Turn signals, Brake Lights/4 way flashers

[harann1023]

71 Challenger, had car for several years, just about finished getting it road worthy. When I obtained it, wires under dash were never completely connected. I am attempting to get everything working. So far I have headlamps, front and rear park lights, as well as side marker lights. I am having an issue with the brake lights/4 way flashers and turn signals. If I push brake pedal I get no brake lights (wires are connected to switch). If I pull 4 way flasher switch I can hear flasher under dash ticking however I get no lights front or rear. After about 5 seconds the 20 amp fuse blows. I am trying to figure out what some of the wires hanging up under dash go to but having a difficult time. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[js29]

welcome aboard! blowing fuses means you have a dead short some ware, as far as hanging wires goes you may need to get a Manuel. i got one from e bay on c-d i found it vary helpful. or get some pictures and post them so we can see what they are.

 

[harann1023]

I actually have a manual which includes wiring diagrams and the wiring diagrams are like reading chinese to me. lol

 

[harann1023]

 

[moparleo]

Two things to start. Thoroughly clean all connections, especially grounds. Apply dielectric grease to all contacts after cleaning. This will water proof and stop corrosion. Check and/or replace the turn signal switch in the column. The brake lights feed thru the turn signal switch.

 

[js29]

you could have a bad turn signal switch like moparleo said, and a dead short in the 4 way flashers also. the brake lights do feed through the turn signals, but don't blow the fuse. flashers are blowing the fuse,it sounds like your problem is there in the column. good news is it is all one unit. 4 ways and brake lights are hot all the time, turn signals are powered up when you turn on the ignition.

 

[harann1023]

some good stuff to work with. thanks guys!

 

[harann1023]

 

[harann1023]

 

[harann1023]

 

[harann1023]

Anyone recognize any of the wiring in the photos I posted ?

 

[js29]

classic car wiring . com has color coded diagrams. that might be your best bet.

 

[michael]

I know money doesn't grow on trees but I think I would invest in a new wiring harness under there. When I found my challenger thank goodness the wiring was in good shape with no monkeying around from the previous owners.

 

[moparleo]

Are you trying to start this car with the dash gauge cluster removed ? If so, why?

 

[michael]

When you get the wiring issues sorted out put a disconnect on the negative side of the battery. Car sits 99.999999% of the time plus my battery has been relocated to trunk acts as a half-assed theft deterent.

 

[harann1023]

Well, I believe I found the problem. Previous owner must have changed the turn signal switch, splicing and soldering the two wires, then wrapping them in black electrical tape. The electrical tape loosened up and slipped off one of the wires causing the wire to lay on the inside of steering column. This may have cause more damage down the line because I separated the wires and made sure they weren't coming in contact with anything, attempted to turn on 4 way flashers and blew a fuse. Turn signals still don't work either !! I will post some photos later this evening.

 

[harann1023]

 

[harann1023]

No moparleo, just trying to get turn signals, 4 way flashers, and brake lights to work.

 

[js29]

I have a brand new repop for 71-74 pm me just looking to get my money back out of it.