The Ford Torino Page Homepage
Forum Home Forum Home > Model Specific Forum > 1970-1971 Ford and Mercury
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Turn signal and headlights
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Turn signal and headlights

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
Firstimer View Drop Down
New Member
New Member


Joined: 28-June-2020
Location: Alberta
Status: Offline
Points: 8
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Firstimer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Turn signal and headlights
    Posted: 13-August-2021 at 2:42PM
Hi all. I'm starting to work through my 70 Torino Brougham and would like to get it to the point where I can safety it. Ontario Canada standards are fairly rigid. I have most of the items squared away but I am tackling an electrical problem that I can't narrow down.
All the lights work incl: turn, headlights, tail license plate, markers etc...but when I turn the headlights on, my left side markers have about half the voltage that the right side does and the front left running light is also very dull. When I turn the left turn signals on...nothing. Turn the right on, no issues. The left turn signal on the dash remains on from the moment I turn the headlights on, regardless of turn signal position.
I first thought of it as a ground issue. I checked the grounds in the trunk but I can't find any up front to check. Are there any?
After that I tried to see if it was a short between the markers and turn signals but I can't find anything. The only wiring I have not checked is under the dash.
Could this be a relay or turn signal switch issue or are there grounds I'm overlooking.
Help would be appreciated.
I don't think it matters, but the turn signal bulbs on the front are led bulbs as well as the back. I don't think that is the problem because the right side works fine headlights on or off, whereas the left side just doesn't want to cooperate with the headlights on.
Thanks again.
Back to Top
californiajohnny View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 05-October-2013
Location: winlock, wa
Status: Offline
Points: 14608
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13-August-2021 at 8:30PM
 there should be a ground wire on each side near the headlight
the dash bulb on with running lights on usually indicates a bulb out on that side either front or rear...
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE
74 VETTE CUSTOM
90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED
77 CELICA CUSTOM
75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED
79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED
75 VEGA V6 5 SPD
70 CHEV C10 P/U
68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION
Back to Top
Firstimer View Drop Down
New Member
New Member


Joined: 28-June-2020
Location: Alberta
Status: Offline
Points: 8
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Firstimer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-August-2021 at 1:15AM
Thanks for that. I've spent a few hours trying find the grounds up front. Nothing. The electrical diagram indicates there should be something but I can't find anything. The wiring harness looks original and I havnt found evidence of wiring mutilation...Well on the front end anyways.
Back to Top
72FordGTS View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group
Avatar
GTS.org Admin

Joined: 06-September-2005
Location: Ontario, Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 5841
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 72FordGTS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-August-2021 at 2:36AM
It does sound like a bad ground issue.  Like John says, there should be a ground somewhere near the end of the headlight harness. I am not sure in a '70 OTOH, but maybe a member with a 70-71 can post a pic.  Also check the turn signal sockets to make sure they are in good shape and making good contact.  If you have a regular bulb, it might be worthwhile to replace the LED just to rule out the LED as being the issue.

I am not sure what wiring diagram you are using, but we have a 1970 wiring diagram download here:

Vince

1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car

GTS.org Admin
Back to Top
Firstimer View Drop Down
New Member
New Member


Joined: 28-June-2020
Location: Alberta
Status: Offline
Points: 8
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Firstimer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-August-2021 at 2:55AM
Thanks for that link. That is the wiring diagram I have been using. I disconnected the turn signal socket from the main harness and am only getting about 4-5v at the connection with the headlights on. So it almost seems like something else in the system is causing low v9ltage to the turn signal and left markers. I'm not a wiring or electrical person at all so I could be wrong in my approach.
Back to Top
Rockatansky View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 30-July-2010
Location: On The Road
Status: Offline
Points: 6070
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rockatansky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-August-2021 at 5:38AM
IMO the 1st step when working a problem like this; remove & inspect every bulb for correct type and bench test each for function or just replace them straight away. at the same time inspect & test the sockets and be prepared to replace them as needed also

Yes there should be a ground near each headlight pigtail, they may be well hidden in the radiator core support. you might even have a better chance of finding them from under the car? the schematic shows the grounds coming off the high beam headlight on one side and the low beam on the other. and being a ground issue it can be coming from the back end of the car just as easily
72 GT Ute
   
