TR6 Electrical Question

[SherpaPilot]

I recently replaced the headlamp switch on my 72 TR6 with a new one from Moss Motors. Afterwards, I developed a problem with my turn signals. When the car is powered up electrically, the right turn signal comes on steady. There is no flashing and the left signals do not work at all. I have spent two days going back over each wire connection involving my switch replacement and believe nothing is wrong with my new headlight switch. All lights work normally with the exception of my turn signals. Additionally, I checked for binding or chaffing of wires under the steering column and found nothing wrong. The turn signal connections all appear to be correct IAW the wiring diagram. I changed out both flasher units (turn + hazard) with no effect on the problem. After removing the speedometer, I checked each wire at the voltage stabilizer as well as the wiring of the hazard switch and saw nothing out of order visually. I am thinking of replacing the hazard switch and/or the hazard relay (sort of expensive too). Does anyone know where I should look next??? I cannot understand how only one side gets power and the other does not unless my turn switch has decided to fail too and if that is the case, why does only the right side remain steady? :fatigue:

 

[TR3TR6]

I don't think your new headlight switch caused your turn signal problems, but just to make sure you could install your old headlight switch just to see if the turn signals are still doing funny things. I would unplug the turn signal switch and put an ohm meter on it and see what that shows. If that is okay, then I would check the wiring again especially the grounds.

 

[Got_All_4]

My TR250 had a similar problem and did everything you did after I replaced the relay. I'd check all the grounds next but what cured mine was I purchased a digital flasher from a local parts store. Fixed it instantly and I can now hear the relay click too. If you got your new relay from one of the big 3 then it is probably junk quality.

 

[SherpaPilot]

I don't think your new headlight switch caused your turn signal problems, but just to make sure you could install your old headlight switch just to see if the turn signals are still doing funny things. I would unplug the turn signal switch and put an ohm meter on it and see what that shows. If that is okay, then I would check the wiring again especially the grounds.

Terry, thanks for taking the time to reply to my question. My old headlight switch was physically broken and is not usable. I will try the ohm meter approach tomorrow.

 

[SherpaPilot]

My TR250 had a similar problem and did everything you did after I replaced the relay. I'd check all the grounds next but what cured mine was I purchased a digital flasher from a local parts store. Fixed it instantly and I can now hear the relay click too. If you got your new relay from one of the big 3 then it is probably junk quality.

Yep, the flasher is made in Taiwan. I'm up for any sort of solution. Thanks for the reply.

 

[TexasKnucklehead]

When the car is powered up electrically, the right turn signal comes on steady. There is no flashing and the left signals do not work at all.

The TR6 turn signal wiring changed several times through the years, make sure you are looking at the correct wiring diagram. The headlight switch is not part of the signal wiring. The voltage stabilizer is not a part of the function of the signals -the wiring diagram simply shows both to be powered by the green (switched on with key) wire. I'm not sure I understand your comment but it sounds like the right signal is always turned on. Power should be delivered to the turn signal flasher with the key on. From there it goes to the turn signal switch. The turn signal switch should then enable the path through to the left or right lights (or nothing in the center position). When the circuit is complete (right or left lights are on) the flasher will click open the circuit, turning them off, and then back on repeatedly. Your problem sounds to me like you have something wired incorrectly to the GR (Green with Red tracer) (right side) wire probably near the turn signal switch or signal flasher.

Let us know what you find.

 

[SherpaPilot]

The TR6 turn signal wiring changed several times through the years, make sure you are looking at the correct wiring diagram. The headlight switch is not part of the signal wiring. The voltage stabilizer is not a part of the function of the signals -the wiring diagram simply shows both to be powered by the green (switched on with key) wire. I'm not sure I understand your comment but it sounds like the right signal is always turned on. Power should be delivered to the turn signal flasher with the key on. From there it goes to the turn signal switch. The turn signal switch should then enable the path through to the left or right lights (or nothing in the center position). When the circuit is complete (right or left lights are on) the flasher will click open the circuit, turning them off, and then back on repeatedly. Your problem sounds to me like you have something wired incorrectly to the GR (Green with Red tracer) (right side) wire probably near the turn signal switch or signal flasher.

Let us know what you find.

OK,, I finally got it. Thank you. Apparently during the install of my headlight switch, my large ape like hands accidently moved wires out of their respective sockets in the hazard switch. At the time, I replaced the wires where I believed they came from (mistake #1). Of course during the final testing, nothing worked correctly and my impulse was to check and recheck all the wires of the turn signal below the panel where I was working on the headlight wires. I replaced the obvious flasher units (which was not really necessary) and the problem continued. My interpretation of the wiring diagram was as though I was on my back looking at the back of the hazard switch. In reality, the diagram shows the front of the switch and the respective wiring as if you were facing the switch. My wires of the hazard switch were backwards. I rewired the hazard switch and everything was restored. Therefore, my problem was self induced. All was not wasted as I learned a little more about the Triumph electrical system in this endeavor. Your description of the turn signal system was straight to the point and easy to comprehend. Thanks to all who took the time to respond. It is much appreciated.

 

[Got_All_4]

Your post reminded me how I fixed my Tr250. Drove the TR7 last Friday and had a similar problem with the turn signals. Some times worked. Left one rarely worked and you couldn't hear it. So I went to advance and bought another one and all is fine now.