Signal flasher relay

[HighwayThunder]

Does anyone know where to locate the turn signal relay? Under the dash somewhere, but where? Can't find it.

Thanks,
Cheers

[jopizz]

It's on the driver side. Look to the left of the steering column.

John

[HighwayThunder]

John,

Thank you so much. It was right where you said it was.

Cheers,
Richard

[jopizz]

You're welcome. If the relay is bad I've used a newer type and made short jumper wires from the plug to the new relay.

John

[HighwayThunder]

OK, so the turn signal relay is nigh impossible to get out unless you have very small hands. I did finally extract it and replaced it with a new relay from Bird's Nest. But the signals still don't work! However improbable, could be that the new part is faulty OR there has to be another explanation, although I don't see what. The wiring is correct andindeed the signals were working until they suddenly weren't.

Anyone have a suggestion?

Cheers,
Richard, having a Hilton Headache

[jopizz]

Why did you assume it was the relay. Most of the turn signal problems are due to corrosion in the parking light sockets or issues with the turn signal relay or motor in the sequential unit. Everything goes through there first including the front signals. That's much more common than a bad relay. Relays are very easy to test with a cheap voltmeter. That will save you money buying unnecessary parts. I would check the parking light sockets.

John

[jopizz]

When you say the turn signals don't work is that all the turn signals or just the indicators on the top of the fenders. The relay you replaced only controls the indicators. All the other turn signals are controlled by the sequential unit.

John

[HighwayThunder]

The fender indicators actually operate via a wire that is electrically a branch of the bumper indicators (I know this from working to get the signals operational in the first place). You are correct in that the relay operates the signal lamps in the front of the car, whereas the "music box" assembly in the trunk operates the rear sequential indicators.

What I haven't yet considered is the steering column switch itself.

However, I have a new problem-- one that I can fix but a distraction nonetheless. Yesterday afternoon I took the car out to attend a CAP meeting. I didn't get too far when the engine suddenly died. No spark. Upon investigation I realized I had left a tool sitting on atop the distributor, which apparently shorted out the ignition electronics. Not sure yet how much damage. The distrib is a Pertronix (Hall effect "points") operating a capacitive discharge unit. Cost me $150 to have the car towed back to my garage. USAF trained me not to leave tools in airplanes, but I seem to have spaced out on my training.

Thank you for your advice -- it is hugely appreciated. I wish I had more to offer with regard to other members' tech questions.

With respect,
Richard

[jopizz]

Richard,

I don't know how your car is wired but the fender top indicators should not be wired to the front parking lights. They should go directly to the turn signal switch and are controlled by the relay under the dash you replaced. The front bumper signals and the rear lights are all controlled by the sequential unit. Refer to the wiring diagram in the Technical Resources Library to see how it works. Sorry to hear about your mishap. Hopefully it's just a module that was fried and it won't cost you too much to replace.

John