Back to Top
californiajohnny View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 05-October-2013
Location: winlock, wa
Status: Offline
Points: 14608
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-August-2021 at 11:01AM
yes they are usually coming right off of the headlight connector, should be something similar at the tail lights too
4-5 volts? sounds like a corroded connection somewhere???  if it's been sitting a long time try working the switch off and on a bunch of times to scrape a clean connection!  could be the switch is bad...
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE
74 VETTE CUSTOM
90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED
77 CELICA CUSTOM
75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED
79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED
75 VEGA V6 5 SPD
70 CHEV C10 P/U
68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION
Back to Top
AUS GTS View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 26-July-2021
Location: Australia
Status: Offline
Points: 383
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AUS GTS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-August-2021 at 11:42AM
Had similar issues with mine that hadn't moved much for a couple of years...replaced flasher & a couple of faulty bulbs & cleaned up the sockets... came good after that.
Al
Back to Top
Firstimer View Drop Down
New Member
New Member


Joined: 28-June-2020
Location: Alberta
Status: Offline
Points: 8
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Firstimer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-August-2021 at 1:26PM
Thanks all. I've replaced all the marker lights and was able to get all turn signals and markers to work how they should when using the hazard lights with the headlights on...but the left turns still dont want to work as they should with the headlights on. I've gone through the front end with a fine tooth comb and havnt found any grounds. If anybody has a pic of their grounds on a 70/71 model I'd appreciate it. I will probably order a couple flasher relays tonight and the front turn signal sockets as they are starting to look a little rough. Pending the ground situation my next thought is the turn signal switch which I havnt touched yet at all. I tried to clean up all the connections too.
Back to Top
Big Bird View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 25-August-2013
Location: New York
Status: Offline
Points: 4194
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Bird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15-August-2021 at 6:42AM
First, take all the LEDs out. Every last one. Put in real bulbs and try the lights again. LEDS are finicky about current. Voltage and amperage, iffy connections, dirty contacts.
"What we do in full frontal view, is more honest than your cleaned-up mind."
Randy
1979 T-Bird
2005 F-150 STX RCSB 4.6, 3.55 LSD
How the Heck does a REGULAR CAB SHORTBED weigh over 5200 pounds?
Back to Top
Rockatansky View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 30-July-2010
Location: On The Road
Status: Offline
Points: 6070
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rockatansky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15-August-2021 at 8:46AM
trace the black wires from the headlight pigtail connectors, as the diagram shows 1 on each side will be your grounds

or verify which of the headlight connector wires are the grounds and test with temporary jumpers to Bat -

have you compared voltages at the headlight bulbs?
72 GT Ute
   
Back to Top
handsofstone View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 13-April-2018
Location: Northeast
Status: Offline
Points: 3946
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote handsofstone Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15-August-2021 at 11:46AM
The grounds are on the radiator support. Each side near the headlights. Someone may have missed grounding at some point.
Back to Top
Firstimer View Drop Down
New Member
New Member


Joined: 28-June-2020
Location: Alberta
Status: Offline
Points: 8
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Firstimer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16-August-2021 at 3:37PM
Good news. It's all sorted. It ended up being the little led bulbs in the front turns. As soon as I replaced those everything worked like a charm. On another note, I still can't find any grounds from my headlight pig tails. I'm assuming something must have been done at at some point to change the original setup. Basically every front light wire disappears into an electrical tape wrapped wiring harness with the only black lead protruding to the surge protector box near the starter coil. I've spent hours trying to find the grounds and short of removing the current harness, I lost the battle. Either way, problem solved for the time being but it would still be nice to see what OE looks like for reference.
Back to Top
AUS GTS View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 26-July-2021
Location: Australia
Status: Offline
Points: 383
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AUS GTS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16-August-2021 at 5:19PM
......Smile good stuff
Al
Back to Top
Rockatansky View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 30-July-2010
Location: On The Road
Status: Offline
Points: 6070
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rockatansky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17-August-2021 at 11:25AM
that's wild Wacko
72 GT Ute
   
Back to Top
handsofstone View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 13-April-2018
Location: Northeast
Status: Offline
Points: 3946
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote handsofstone Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17-August-2021 at 12:27PM
For LED bulbs have to a new flasher.  The 194 replacements that you need have 5 lights on each bulb. I don't think you can mix and match them. I did all my tail, turn, and markers with LED and no issues.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.06
Copyright ©2001-2023 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.189 seconds.