02 Trans Am WS6 Turn signal issue
07-10-2019, 12:49 PM
#1
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02 Trans Am WS6 Turn signal issue Need a little help diagnosing a problem. I have a 2002 Trans Am and the driver side turn signal is not working. When the lights are turned on, it lights up. However, it will not flash for turning or hazards. The passenger side works as it should. The driver side socket has been spliced. I'm hoping someone has an idea before I start just swapping out parts.
07-10-2019, 03:45 PM
#2
Have you tried replacing the bulb? The front bulbs (3157) have two filaments in them - a bright filament for the turn signals and DRLs and a dim filament for the parking/running lights that go on with the headlights. One filament can burn out without impacting the other. Sounds like the bright filament in the bulb is burned out.
If that turns out not to be the problem then some basic troubleshooting with a test light or multimeter will be required. Check that you have power on the blue wire at the socket when either the DRLs or turn signals are on. You can assume that the other two wires (brown for parking lights and black for ground) are okay since your parking lights work. If you have power on the blue wire then the bulb is definitely the problem. If you don't have power there then you'll want to check the other end of the blue wire at the DRL module behind the radio.
If that turns out not to be the problem then some basic troubleshooting with a test light or multimeter will be required. Check that you have power on the blue wire at the socket when either the DRLs or turn signals are on. You can assume that the other two wires (brown for parking lights and black for ground) are okay since your parking lights work. If you have power on the blue wire then the bulb is definitely the problem. If you don't have power there then you'll want to check the other end of the blue wire at the DRL module behind the radio.
07-10-2019, 03:53 PM
#4
Just because a bulb is new doesn't mean it's not burned out. Especially with these cars which get cracks in the housing, get very hot with the DRL on, and then get cold water inside.
You would not have done anything to the DRL module just by replacing the head unit. You'd have to deliberately reach up behind the radio and mess with the module where it is mounted to the defroster duct... very unlikely.
Never make assumptions. Start with the basics at the point of failure (the front lamp) and then test and work your way back in the circuit until you find the problem. That will keep you from buying unnecessary parts and ensure the problem gets fixed the first time.
You would not have done anything to the DRL module just by replacing the head unit. You'd have to deliberately reach up behind the radio and mess with the module where it is mounted to the defroster duct... very unlikely.
Never make assumptions. Start with the basics at the point of failure (the front lamp) and then test and work your way back in the circuit until you find the problem. That will keep you from buying unnecessary parts and ensure the problem gets fixed the first time.
07-10-2019, 03:59 PM
#6
You didn't mention LED bulbs. That can make a difference. First try putting a standard incandescent bulb back in to see if that solves the problem. Or try swapping the bulbs between left and right sides - if the problem switches sides then it's the bulb, it it stays on the same side then it's the socket, wiring, or something upstream.
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07-26-2019, 04:02 PM
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Where can I get the "LED' bulbs and what part number are they!?!?!? I have had this as a common problem on my last two FBodies and is driving me crazy (the regular bulbs shoot quick).
07-26-2019, 04:06 PM
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Was actually able to get them at my local Auto Zone. I got the ZEVO LED Mini Bulb 3157A. There may have been others but I just grabbed the first ones I saw with 3157A on them.