Blinker Woes RT200/Chev 3500

[Snoshoovt]

On my 2001 RT 200 Popular on a Chevy 3500, the blinkers work normally until I step on the brake or turn on the headlights, in which case the blinkers go into super fast mode. Blinker relay seems to be a mystery on the 3500. I haven't checked all bulbs but it does blink normally until I brake or turn on lights.
Any ideas?
Thanks!

[booster]

Originally Posted by Snoshoovt

On my 2001 RT 200 Popular on a Chevy 3500, the blinkers work normally until I step on the brake or turn on the headlights, in which case the blinkers go into super fast mode. Blinker relay seems to be a mystery on the 3500. I haven't checked all bulbs but it does blink normally until I brake or turn on lights.
Any ideas?
Thanks!

That kind of issue is commonly a ground issue causing feedback between the circuits.


There is probably a common ground point somewhere under the dash or behind the one of the footwell side kick panels, quiet often the driver side one.


Clean up the ground connection with fine sandpaper and make sure it is tight.

[Snoshoovt]

Thanks Booster, I'll check the connections, here's hoping...
John

[mkguitar]

Growing up when bulbs lasted months, not years or decades
I frequently check all the signals and lights are working correctly


on many vehicles a rapid flash is a reaction to an incorrect load on the flasher used as a warning indicator to the driver

do a walk around, get someone to work the turn signals and brakes to check lights- check any auxiliary wiring including a trailer plug for problems, frayed wires grounding out etc


a dull or dim light usually indicates a bad ground ( like when you see oncoming traffic and 1 headlight is dim) an easy fix, usually loosening and brightening the ground connection



mike

[Snoshoovt]

Thanks Mike, working on it...
John

[mkguitar]

also- check each individual bulb

if you have dual filament bulbs where the filaments are touching( due to a fault) you can have funny problems

stay away from walmart/amazon/ebay LEDS- the quality on many of those is poor

the best name in lights is Philips in my opinion


mike

[rtbill]

Our '01 200 on a 2000 Chevy 3500 chassis recently had a similar problem. I replaced a burned out backup bulb. All of the lights went nuts. There was crazy crossover between the turn lamps, brake lights, headlights, backup lights. Also the cruise control would disconnect when I signaled. I replaced the new bulb with another (same manufacturer & #). All went back to normal.

[mkguitar]

also check the flasher relay- if you are not the original owner it may have been replaced with something less optimal


your vehicle is new enough to have come with an electronic flasher rather than thermal type


a thermal type depends on a predetermined resistance to make then, break connection


an electronic will work within a wider range


mike

[ChicagoTom]

It's one of your bulbs 99% of the time...all these complicated long drawn out answers

[Snoshoovt]

Flasher relay was the problem, though in the process I found out GM can’t get them, the parts stores give the wrong one, and the taillights lenses have no screws, only adhesive caulk and sticky tape. Finally got the right relay at NAPA by cross referencing the part number which fortunately was still visible.
Thanks all
John