QuestionHi there. I recently acquired a 1985 Chevy Blazer, 4x4 K5. It has the 5.7 in it and was recently rebuilt. My question is about the electrical. Some of it seems to be acting up. The turn signals worked in it, but now they don't. It keeps blowing the 15 amp fuse under the dashboard. It works for a couple of clicks and then they are gone. I've put four fuses in it in the past day, and thats as far as i'm going. Also, before that happened the dash lights went out, came back on, and now are out all the way. I'm guessing its a bad ground, but I need an experts opinion. If it is a ground, could you tell me how to fix it, I know a lot about vehichles, but electrical is my weak point. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time. Suzanne.
AnswerHello Suzanna,
First the signals. I am curious if it is just one side, or either side.
And, Do the emergency flashers work correctly? I believe they use the same bulbs, but a different fuse. See if that fuse blows also. Observa ALL corners, and see if all the lights work.
Next, I would carefully remove all the signal bulbs, looking closely at each one before removing it, and while removing it, to see if anything is out of the ordinary, like the lead contact nubs worn flat on the end, and allowing it to short.
When they are all out, replace the fuse, and turn the switch and signals on.
No click should happen now, but it shouldn't blow the fuse.
If it does, there may be a short in the signal lever, or wires.
Next, assuming the fuse doesn't blow, replace the bulbs, one at a time, and see what happens.
If a fuse blows right after you get the flasher to start clicking, I would try a new flasher.
Actually, I would swap in a replacement flasher about first thing, especially if the emergency flashers work.
The dash lights are controlled by a dimmer on the light switch, and I believe there is a fuse on the light switch for them also. See if the dimmer is good, and the fuse holders tight.
Van
