Right turn signals will not work

[LukeZ]

1986 SS El Camino, 305

The problem:
With car running and all lights off, the left signals all work fine. However, if I turn the right blinker on, the blinker in the dash blinks very slow (about half the normal speed) and the click noise is very slow. The right taillight signals normal pace (they're aftermarket sequentials tho) and the front signal is also slow.

With the headlamp switch pulled out and all lights on, the blinker indicator in the dash is permanently on, and it will not click if I signal right. Also, the outside indicators will not work if the lights are already on. If I try my hazards, the lights work, but the front one is full looking, and the blinker in the dash is still lit solid (not blinking on and off like the left).

Troubleshooting:
See the attached pics from an 86 Elco service manual on what GM recommends I do. I don't know a lot about electronics in a car, but I guess it's a short or grounding issue?

To speed this process up, could anyone point me in the direction of the the grounds for the blinkers and outside turn signals (just the right side)? Any fuses I should know about?

 

[foxtrot]

For some reason, the non-working blinker is possibly not drawing enough current. Check the connection between the bulb and the socket first. If there is a ground back there at the taillight (cant remember), also check that connection. Could also be the blinker switch inside the column..

 

[LukeZ]

For some reason, the non-working blinker is possibly not drawing enough current. Check the connection between the bulb and the socket first. If there is a ground back there at the taillight (cant remember), also check that connection. Could also be the blinker switch inside the column..

Thanks, I'll try that

 

[Bar50]

Usually if the dash indicator stays one you have a bulb burnt out. I would guess it's the low side, the running light because it works like normal with the lights off.

 

[LukeZ]

Usually if the dash indicator stays one you have a bulb burnt out. I would guess it's the low side, the running light because it works like normal with the lights off.

Does anyone know what kind of bulbs the running lights under the headlamps are?

 

[marcar1993]

The bumper markers are 1157 or 1157A (for amber bulbs.)
I agree, you have a bulb out.

 

[pontiacgp]

The bumper markers are 1157 or 1157A (for amber bulbs.)
I agree, you have a bulb out.

that's a duel element bulb, if he is talking about the parking light which would be 1156. I think the El Camino has two lights under the headlight on each side

 

[LukeZ]

The turn signal casing had a little wire loose on the side. I globbed some Noalox on and put it back in. Everything works fine now.

 

[foxtrot]

Glad to hear that you solved your turn signal issue.

Was it the bulb socket that had the loose wire? Nolax?

 

[oldsmobile joe]

based on the description in your first post, i think you have a bad (poor, in-complete) ground some where on the right side of the system. if the flasher unit is of the original type, they are a thermal unit, which requires current flow to operate. not enough flow will cause a slow pulse of the lights.
combine this with the fact that your dash indicator lights up with the headlight switch turned on, may indicate that the park light circuit is back feeding through the turn signal circuit.
you did mention that the rear lights are sequential. i assume these are of a LED type. if so, did the flasher get upgraded to handle these lights?
if these taillights are of the LED type, you may have a bad circuit board. swapping the left unit into the right side may aid you in your diagnosis. or try swapping in a regular bulb into the right rear in place of the sequential unit.
as far as the location of the grounds, iirc, the tail light ground is in the left rear floor of the trunk and your front grounds are on the inner front fenders, one on each side.

good luck, please keep us posted. joe