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Topic: TURN SIGNAL CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT TO FLASH (Read 753 times) previous topic - next topic

TURN SIGNAL CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT TO FLASH

The gremlins are at work again.  When I use the right turn signal the brake lights flash.  The left turn signal is normal.  There are also some more side effects;  brake light when on disengages the cruise control (normal when brake light comes on, but when passing someone and signaling a return to right lane, irritating) emergency flashers which normally only cause the yellow turn signals to flash cause the brake lights to flash.  The toad lights which also has  yellow turn lights do not operate correctly; yellow right light does not flash, but the right brake light does.  Disconnecting the toad electrical cable does not change any thing on the coach regards the flashing brake lights with right turn signal on.  So far have not found any frayed, loose or disconnected wiring.  Also checked the bulbs in the right rear light and they seemed okay, swapped the brake/tail light bulb.  Wondering if I have another ground problem that effected the transmission control pad. 
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: TURN SIGNAL CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT TO FLASH

Reply #1 –
You most likely have a ground fault in that light socket.  The power feeding back because it has no way to go causes all of the symptoms you describe.

In gross terms, number one is "It's always the battery."  The second being "It's always a bad ground."

In general, if you check and confirm the gaz-intas and the gaz-outtas you solve a good number of problems.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: TURN SIGNAL CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT TO FLASH

Reply #2 –
Jerry,

Like I said, I can't help you with the wonky wiring malfunction, but it was nice meeting and chatting with you in the FOT parking lot!

Hope you find a easy solution to the problem.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: TURN SIGNAL CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT TO FLASH

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Jerry Whiteaker –
The gremlins are at work again.  When I use the right turn signal the brake lights flash.  The left turn signal is normal.  T

If you have a smart steering wheel:
Quote from: Tim Fiedler –
Yes. Dirt and crud built up in the switch of smart wheel. Dim/bright or turn would make cruise kick off. Hitting wiper buttons would make cruise kick off. MOT took apart wheel, cleaned contacts and has worked perfectly sense
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: TURN SIGNAL CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT TO FLASH

Reply #4 –
After sitting here at the Mothership for a few hours, I check the turn signal and it is working normal.  I did manipulate some wires earlier looking for problems, with no luck.  I don't think it is fixed.  Will do some checking of battery grounds.  Can't believe how nice Chuck's coach looks, and I enjoyed meeting you too.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: TURN SIGNAL CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT TO FLASH

Reply #5 –
Jerry, if you get this gremlin chased down, please let us know. I hope to catch his cousin in my coach. I haven't checked the flashers and I don't tow a vehicle but I will follow your lead this weekend. It isn't a show stopper, just an annoyance.

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: TURN SIGNAL CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT TO FLASH

Reply #6 –
Quote from: ohsonew –
Jerry, if you get this gremlin chased down, please let us know. I hope to catch his cousin in my coach. I haven't checked the flashers and I don't tow a vehicle but I will follow your lead this weekend. It isn't a show stopper, just an annoyance.

Larry
Now that you mention the flashers, if they haven't been used in a while then flashed once or twice a dirty contact in the flasher unit itself causes directional problems.  The cure is as easy as turning on the flashers and allowing them to blink for a short while.

Why?  The brake lights go through the flasher relay.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: TURN SIGNAL CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT TO FLASH

Reply #7 –
Probably bad ground. First place to check.

P
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: TURN SIGNAL CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT TO FLASH

Reply #8 –
Maybe check the tail light ground wire.  s.

Re: TURN SIGNAL CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT TO FLASH

Reply #9 –

I fought similar problems with my turn signals & brake lights for over a year.  Fixed it a couple of weeks ago with a new trailer light converter.  I think the diodes had failed in the old one, allowing signal to bleed back through so that blinkers were feeding the brake lights.  I used this model, which is relay based, not diodes.  Working fine now.

Amazon.com: Ultra-Fab Products 36-947001 6A Heavy Duty 3-2 Tail Light...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: TURN SIGNAL CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT TO FLASH

Reply #10 –
Bad ground on the light unit.  Check both at the unit and whatever it's grounded to first.  If it's a bulb type unit look for a bad bulb.  I have had a filament break and fall onto the side light one and cause the side lights to flash!

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: TURN SIGNAL CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT TO FLASH

Reply #11 –
Thanks to all who replied.  I wish I had a good answer about this problem which seems to have mysteriously disappeared.  I drove from NAC to Austin today and the turn signals worked fine.  However, when I hookup the car, I usually turn on the hazard flashers, and after hooking up the car, I check that the car lights are flashing too.  This morning they were not flashing.  Checked the electrical cable and the outside cable cover had slipped back from the connector at the car.  Could not get the connector apart as the tiny screw that holds it together would not back out, stripped threads.  The whole connector just came off the cable with a little pull.  Went in to FOT parts and bought a new connector,  got out the manual and figured out which wire went where.  Also checked the connector at the coach and all the screws that hold the wires needed tightening.  Maybe this started the problem, but I did disconnect the toad electrical cable while the brake lights were flashing and it did not change anything.  After disconnecting the car, parking the coach, and then a few hours later checking it, it was working.  Go figure.
With that fixed, and lights working properly, wife informed me that the pantry door latch was broken.  Back to parts for a new latch. Coach just didn't want to leave the mother ship.  But it was a good place to have a problem.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt