Signal lights

Tiny
ITBROKE
  • MEMBER
  • 1985 FORD E-SERIES VAN
  • 5.8L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
My vehicle drains a new battery in about two weeks. The test with my multi-meter gives me a variety of amp readings from.04 to.39. These flash slowly in sequence one after the other and when it reaches.39 it starts again but with new numbers in the sequence. I tested the multi-meter with a 12 volt bulb and got a constant reading of amp load so the meter is functioning correctly. I tried pulling fuses but the current draw remains. During this process I accidentally hit the turn signal switch and the signal light came on. The signals work this way front and back and on both sides the way they should. However, the ignition key was off at the time. The ignition key works easily and starts and stops the engine but the signals should not work with the key off. What's your take on this dilemma?
Tuesday, August 6th, 2019 AT 8:34 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

This could be that you are having a parasitic draw issue with your vehicle's ignition switch. In the diagrams down below I have included the factory diagnostic troubleshooting continuity guide for the ignition switch as well as the instructions for the removal and installation of the ignition switch. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Tuesday, August 6th, 2019 AT 9:43 PM
Tiny
ITBROKE
  • MEMBER
  • 64 POSTS
Thank you for this helpful information. The ignition switch checks out in good working order according to the guide. Is there any way power could go through the light switch to the signal lights if it was defective?
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Sunday, August 11th, 2019 AT 8:12 AM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

Can you tell exactly what is going on here again, one more time please.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Sunday, August 11th, 2019 AT 2:50 PM
Tiny
ITBROKE
  • MEMBER
  • 64 POSTS
Thank you for your helpful information. The trouble started with a short that varied on the multi-meter even with the fuses taken out. I tested the ignition switch as you said and it was okay. Another thing that I noticed when I hit the signal light lever by accident, the signal light started working with the key off. After much stewing about this I noticed that the ignition key turned a long way to the right before the vehicle started. I had tried to reinstall it roughly where it had been positioned before. I moved the ignition switch to where the different functions were a long time ago and the problems went away. Thanks again for steering me in the right direction.
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Sunday, August 11th, 2019 AT 9:23 PM

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