Electric gremlin -- sort of

[cob427sc]

All the wiring and elctricla are up and running properly including directionals and hazard flashers and brake lights. It's not a big deal but whenever I step on the brake, the brake lights come on but also both the directional indicators flash on. I have the FFR composite gauge cluster and just wondering if anyone else has this issue.

[JimLev]

All of my electrics are working like yours.
When I step on the brake my left directional indicator light on the dash lights up. The right directional light doen't come on. Key on or off, same results.

Yes RF harness. The rear lights are LED's which the stop and directional's function properly
My hazard switch is in the steering column, so no DPDT switch.
There is no wiring schematic for the steering column.

[edwardb]

I assume we're talking about the Ron Francis harness here, so my answer will reflect that. When describing electrical issues, always best to give as much info as possible. In the RF harness, the brake lights and turn signals/hazards (which the indicators are attached to) are completely separate circuits and normally should not interact with each other. Brake lights are in the battery feed (always on) section. Signals/hazards in the ignition feed (ignition switch has to be on) section. Interaction is either a mis-wire, feedback, or possibly the bulb is clocked wrong (isn't supposed to happen but it does) or the light socket is wired wrong. Either from the factory or the builder. Common thread for feedback is the hazard switch. If not wired exactly like the RF diagram (e.g. a DPST switch) or if not using blocking diodes if a SPDT switch, feedback can come from there and take some very unusual paths. For starters, do you still get the errant indicator light when the bulbs are removed? Front and back. That might give a clue.

BTW, if you're using the somewhat recent change to square rear lights and the trailer converter, likely some/all of the above may not apply.

[cob427sc]

I have the Idit column with the hazard and signal switch built in, the RF harness and the halogen(/) tail light bulbs not regular old style bulbs. Surprisingly, everything else works fine and in the proper sequence. As JimLev states, there is no wiring diagram provided for the steering column and just ahs a plug in connector to the harness.

[edwardb]

I have the Idit column with the hazard and signal switch built in, the RF harness and the halogen(/) tail light bulbs not regular old style bulbs. Surprisingly, everything else works fine and in the proper sequence. As JimLev states, there is no wiring diagram provided for the steering column and just ahs a plug in connector to the harness.

Yeah, sorry about my response. Saw the 427 user name and didn't notice was a Hot Rod question. We all know what they say about assume. The Hot Rod branch on the harness is shown in the RF schematic drawing. All the wires are just extensions of other existing wires so no difference on that side. So still should be true that brake lights are on their own circuit. But with the Idit column and the different tail lights, more variables than I'm familiar with. So my previous post isn't very helpful. Hope you figure it out.

[JimLev]

Here's the Ididit connector.
124362

Still doesn't say what actually connects to what inside the column.
I spoke to IDIDIT today to see if I could get a schematic of how its internally wired. Nope.
He did tell me that this is a common issue they see when using LED light. Somehow the indicators get back fed or there is enough leakage current to light the LED directional indicator.
I'm not going to worry about it.

[cob427sc]

I've decided I'm not going to worry about it either and will look at it as an indicator light telling me the brake lights are on! As I'm no electrical wizard, I would just as soon try and avoid causing any additional issues.

[65 Cobra Dude]

Jack,

I had the same exact issue and the fix is to look at page 263 in the version 3A manual,

"Cut the yellow and white rear turn signal light wires off the turn signal connectors that are for the dash turn signal switch so that the turn signal lights do not back feed and light the front turn signals when the brakes are pressed."

I initially missed it as well.

Henry

[cob427sc]

Thanks Henry. I'll give it a look this weekend. Just fired up the old Buick Nailhead today. First time its run since 1962!

[cob427sc]

Cut the yellow and white wire as stated in the manual (which I did miss the first time). The left directional indicator light is now off when the brakes are depressed but the right still comes on. Is there another wire somewhere?

[Mastertech5]

LEDs must be wired a specific way because they are diodes, one way electrical valves, if one is wired backwards it will not work. if attached to a circuit with other bulbs its possible to back feed one. Check for the bulbs being installed backwards if they are separate from the sockets or wires crossed at one. I would suspect the directional light on the dash that's staying on. One other note: Bad grounds will cause weird things to happen with lighting systems. Good Luck!