Left Turn Signal Problem - Both rear lights flash

Discussion in 'Volvo Forum' started by ds1989, Sep 19, 2014.

  1. ds1989

    ds1989 Light Load Member

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    Jul 24, 2014
    Kansas City, MO
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    Recently I noticed when I activate the left turn signal on my 97 Volvo bobtail or with trailer the rear tail/turn lights both flash. When I turn on the right signal, only the right side flashes. So I did a walk around with the left signal on. The light just beneath the driver door, the fender light and the left and right rear tail/turn lights flash but nothing on the front or center right side.

    I have checked flasher, bulbs, wiring as best I can see it, fuses, took apart the signal lever on the steering column to investigate, nothing makes any difference. When the truck is hooked to a trailer it has the same affect, left side, rears flash together.

    I'm thinking this has to be something so obviously simple I just can't see it. Any thoughts? Help? Greatly appreciated.

    Thanks
     
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  3. Pahrump

    Pahrump Medium Load Member

    check your grounds ,
     
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  4. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Turn sigal switch, pigtail ?
     
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  5. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    ground wires.
     
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  6. Alaska76

    Alaska76 Road Train Member

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    Or a shorted bulb, broken filament laying against tail light circuit.
     
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  7. fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

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    If a visual inspection fails to identify the problem, start unhooking lights until you find it. It sucks for sure.
     
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  8. ICPete

    ICPete Bobtail Member

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    Aug 3, 2014
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    I would tend to agree with Alaska76; he beat me to it. Remove first the front bulb, then the rear bulb, then the side one (if you have a side turn signal indicator), all on the left side, one at a time, then put it back. If one of them gone makes the problem go away, that one probably has the filaments touching. When you say you've checked the bulbs, do you mean you've replaced all the left side flashing bulbs? If so, then forget this possibility!
     
  9. ds1989

    ds1989 Light Load Member

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    Jul 24, 2014
    Kansas City, MO
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    Actually, I guess, the only bulbs I checked would be the rear tail lights themselves. I changed those out, but didn't check any others. I will do though.... I will reply back with findings... thanks
     
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  10. cnsper

    cnsper Road Train Member

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    It's because you are a hazard when turning..... LOL could not resist that one

    Check your plug socket on the truck. If the problem exists with and without the trailer then the problem is from the pigtail forward. You have to open up the pigtail and the plugs to see if there is not one stray strand of wire causing the issue.
     
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  11. ds1989

    ds1989 Light Load Member

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    Jul 24, 2014
    Kansas City, MO
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    :) Apparently only a hazard when turning left thought...

    Copy that on the plug - will add that to the list.. thanks.
     
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