Turn Signal Indicators inoperable???

BOB-O

Daily Driver
Apr 17, 2007
35
0
0
North -O- Houston
The turn signal indicators on my '80 Malibu don't work most of the time. Where do I start looking for the problem? The turn signals work fine but the indicators just don't show up on the dash.
 

Doober

Moderator
Jun 2, 2003
14,704
1
38
Catalina, AZ
www.cardomain.com
First thing to check would be the bulbs in the cluster. It's possible the bulbs could be bad, the traces on the plastic circuit board are bad or there's just some corrosion that isn't allowing good contact. They're either a 168 or 194 bulb. 168 is a slightly lower wattage and there's less risk of heating/melting something (not that it would necessarily happen if you used a 194).
 

BOB-O

Daily Driver
Apr 17, 2007
35
0
0
North -O- Houston
Thanx, I'll look into that tomorrow. I thought about the bulbs but some times they work. but I'll look into it anyways. I can also look in the circuit board. hope its just corrosion.
 

388bu

Top Fueler
May 27, 2003
3,228
0
36
Huntley, il
www.shiftn6.com
Do your actual turn signals work 100% of the time? Or is it only the indicators giving you problems? If not, it might be in the switch behind the steering wheel.

Not too hard to check assuming you have a puller.
 

BOB-O

Daily Driver
Apr 17, 2007
35
0
0
North -O- Houston
I fixed the problem. It had corrosion on the contacts on the circuit. I went ahead and cleaned the bulb sockets with some 1000 grit sand paper. I also took the liberty of cleaning the rest of the contacts in the gauge cluster. The left turn signal didn't work at first. I pulled it back out and wiped it down one more time. Put the bulb back in and it started to work.

Big thanx to Doober for leading me in the right direction. And thanx to every one else who chimed in. I really appreciate the help guys, for realz.
 

racecar77

Pro Stocker
Aug 11, 2007
2,438
0
0
Crete,IL
388bu said:
Do your actual turn signals work 100% of the time? Or is it only the indicators giving you problems? If not, it might be in the switch behind the steering wheel.

Not too hard to check assuming you have a puller.

Craig, Haven't seen you on here in ages. Welcome back. Lee
 

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