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Temperamental Turn Signals

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by TuxParkIV, Nov 30, 2019.

  1. Nov 30, 2019
    TuxParkIV

    TuxParkIV Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Lanexa VA
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    Two years ago I started on the shade tree rebuild of this old 65 CJ5. One of the first things I did was get all the lights working. Including turn signals. After the brakes were rebuilt, re-wired the rear lights again.
    All worked good.

    Nearly every time I work on the Jeep the turn signals stop working. One or the other or both. Then start working with no real repair done.

    This has gone on for as long as I have had it on the road. A year plus. I routinely test signal lights before each drive. Usually all good.

    Today I replaced the battery. Laughed to my wife turn signals are out again. Different this time. Jeep running the lights do not work. Key in on position not running the lights work.

    I think the Jeep gave me a clue that I may have a failing ignition switch?

    Thanks for reading, maybe more of a rant than a question.
     
  2. Nov 30, 2019
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    By "lights" are you referring here to the turn lights, or the running lights, or both? From the thread title, I suppose it is still the turn lights.
     
  3. Nov 30, 2019
    TuxParkIV

    TuxParkIV Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Lanexa VA
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    Correct just turn signals are the issue. Again, running lights brakes head lights and highs are all good. Tomorrow they may all work.
     
  4. Nov 30, 2019
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    cordele, Ga.
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    Could be your flasher is getting tired.
     
  5. Nov 30, 2019
    TuxParkIV

    TuxParkIV Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Lanexa VA
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    I will give that a try. I believe I have a spare. Thank you.
     
  6. Dec 1, 2019
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
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    It took me a couple years to sort it out but I finally got it. I kept having turn signal problems, which means brake light, problems too. One brake light would not work, or then it would work, or one blinker would not work or it would work??? Finally one day my Buddy told me you got to do something with your brake lights. one works sometimes and not others, sometimes the turn signal works and not others, OK. Well after looking at the whole thing, pulling and pushing connections, on again , off again, on again, I finally narrowed it down to the Spartan, Bullet Plugs. The Spartan turn signal has a set of double male Bullet plugs with a tube plug on the fire wall right by the heater inside the engine compartment. They are as old as the Jeep, 55 years old. They had corroded up, the lead was covered with a white flaky stuff going into the tubes where they spliced, I took each one apart, one at a time, and sanded them with sand paper and blew them off and put them back together, and now they have worked for about 5-6 years no problems. I hope this helps you fix yours, without all the testing I had to do. Good Luck.
     
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  7. Dec 1, 2019
    TuxParkIV

    TuxParkIV Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Lanexa VA
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    Took a look this morning, I have a Gates replacement indicator. I saw some posts with wiring on them in a search.

    I have 12 volts coming in, with key on. Lights flashing start it 12 goes to 0 no lights. I will have to look at the schematic and follow that 12 volts. See if that flasher is tired or ignition switch is tired.
    Thanks.
     
  8. Dec 1, 2019
    Beach66Bum

    Beach66Bum 1966 Tuxedo Park Mark IV 2024 Sponsor

    Big Island on...
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    Excellent post Rick! (y):beer:
     
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  9. Dec 1, 2019
    TuxParkIV

    TuxParkIV Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Lanexa VA
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    Rick,
    Wow, we have twin Jeeps! Lol
    Great post!

    I think I accidentally narrowed it down today. Had the flashers on with key in accessory position. All lights happily flashing. Started Jeep nothing. Tapped the ignition switch and the flashers came back on.

    Everything worked again as it should. Poor connection or switch. Both 55 years old, it happens. Explains the don't work do work situation.
     
  10. Feb 6, 2020
    TuxParkIV

    TuxParkIV Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Lanexa VA
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    Update from December.
    I came across MauryWhurt post
    Rebuilding an original Jeep ignition Switch.

    Not sure how to post a link to it. I followed the post minus the new parts. Cleaned lubed tested installed works good. Haven't had it in long to be sure all is ok yet.
    I do know what to do if it returns thanks to that post.
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2020
    Beach66Bum likes this.
  11. Feb 11, 2020
    Steve's 70-5

    Steve's 70-5 Active Member

    Louisville, Ky
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    When you put connections back together use Dielectric Grease. Look at grounds too
     
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