Turn Signal Testing

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Turn Signal (indicators) problems?

Specific bulb doesn't light up

Remove the lens and twist the bulb out. Inspect it for:

* broken filament
* Loose glass 
* Corrosion of socket

Clean any corrosion with a wire brush and contact cleaner like Deoxit spray. Be sure to clean the bulb contact metal as well as the light socket.

Replace any damaged bulb.

One Side Flashes

The right & left sides are semi-independent. If one side works OK, but the other doesn't, then the Flasher Unit is good, but a bulb or wiring for that side is bad.

Verify that all three bulbs on the side are OK.

• Front t/s lamp
• Rear t/s lamp
• dash t/s lamp

Replace any damaged bulb.

Indicators Flash Slowly

The flasher units are load-dependent. So if the load is not correct -- for example, if one of the three bulbs is burned out -- it will not operate correctly.

See section above on checking the lamps.

If the problem continues, follow the "Does Not Flash" section below.

Indicators Do Not Flash

The flasher units are load-dependent. So if the load is not correct it will not operate correctly.

• One bulb burned out. See above section.

• Flasher unit is incorrect part number. Most flasher units look identical, so check the Part Number on the flasher, and replace if it is the wrong type.
  • For the Datsun 1200:

    T/S flasher unit: 25520-89901

    Hazard flasher unit: 25520-89990

  • For a more detailed list of compatible parts, see Turn Signal part numbers.

• Flasher and Hazard units are swapped. Check the part numbers and swap them around correctly. See Flasher Location

  

• Flasher unit is broken. Test it. See Troubleshooting section below.

• Wiring problems. Trace it per Troubleshooting section below.

Fuse Blows

Fuse blows when T/S lever is activated left or right. Possible causes include:

• Incorrect fuse. For a Datsun 1200, the T/S fuse is the 15A Hazard/Horn/Stop fuse. If a smaller fuse is installed, replace with the correct 15A size.

• The t/s switch (which is inside the steering column) may be loose. Tighten the switch, replace the fuse, and test again.

First Checks

1. Verify that the HORN/STOP Fuse is 15A and not blown.
2. Verify that all three bulbs on each side are OK.
   • Front t/s lamp
   • Rear t/s lamp
   • dash t/s lamp

   Replace any damaged bulb.

3. Verify that all lamp sockets are OK, and not corroded
4. Pull connectors off the flasher units, clean with Deoxit, and put back on.

Hazards Flash, T/S Do Not

The Hazards and the Turn Signals use the same lamps, but different fuses. So if they flash on one, but not the other, your lamps are good, but likely a fuse is out. Check the Fuse Box.

HAZARD - 'H' Fuse 15A (Horn/Stop/Hazard)
TURN - 'M' Fuse 10A (Meter/Reverse/Regulator)

Troubleshooting

Test The Wiring

In Datsuns, lighting circuit wires are usually Green (or green with various color stripes).

See Lamp_Wiring#Turn_Signals

Test Flasher Unit

1. Turn key ON
2. Pull T/S lever to the left
3. Short the flasher terminals with a screw driver.
   • If ALL the left-side lights come on (Front, Rear, and dash), the system is good, except for the flasher unit. Replace the Flasher
   • If only some of the three left light work, check the non-working lights (see section "Specific bulb doesn't light up" above)
4. Repeat with switch on Right-side position