Author Topic: 78 TA - Wiring Issues - Blinkers  (Read 2927 times)

TonysTA

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78 TA - Wiring Issues - Blinkers
« on: March 15, 2021, 06:14:55 PM »
Hi,

I am at the wiring phase of my restoration and having some issues I could use some pointers with. Here is what works / doesn't. I already swapped out flasher relay and turn signal relays. I can hear them 'clinking when I test so I suspect they are good. Sometimes issues are related, so if you could help me fix one, the others may fix themselves.

1.  My driver side front marker light does not flash when I put the blinker on. It's extremely faint . This same marker light works just fine when I turn on the exterior lights so I know the bulb is good.

Here is a video showing:
https://1drv.ms/v/s!ArwKVRvkdHS6g6UeYWwdzLuYyldlFw?e=ply9Ow

2. Passenger side blinker works fine, all lights operate as they should with 1 question - should the rear side marker lights flash with the turn signal? Mine don't, but will flash with the hazards.

3. When driver side blinker is on, BOTH rear tail lights blink.

4. When headlights are on, the driver side blinker doesn't work at all. The relay doesn't make any clinking sound until I kill the headlights. Passenger blinker works when headlights are on.

5. Lastly, when hazards are on, both side front markers flash weak like in the video. I know both bulbs are good.

Thanks




aussieta

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Re: 78 TA - Wiring Issues - Blinkers
« Reply #1 on: March 15, 2021, 07:28:24 PM »
sounds like a missing ground wire
1 front side marker is an indicator only, if it is lighting up it is getting back emf voltage
2 rear side marker is a clearance light only should not flash at all, see above
3 missing ground back emf
4 missing ground
5 missing ground
1978 Y84 W72 WS6
A Camaro looks like it could kick your ass.
A Trans Am looks like it's coming over to do it

TonysTA

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Re: 78 TA - Wiring Issues - Blinkers
« Reply #2 on: March 16, 2021, 06:30:29 PM »
Thanks Aus. I checked all the grounds and also all the bulbs. I had 1 bad bulb but the real problem was I was using 1156 when I should have been using 1157 in the rear taillights, that fixed it. The two look similar and fit the same so I can see why I made the mistake.

Does anyone know if the reverse lights are supposed to come on only when the engine is running? I was trying to test them tonight with the engine off and they wouldn't come on. I don't have my seats installed at the moment and don't want to start the car until I have them back in for my own safety. I am hoping this is the case.

Thanks

aussieta

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Re: 78 TA - Wiring Issues - Blinkers
« Reply #3 on: March 16, 2021, 06:41:25 PM »
reverse lights come on when ignition on reds or running ,and in reverse
1978 Y84 W72 WS6
A Camaro looks like it could kick your ass.
A Trans Am looks like it's coming over to do it

b_hill_86

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Re: 78 TA - Wiring Issues - Blinkers
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2021, 06:50:11 PM »
It may be missing the backdrive linkage. If so, reverse lights won’t function. As mentioned they should work as long as the ignition is on, regardless of if the engine is running.
-Brian-

1977 Trans Am 400 4 speed

Re: 78 TA - Wiring Issues - Blinkers
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2021, 06:50:11 PM »

aussieta

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Re: 78 TA - Wiring Issues - Blinkers
« Reply #5 on: March 16, 2021, 07:19:50 PM »
1156 and 1157 should have different pins on the side and should not fit
and as you found 1156 is single element 1157 is dual
1978 Y84 W72 WS6
A Camaro looks like it could kick your ass.
A Trans Am looks like it's coming over to do it

TonysTA

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Re: 78 TA - Wiring Issues - Blinkers
« Reply #6 on: March 17, 2021, 05:51:26 AM »
Thanks for the replies, will check the linkage. Somehow I managed to fit the 1156's where I should not have - it may explain why they were so tight in the sockets ;)

Thanks for your help!

firebirdparts

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Re: 78 TA - Wiring Issues - Blinkers
« Reply #7 on: March 17, 2021, 12:57:27 PM »
It's possible to fit the single filament bulb and it's also possible to put the correct bulb in upside down.  You have to look down in there and really think it over.
I want to be like Paul Kenny when I grow up
Joe Bays
1977 Y82 4-speed (red interior)
1978 Skybird 350
1978 Redbird 305
1979 Redbird 301 4-speed
1992 Lincoln Mark VII LSC/SE (red)
1970 Datsun Pickup
1953 Chevy pickup (converted 4x4)
1988 T-bird Turbo Coupe

Re: 78 TA - Wiring Issues - Blinkers
« Reply #7 on: March 17, 2021, 12:57:27 PM »
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