Front Turn Signal

[mcaden]

I have been tracking down a brake light indicator on a 1987 E30 vert I recently purchased. I have cleaned all socket connections and have correct bulbs in place. After checking everything, I am left with a fast blinkie in my front passenger side turn signal. Again, I added a proper, fresh bulb and cleaned out the socket. However, upon wiggling the connection in the back, it is affecting the brightness and the rear connection appears to be the weak link. I unplugged the rear connection and used wire connector/cleaner spray on each end. I also unplugged the bulb and pulled the prongs out a little.

I am still getting a fast blinkie. Is there anything else I can do to improve the connection at the rear of the housing (which upon wiggling still affects the connection)? I know this is a common problem upon my searching, but I didn't see the solution to improving the connection. I also tried to track down the ground for the passenger side front turn signal ground, but didn't see it on the passenger side fender. I thought it made sense to clean it up. Where is it located? As an aside, I do plan to replace the brake check switch behind the brake pedal... but I don't think that is the problem.

Much thanks for your assistance.

-Marc

[Cabriolet]

im having the exact same issue on my 1990 M. subscribing

[mrcheezle19]

I too am having the same issue, subscribed as well lol

[Rsully70sev]

Same issue here. One side faps rapidly, the other has a normal speed.

[agent]

I had a fast blinking right-hand signal after putting my car back together post-paint. The problem stayed with that same side when swapping bulbs so I was able to rule them out as potential culprits (even though they were both new). All I did was disconnect the plug (again) from the back of the front turn signal housing and plug it back in a couple of times, and it's been working correctly since.

A friend suggested to me that the grounds sometimes need to be redone for the front signals since they all have ~25 years of weather on them. If my issue recurs that's where I'm starting.

[jlevie]

A fast blink indicates that there is a higher than normal resistance in that turn signal circuit. It could be in a connector, bulb socket, ground, or wiring. Resistance checks with an ohmmeter should help locate the problem.

[jeffnhiscars]

When a bulb goes out it blinks fast which would seem to be less resistance. No ?

[oldmann]

Less resistance, fast flash, Run a ground to the turn signal socket, should tell you if thats the issue.

Or meter the ground from one side to the other, compare #s, not easy to find the ground fault, but CKing for a good ground is.

[jlevie]

When a bulb goes out it blinks fast which would seem to be less resistance. No ?

When a bulb burns out the resistance in the circuit goes to infinity (an open circuit).

[fronton]

I had this problem. One of the three prongs on the backside of the housing was busted down to a nip. Replace the housing.

[mcaden]

Thanks for the replies -- at least initially I thought it would make sense for me to clean up the grounding nut for the passenger side front turn signal. Does anyone know where it is located.

I will also look at the backside of the light housing more closely - as someone suggested. I actually think this may be the problem since simply wiggling the connection wire makes the light flicker erratically.

If all else continues to fail, I have a multimeter, so I can check for resistance in ohms. I appreciate your responses to my initial question and the follow-up questions.

-Marc

[tim88325is]

I had the same problem that would randomly come and go. I would bend the tabs in the housing for better contact, checked the wiring for nicks or problems, etc but it would eventually come back. I could make the fast blinking stop by reaching under and pushing on the back of the housing and connector but couldn't consistently fix it otherwise.

I ended just getting a new housing and the fast blinking went away 100%. Cost $30 or whatever but it was nice to have the turns signals work all the time.

[jeffnhiscars]

When a bulb burns out the resistance in the circuit goes to infinity (an open circuit).

Now I'll disagree. :)

Turn signals are wired in series so the flasher responds to the load from both bulbs to work properly. A fast flash means one bulb is out or a bad ground at the bulb socket 99% of the time...which is less resistance.

[jlevie]

Now I'll disagree. :)

Turn signals are wired in series so the flasher responds to the load from both bulbs to work properly. A fast flash means one bulb is out or a bad ground at the bulb socket 99% of the time...which is less resistance.

Turn signals bulbs are wired in parallel. When a bulb burns out, has a bad ground, connector/socket problem, etc., The resistance of that part of the circuit increases. That results in less current flow and a fast flash.

[mcaden]

I took another stab at resolving it today. I did the following:

1. Replaced brake light check behind brake pedal
2. Found the grounding nut on the driver's side fender by the headlight. It was a mess... thoroughly cleaned up everything.
3. Replaced turn signal fuse.
4. Tried to improve connection at turn signal housing

End result = fast blinkie. :(

I am pretty sure the problem is the connection at the turn signal housing and a replacement will fix the problem.

-Marc