When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am sure everyone here remembers Click and Clack and their puzzlers...
I have one for you. I am trying to trace an electrical issue,
When I am cruising at 80MPH and hit small bumps and unevenness in the road, the dash idiot lights flicker on including both turn signal lights, the high-beam and, I think, the brake warning.
I am thinking something in the steering column... That harder the bump the brighter the idiot lights come on. Tough to tell, but I think the headlight beams maybe flickering off as well.
As far as I can tell, the engine seems to be unaffected.
Either way - I will be yanking out the steering column very soon for a rebuild. The hazard switch seems stuck and non-functional, key buzzer does not work and horn randomly comes on too.
A loose ground causing lights to come on? Lights that need power to come on and are always grounded?
Not thinking a loose ground wire is the answer here.
Something is sending power to those bulbs. both signal indicator lights are on separate circuits. And high beam indicator is an intirely different circuit again.
If it was just the signal indicators coming on I might suspect the signal switch in the column.
But with high beam and possibly the brake warning light in the mix. I would be pulling drivers side dash out and inspecting the harness behind the speedo and tach for damage.
A loose ground causing lights to come on? Lights that need power to come on and are always grounded?
Not thinking a loose ground wire is the answer here.
Something is sending power to those bulbs. both signal indicator lights are on separate circuits. And high beam indicator is an intirely different circuit again.
If it was just the signal indicators coming on I might suspect the signal switch in the column.
But with high beam and possibly the brake warning light in the mix. I would be pulling drivers side dash out and inspecting the harness behind the speedo and tach for damage.
When troubleshooting electrical systems you look for the common denominator. And here the common denominator is they all share a common ground. And when you lose a common ground, power then back feeds into those circuits. Capiche?
the none that says "ground wire"?
plus the fact you don't remember it implies you don't remember connecting it...
Dunno. I’m getting old. Often I forget why I got off my seat and went to the next room …only to return to my seat and remember. Very possible I connected it. Eager to check and if it is there, clean it !
When I am cruising at 80MPH and hit small bumps and unevenness in the road, the dash idiot lights flicker on !
I've been to this rodeo a few times, although not on any Corvettes.
Do you have a heavy keychain? Does the janitor look at your keychain with admiration?
A heavy keychain will wear out the ignition switch by swinging, over time.
When ignition is briefly lost, all the idiot lights come on just like they do before you crank the engine.
Try driving with just the key. If problem goes away replace the ignition switch.
Since the cylinder's prolly worn out by now I'd replace the cylinder, key, AND switch. Having a different key than the door gives you added security anyway. Thieves can't take a slide hammer to your passenger door cylinder while you're in a restaurant, go make a key, come back and start the car.
Or you can pay a locksmith to re-key the new cylinder you buy from whoever.
Still haven’t cleaned that little strap under the car.
I took it for a test drive today. It seems less the bumps than the speed. Once I hit 85 MPH, the hazard lights come on and stay on. Weird !
Don't drive in excess of 79 MPH.
Problem solved.
YW
Originally Posted by wadenelson
I've been to this rodeo a few times, although not on any Corvettes.
Do you have a heavy keychain? Does the janitor look at your keychain with admiration?
A heavy keychain will wear out the ignition switch by swinging, over time.
When ignition is briefly lost, all the idiot lights come on just like they do before you crank the engine.
Try driving with just the key. If problem goes away replace the ignition switch.
Since the cylinder's prolly worn out by now I'd replace the cylinder, key, AND switch. Having a different key than the door gives you added security anyway. Thieves can't take a slide hammer to your passenger door cylinder while you're in a restaurant, go make a key, come back and start the car.
Or you can pay a locksmith to re-key the new cylinder you buy from whoever.
W
My dad had this problem back in the 70s.
Forgot completely about it until I saw your post.
Lighten up those key chains.
06-28-2022, 04:22 AM
Electrical puzzler...
