Need some help with diagnosing a problem

[chevyshawn]

I'm wiring a 69 Skalark with all new harnesses except for the steering column. The blinkers are acting weird like there's a short somewhere, also when the blinkers are flashing the coutesy lights under the dash dim in and out in sync with the blinker flasher. I'm pretty sure the problem is in the steering column harness but want to be sure before I yank it out. Question is what is the right way to diagnose and make sure it's not a problem in the underdash harness. I've got a power probe and want to unplug the steering column harness and send power to the main harness with the power probe. Only problem is I'm not getting any reaction with the blinkers when I shoot power to the blinker wires. Do I need to ground or hook up power to other wires in the connector that plugs into the column harness before testing the blinker wires? Any help or instruction would be appreciated.

[andrewb70]

I can't help specifically, but having a complete wiring schematic for the harness would be extremely helpful.

Andrew

[nokones]

Make sure that your grounds are good by checking all ground points. Also, check all your fuses and bulbs. If you are using LED bulbs try putting the incandescent bulbs back in and test to see if that makes a difference or not. LEDS don't like old wiring systems. Also, I have seen when a circuit that has a bad fuse, that bad fused circuit will effect the action of another circuit on the older cars.

[cdrod]

^^This^^

Sounds like the turn signals are making a alternate ground path thru the courtesy lights. I have a '72 442 convertible and there is a ground wire that comes off the turn signal harness in the steering column. Make sure this is screwed down - and clean the metal really well to ensure a good electrical connection. You really need to download a wiring diagram for your car otherwise you're kinda flying blind, Good luck!

Rodney

[chevyshawn]

Thanks for the replys. I'll have to call them Monday to get the schematic. They had to build the harness and took awhile to get but, didn't come with a diagram. I was just curious about the diagnosing of the system without the column harness plugged in. In other words I'm wanting to unhook the column harness and try to get the blinkers to fire by using the power probe on the connector coming off of the main harness that plugs into the column harness. I tried this Friday afternoon and couldn't get the blinkers to respond.

[dhutton]

Bad grounding as above. Check the grounds at the headlights, side markers, parking lights, tail lights etc.

Don