1990 tracker turn signal fix-weird!

[Majycwillie]

I wasn't beliving this when it happened the other day, but it did.
My signals were acting eratically and then just stopped altogether. I still had hazard flashers and NO back up lites. BU Lites and Turn Sigs are on same fuse. I had replaced it several times(4) and it had blown each time. I was ready to pull the steering wheel after reading some advice here on the forum.
Prior to that; I thot I should do basic voltage checks, on all of my lites_Back up, brake,tail. Voltage checked out fine, then did continuity on bulbs, all checked out,--However, on right rear BU lite was a thin coat of some clear substance,(Go ahead and laugh, but I can only compare it to KY Jelly) on the bulb!! cleaned it off with iso-alcohol and replaced the fuse and it has been good since.
Something to try before you get hip deep in quick sand!;
Good Luck
Majyc

[The_Original _Modifier]

That gel is to keep moisture out of the sockets to prevent them from corroding. The Proper name is Dielectric grease and should be replaced if you don't want to go light socket hunting soon. It is quite commonly added to spark plug boots before installing them.



Mod

[rickf]

Originally Posted by The_Original _Modifier

That gel is to keep moisture out of the sockets to prevent them from corroding. Mod

I have a question, why did just cleaning the gel off and putting bulb back in take care of problem?
rickf

[The_Original _Modifier]

Puzzled me as well. Possibly the back side of the socket (the side that gets hit with the elements is shorting out the wires? Not sure myelf


Mod

[rickf]

The only reason I asked was because it shoudn't have had any effect on it ,under laying problem? I have to tell a story of my experience with this. 93 kick that was towed behind motor home previously. Had a short in the right brake lite. I would pull out housing and check the bulbs, looked OK,put back in would work for a while. Then go out again, here we go again,numerous times. The last time I am going to find it for sure so I pull out both rear lights to start tracing wires. I get out my test light.I have the key on and a prop rod on the brake pedal. Doors are closed!! I start testing wires to find the brake wire. CLICK ,That doesn't sound good I say. Well guess what? I locked the power doors with the key on.OH @#$% My wife has the spare key with her at work.So ??Then I remember that she got 3 keys with car,other key is in house in catch all basket.WHEW
Any way what I found was since this kick was towed behind motor home with a different lite set up,they put in one of those 3 to 2 wire turn signal adapters in the car and one screw was coming loose and shorting out. Fun problem to chase down.And I wonder why what little hair I have left is turning grey!! LOL
Hope this help someone. at least put a smile on your face today.
rickf

[The_Original _Modifier]

It did for me bro, and agreed, it should not be taken for granted that everything was left untouched with an older vehicle, as we have bot learned, lol.


Mod

[rudar]

I imagine the purpose of dielectric grease is to be conductive... If it's been slopped on there too generously, and there's a bead of it running from one connection to the other, then it could short the light out, no?

[The_Original _Modifier]

Incorrect, NON conductive, it's purpose is to keep the moisture out and corrosion minimized.


Here are a few links to research it.
Link 1
Link 2 Read the second post.
Video

Mod

[Majycwillie]

Dielectric grease is a good idea, but I have to wonder why only one socket had it-(RBU lite). I lived in Seattle for 15 years, and in "Snow country the rest of my life and have never seen this used.. Oh well, it worked, and is still working. Guess I got lucky, I should have bought a powerball ticket that day! Dang!

[The_Original _Modifier]

Pick up a tube, it's under $10 here in Canada, the brand I use is by Permatex

It's the third one from the left, but I thought that some would like to see the other electrical products as well.


Mod