New Comanche Owner needs help

[Rebecca1967]

I just bought a 1986 Comanche and the blinkers don't work. (not in the cab or exterior)..is it the the signal switch and is there an easy way to test that before taking the steering column etc off?

[Pete M]

Do they work if you turn the emergency blinkers on?

[possum]

The flasher in the fuse box could be bad. If so it is an easy fix. Just under the dash on the firewall just below and to the left of the steering column. If that is your problem you can pick one up for right around $12.00 at most any auto parts store.

[Eagle]

The first thing to check is the blinker module itself. The 86 MJ uses two -- the 4-way hazard flasher is separate from the turn signal flasher. Both are mounted in the fuse panel, which is inside the cab on the firewall, above the driver's left foot. If the 4-ways function, the simple test is to swap the two flashers. They interchange, physically, so this will serve as a test.

 

However, the 4-way flasher is a heavy-duty, non-load sensing type. Unless you have a factory tow package, the turn signal flasher is probably a regular duty, load sensing type, which won't work correctly in the 4-way position. (It'll work, but not correctly.)

 

I use the heavy duty models for everything. The only down-side is that they don't change flash rate if a bulb burns out, so you need to inspect your lights periodically.

 

If you have neither turn signals nor 4-ways, then it's time to start checking bulbs, then fuses, then wiring.