1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Turn signals/hazards dont work.

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Old 08-08-18, 08:35 PM
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Turn signals/hazards dont work.

My turn signals and hazards only seem to work when they feel like it. I've checked fuses, connections and the switch and everything seems fine. Anyone could point where what/where to double check?

P.S. headlights, break lights, clock light work all fine.

Last edited by RotoricanNY; 08-08-18 at 08:38 PM. Reason: Extra info
Old 08-09-18, 01:41 AM
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Under the steering column, in the Driver's side footwell, there's a blinker relay which can sometimes fail, resulting in the Turn Signals not working correctly. Since the Hazards use the same relay, when it gets stuck (sometimes sticks on), then the Hazards won't work, either. If ONLY the Hazards don't work, then the Hazard Switch is probably corroded and needs to be cleaned. Be aware that taking apart the steering binnacle to try and remove the turn signal stalk and it's associated switches should be done carefully, as there are several small steel ***** which form the detents, along with a lot of brittle plastic parts which don't like to be assaulted.

Best bet is to get your head in the Driver's side footwell the next time the blinkers are working properly, and you'll hear the clicking of the relay which controls them. Unscrew the mount, remove the connector, and you can pull it apart for cleaning internally. Typically, they're just old and carbon can build up which prevents a good connection. I've also had them stick closed, so when you apply Turn Signal in either direction, the lights just come on and stay on. A good cleaning with electrical switch solvent does the trick.

As an aside, if you have turn signal bulbs burned out, the Turn Signals will blink faster; this is because the relay uses the resistance of the bulbs to slow the switching mechanism. Post back if you can't find it, or if this advice works for you,
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Old 08-09-18, 11:56 AM
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What's driving me crazy is that sometimes work just fine for days on end and sometimes they dont work at all for days on end. If I hit the hazard switch nothing happens or if I use the turn signal nothing happens. Everything else works fine except for my dash lights, but I think I narrowed thay down to a bad dimmer switch. I'll see if I can find thay box by the dead pedal that you're talking about. Thank you for the info.
Old 08-09-18, 12:13 PM
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Could be a cold solder joint on the PCB.
Old 08-09-18, 01:04 PM
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bro we ricans... we dont use turn signals lol
Old 08-09-18, 03:56 PM
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Originally Posted by jeff20b
could be a cold solder joint on the pcb.
pcb?
Old 08-09-18, 04:29 PM
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pcb=Printed Circuit Board
Old 08-09-18, 06:20 PM
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Originally Posted by GSLSEforme
pcb=Printed Circuit Board
as in the computer? Sorry dont know much about the electronics on these cars.
Old 08-10-18, 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by RotoricanNY
pcb?
he is referring the circuit board for the console where the speedo, tach and warning lights are. I would check the blinker relay as mentioned and make sure its working and not stuck on or off when this happens.
Old 08-12-18, 08:58 PM
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Sounds like the actual combination switch unit to me. Take the steering column apart, take off the steering wheel and then remove the signal stalk unit. Remove the unit that has the hazard switch on it, then is the part to be careful as LongDuck mentioned.. Bend the tabs up holding the unit together and take it apart, clean the circuit board and apply dielectric grease and put it back together being very aware of the two small steel ***** and their position. Make sure you bend the tabs back in so they are tightly holding the unit together. Test it's physical function making sure the hazard clicks on and off, then you can test it's electrical function before you put it all back together if you'd like.. otherwise throw it all back together and hopefully it fixes your problem. If it doesn't, then you still performed a nice maintenance to the car that will last a good time and you can rule out it being an issue.
Old 08-15-18, 04:48 PM
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Thanks everyone
Old 08-22-18, 05:13 PM
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Hazards help

I have an 83 rx7 I have everything changes to an 85 harness and have everything working except the hazards the original hazards switch was in the steering column but I have the switch on the side I want that one to work. Who can I brige or how do I go about getting that to work
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