Left blinker does not work if lights are on

Tiny
KELLY SUSA
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET EXPRESS
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
I had brake light/taillight issues and ended up replacing both rear wiring harnesses. Those are both new. Now, both blinkers blink fast and when the lights are turned on, the left blinker in the rear does not work. Hazards do work. Right side works. All my research has said it’s a grounding issue, but the ground on the inside of the van is clean and well connected.
Thursday, May 7th, 2020 AT 3:36 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,097 POSTS
Hi,

The idea that they flash fast indicated an open circuit at some point. By any chance, have LED light used to replace incandescent lighting?

As far as the ground, I attached a picture. Note there is a splice in the wire. What I need you to do is check for resistance in the ground wire. The splice could be weak and causing issues.

If the splice is good and bulbs are OEM, chances are it is related to the multi function switch. I noted that you replaced the wiring harnesses on both rear sides. Is the problem the same now as it was before you replaced them?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, May 7th, 2020 AT 8:36 PM
Tiny
KELLY SUSA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The prior issue was no brake lights when the lights are on, the new harnesses seem to have solved that issue. We pulled everything apart and looked at it and tested, there was a loose bulb on the right side, but nothing else was wrong. Put it back together and everything works! Doesn’t make any sense to me but it’s working and that’s the important thing to me. Will also be replacing bulbs again when I get a chance since that might? Have contributed to the problem. Thanks!
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Friday, May 8th, 2020 AT 6:54 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,097 POSTS
You are very welcome. However, you are the one that fixed it. LOL Kelly, I have to be honest. The light sockets can go bad and cause a loose fit for the bulb or even allow things to not make contact or short. I feel you may be better off replacing the socket that had the loose bulb.

Regardless, I'm glad it's working. Let me know if you have other questions or need help.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 8:05 PM

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