Turn signal issue on 97 Camaro Z28

[insaneinferno]

I went through all the other turn signal related posts on this forum, but none seemed quite like my issue.

Basically, the rear driver side turn signal never lights on the outside, the front passenger side one does sometimes, and the other two seem to always work.

The indicator almost always flashes properly on the inside, (even though I've know it's supposed to be a "steady burn" when a bulb is burned out). Very occasionally, the left indicator won't flash on the inside, and will just light very dimly. This happens very intermittently though.

It's the same bulb(s) out on the outside whether I use the flashers or the hazards (since I know they're two separate units).

I replaced the rear driver side bulb, but unfortunately the problem still remained. I also checked the turn signal fuse, and it is okay. Does anyone have any ideas of what it could be?

Thanks!

[greenformula92]

sounds like a bad ground or the turn signal switch itself is going out. I would check the front bulb to and make sure its the correct bulb. sometimes these cars can be finicky with that stuff. ive seen them do some really wierd things if something isn't quite right

[insaneinferno]

That is possible, thanks for the advice. I'll check out the front bulb too.

[sweetbmxrider]

The indicators should rapidly cycle when a bulb is out, not steady burn. You could be having a ground issue or issues with the sockets. How are the brake lights functioning? Did you try replacing the front turn signal?

[greenformula92]

I suggested the front bulb because I once has a 91 s10 blazer that the previous owner put the wrong bulb in the tailight...every time you used the left blinker the backlighting in the dash would blink lol. I would definitely confirm all your bulbs are proper and take a good look at the sockets when your in there and test things before you put it all back together to make sure they work right

[V]

another thing to check, early to mid 90s firebirds /trans ams had rear taillight harness issues. such as slow or no blink. the sockets ground etc all go bad and can be fixed with a new taillight harness or a full rewire from the connector to all new sockets.

[PolarBear]

Originally Posted by sweetbmxrider

The indicators should rapidly cycle when a bulb is out, not steady burn. You could be having a ground issue or issues with the sockets. How are the brake lights functioning? Did you try replacing the front turn signal?

3rd gens don't cycle if a bulb is out, so it must be a year thing

[sweetbmxrider]

Originally Posted by PolarBear

3rd gens don't cycle if a bulb is out, so it must be a year thing

Yeah, every year after that In every car ever made

[insaneinferno]

Thanks for the advice everyone. The brake lights work okay, I had a friend check them while I pushed the pedal. I haven't done anything with the front turn signal yet, but I think checking all the bulbs will definitely be my next step. In theory, would a bad socket produce the same results as a bad bulb? Also, what's the proper way to pinpoint a bad ground in a case like this? (I do have a multimeter)

[insaneinferno]

Update: it was a bad ground (specifically, rust in the socket). It wasn't where the bulb was connecting to the socket (although that was rusty), it was where the black ground wire connected to the metal piece in the socket. Cleaned up the rust and put some electrical contact grease on, and now it works well. This was on the rear left signal (the most problematic), and I'm guessing the intermittent issue on the other is for a similar reason.

[MyFirstZ]

beat me to it. I was going to say check for corrosion in the actual socket.

[V]

hence why I said the sockets go bad, lol

[bigz28man]

Not to thread jack here but seeing as though the turn signal bulbs are being brought up I figured I would add this. Just recently noticed if I'm stopped at a light foot on brake pedal interior indicator flashes real slowly, take my foot of the brake pedal, indicator flashes at normal speed. Weirdest thing, it's the things that make you go hmmmmm.