Turn Signal Problems

Okay I isolated the gauge cluster built in relay to be the issue. If I could figure out how to have the dash lights still kick on when I have my turn signals running, I’d throw in a new 2nd gen flash relay. That will likely be over my head as I’m solid with electrical work, but not computers.

 

Everything checks good for voltage and ground when op. When inop, pin 5 and 9 get no voltage from the gauge cluster. Pin 5 is a constant ground regardless of op or not and pin 9 is not constant ground. So gauge cluster is the culprit.

 

So that's another issue then. Dash lights have no relation to turn signals except in the turn select stalk.

 

Did you remove the cluster to see if the relay can be replaced? Curious mind.

This may not be of any help, just a little experience I've had working on a newer Toyota sienna. I don't remember the issue exactly with the turn signal/headlamp stalk, but I narrowed down the issue to a connection under the dash. I "massaged" (slightly bend) the male pins on the connector and all was well.

 

This sounds like one of those drop it off at the dealer and let them tell you what's wrong

 

Subd out of curiosity. Op I applaud your efforts. Did you double check your car starter connections? One of the wires could have been loose

 

The dash lights are supposed to flash when you use your hazard lights and/or the turn signal stalk. If the left lights worked with the emergency lights but -not the stalk, that would make sense. But they don’t work with either (periodically albeit). So the only common denominator is the gauge cluster.

When you unplug the front and rear bulbs (effectively opening both the front and rear circuit), only the side mirror turn signals activate.

When the mirror turn signals alone activate, your gauge cluster’s turn signal light illuminates. So even if I had a ground issue stopping the light itself from illuminating, the gauge cluster itself would still show the switch as working.

I’ve checked continuity of all wires front and rear of both the front and rear circuits. I’ve tracked grounds as well. The only issue I can find in the entire system is that the left turn signal front and rear circuits receive no voltage when the problem reoccurs.

 

Mistook your dash light comment as illumination, not indication...

 

Sure and pay the $100 an hour diagnostic added to the 1K replacement...

 

So OP, does the cluster indicate you have selected left and/or right turns? (with only the mirror leds flashing)

 

You won't need this, it's info for those that might. (Incandescent turn/DRL)

 

I’ll explain it the best I can (hard to explain through txt)

When the left hand light in the gauge cluster does not light up, the front, rear, and mirror lights don’t light up. When the gauge cluster mirror lights up, all three of those illuminate. The front light is on its own circuit with its own pins. The rear and mirror signals are on their own combined circuit. I can upload schematics when I get home.

I’ve tested the grounds of all three when they work and when they don’t work. No change.

I’ve tested the 12V power when Inop and op. I get output from the gauge cluster when it is operating, but no power put out from the gauge cluster when it is Inop.

keep in mind, that all other functions (to include right side turn signals) function perfectly regardless of if the left side functions or not. If the left side isn’t working, pushing the hazard switch only turns on the right side. Using the turn stalk only turns on the right side.

Pulling bulbs and pins to check for an inappropriate ground is null because even when all bulbs are pulled from the right side (and I purposefully, prematurely ground the circuit), the gauge cluster still illuminates. The only consistent issue I’ve been able to find so far is that the gauge cluster’s mother board puts out no voltage in the above circled pins when it is inoperable. But when the lights work, it’s only because the gauge cluster starts putting out a voltage again.

 

I’m really not sure how... but I installed a stage 1 total tail kit from @MESO and it somehow solved the issue... witchcraft

 

I include MESO magic voodoo in all my
Parts

 

Did you remove the resistors?

 

Sounds like you inadvertently corrected a loose connection somewhere?