch, you will still get goofy light operation if your grounds aren't good, or the pyramid connector isn't clean.

 

Mine works just like the problem. It has all new wiring and grounds which did not change the operation. The original switch is wired in and those wires are still original through the steering column. My cancel does work. I have not opened the switch but may do that next.