Turn signals flash randomly

[Colo Dean]

Tried searching but didn't find an answer, or overlooked something, anyway... 74 CJ5 .
I hooked up the battery tonight to start checking the electrical system for bugs and found a few. The turn signals whether operated by the turn signal switch or the hazard switch will flash at random speeds. Sometimes slow or what I would think to be normal speed then warp speed then sometimes back to slow or just a slower fast blink. Rear lights are new replacements that came with new bulbs. Changed the fronts out with new bulbs (1157). Thinking it may be the flasher. Swapped the hazard and turn flashers but didn't seem to make any difference (not sure if they are std or heavy duty flashers). Didn't have any spares around tonight,will hit the parts store and pick up a couple tomorrow. Just wondering if anyone has any other ideas.

Btw, I did run ground wires from the light housing to a stud I put into each side of the rear cross member during the rebuild for all rear lights. Fronts are grounded to the grill housing, may run a wire from that back to the battery just to make sure its got a solid ground. Battery has grounds to the engine, frame and tub all with clean threaded holes for the bolts and copper anti-seize. (have read here lots of times grounds, grounds, grounds)

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Torxhead]

I am going to suggest dirt may be a cause of your problem. I blew mine out with an air hose an was suprised on just how much was in the turn signal switch.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Common issue-Try this--
Work the turn signal lever up and down firmly a couple dozen times. This 'cleans' the dirt/crud off the contacts.
Your brake lights, are routed through the turn signal switch.
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

If I follow exactly what you wrote the signals just spontaneously turn one all by themselves. But, after reading closely I believe you are having trouble with the speed of your flashers being occasionally fast and occasionally slower. Usually that means you have an old model flasher and some or a bulb is working intermittently changing the resistance in the circuit. You changed a bunch of stuff, even though you didn't mention it I must assume all your lights are working when experiencing a fast flashing period.

What kind of switch do you have? The stock switch attaches to the column tube. If you have this switch I'd start with the plug un der the dash. A stack plug with 7 or 8 wires in it. Mine got all gunked up and needed cleaning really bad. Write down what color goes in which hole then remove the pins for cleaning. Just depress the tab and they will slide right out of the housing. The connectors appear to be lead covered brass so they are easy to clean.

If you have the stock switch they are easy to take apart. I had one that had a couple bas solder joints where the wires attach to the switch housing. Take it apart and you will see what I'm talking about. Wiggle each wire, if one or many move re-solder.

If all the lights work, the easiest fix is to replace your stock flasher unit with an electronic one. They will flash the same speed no matter what.

 

[Colo Dean]

Thanks for the help folks! Since my original question may been confusing, yes all lights were working, just flashed at random speeds. I replaced all bulbs and took the big connector apart and cleaned all wires. Took the blow gun to the switch (it is the factory one) on the steering column tube and blew a little dust out of it. Changed both flasher units and now everything is flashing at a steady rate. Guessing they were still the factory flashers. Appreciate the help and ideas. Thinking about taking the turn signal switch apart and checking for loose wires just to prevent future problems.

Kinda figured I would have a few gremlins to work out since the entire electrical system was basically replaced.

I do have another issue but will make a new post for that.
Thanks again!