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Topic: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5 (Read 523 times) previous topic - next topic
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Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Hi All,
Just noticed my turn signals are not working. I could have sworn they were working before (had the LD about 3 months now) but they are not working on the rear of the vehicle or showing up on the dash console. My hazards however are working, so I figured it’s probably not a fuse issue. If I fiddle with the turn signal arm while driving I can get them to show up here and there, so the bulbs in the back definitely work. Any thoughts or experience with this issue? I’m thinking it’s a problem with some kind of switch in the steering column. I searched the forums but couldn’t find much on turn signal issues. Figured I’d go ahead and ask.
We’re on a big 5 week trip with the fam to some national parks out west. Would love to be able to fix it while out here. Thanks for any advice you got. I’m googling too. 👍
John
1999 26.5 Rear Bath

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #1
A 22 year old turn signal switch could easily be worn out.
Rock Auto show this switch as beig available.
1999 FORD ECONOLINE SUPER DUTY 6.8L V10 Turn Signal Switch | RockAuto
More Information for STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS DS936

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #2
Thanks Larry!
Appreciate it buddy! 👍
1999 26.5 Rear Bath

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #3
Hey All,
Finally got around to fixing this as we are going on a small trip next week.
Tried the turn signal arm replacement as suggested but that didn't do it. Did a little more research and found people discussing the turn signal/flasher relay sometimes being the culprit. Turns out that was it. Nice easy pop out pop in fix down near the fuse panel, driver's side near accelerator pedal.
Just wanted to update this thread in case it helps anyone in the future.
John
1999 26.5 Rear Bath

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #4
Thanks for the update, John!
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #5
So check this out guys, replacing the turn signal relay fixed the problem... for about 2 days. While we were on a trip to Sequoias/Kings Canyon the blinkers stopped working again. One minute they were working, the next minute they weren't. Any thoughts on what could be causing this? Seems to me that something must be causing the turn signal relay to short out or go bad. I guess its possible I got a bum new turn signal relay that was about to go out but I doubt it. I'm gonna keep hunting around the internet to see if I can find a solution, but if any of you good people see this and have a suggestion I'd love to hear it.
Thanks!
1999 26.5 Rear Bath

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #6
Hi JonDon;  I also have a '99 but a TK floorplan. I had my turn signals quit on a trip. Took a while but the signal relay had come unplugged just enough to quit, although it looked OK.  I unplugged it and plugged it back in, and it has been working since about a year ago.  You might want to check that wiring harness.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #7
Thanks RonB,
I had the same thought you did man, especially since the new after market signal relay I bought was not quite the right size so it didn't snap back into the secure spot the original had (although AutoZone assured me it was the proper part) so it had to kinda dangle there, but where I placed it it seemed like it didn't have any excessive downward pressure on it. It definitely is not the signal relay coming slightly unplugged, but maybe something further up in the wiring harness? It just seems strange that it is back to acting exactly like it did before I got the new relay; blinkers don't work but flashers work fine. I wish I hadn't thrown out the original relay, then maybe I could take the old and new one apart and see if there is an obvious visible problem inside.
Thanks for the advice though sir, much appreciated,
John
1999 26.5 Rear Bath

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #8

Hi JohnDon;  I'm hoping that you installed an aftermarket electronic flasher relay. I use the Grote 44892. Just replacing the load dependent Ford relay can just replicate the original failure. 
   The load dependent Ford relay would stop flashing, or flash real fast if you had a bulb burn out. Plus it was cheap to make.  An electronic flasher doesn't care about the load and will flash 1/2 second on, and 1/2 second off. The fuse protects it from shorted loads, and for opens it will still work at the same rate.   Amazon.com: Grote 44892 3 Pin Flasher (North American (JSO) Pinout) : Automotive
  It is a direct plug in replacement.  (Buying through Amazon with the link provided on the main page helps us pay for computer time to keep the Forum running)
   Let me know which flasher you did put in, that just worked for two days. (I trust Autozone to overcharge you for not the best quality parts.)  RonB

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RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #9
update on this issue:
Haven't really tried to fix this for a while, but we are heading out on a big trip in a about a month so figured I'd give it another shot. Bought a new flasher relay and installed it to see if that worked, nothing, still no blinkers. I checked the fuse box to see if the blinker flasher blew, it looked ok but had some corrosion on it so I changed it; magically the blinkers worked. Next day took the LD to a shop to get some maintenance done and lo and behold no blinkers again. I haven't gotten a chance to check the wiring harness RonB, but I'll try that next. Maybe this new info gives someone a fresh idea on what's going on? Seems pretty strange to me.
1999 26.5 Rear Bath

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #10
I'm quite sure your problem is different than my experience... but my blinkers also quit working some years ago, and much frustrating time was spent trying to fix them.
Then by mistake I discovered the problem was that the hydraulic jack levelers had the control box switch turned on.  When it was turned off the blinkers worked again!  What a surprise there was any connection!
Kristin
1997 MB

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #11
Hi Kristin, I'm glad you were able to figure out your issue! I'm sure it was frustrating trying to figure that one out.
I don't have hydraulic levelers so I can scratch that one off my list, but I wonder if my issue is something just as simple
I'm overlooking.
1999 26.5 Rear Bath

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #12
I checked the fuse box to see if the blinker flasher blew, it looked ok but had some corrosion on it so I changed it; magically the blinkers worked. Next day took the LD to a shop to get some maintenance done and lo and behold no blinkers again.

Since the turn signals came back to life with a new fuse, good chance you already found the problem, The fuse contacts or fuse box terminals are probably dirty and suffering from intermittent contacts. The safest approach is to take a fresh fuse, coat the contacts with dielectric grease and then plug the fuse in and out several times.

Larry
                        Amazon.com: Permatex 81150 Dielectric Tune-Up Grease, 0.33 oz. Tube : Tools...

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Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

 
Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #13
Thanks Larry, I will get myself some dielectric grease (never heard of it before, appreciate the advice) and see if I can get them to stay on permanently.
1999 26.5 Rear Bath

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #14
Thanks Larry, I will get myself some dielectric grease (never heard of it before, appreciate the advice) and see if I can get them to stay on permanently.

Dielectric grease  (also known as tune-up grease) coats the connector, preventing oxidation, it's thin and does not interfere with the connection.
I coat the terminals on all plugs and fuses with it.
Amazon.com: Permatex 22058 Dielectric Tune-Up Grease, 3 oz. Tube : Tools &...

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #15
Update on this problem guys; I took the LD for a brake job prior to our trip coming up in June, asked them to take a look at the blinkers if they could. Turns out there seems to be a disconnection right behind the fuse box. The mechanic showed me that if he fiddled with it a little, pushing it up and to the left he could get the blinkers to work. I still have to get in there and fix it but at least I know what’s wrong now. Looks like when I would change relays or fuses I would manipulate it just enough to get it to connect again and work for a bit, but then driving it would cause it to shake loose just enough to stop working. Haha!
1999 26.5 Rear Bath

Re: Turn signals not working on 99 RB 26.5
Reply #16
It's those intermittent problems that really gets the dander up!   >:(
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!