I've got a 97 5.9 that started giving me problems with the turn signals a couple of days ago. basically, it's a lot like this guy said in his thread: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ows-fuses.html
The fuse for turn signals shorts out every time I signal to turn right. (I sure wish that OP had come back to let folks know how he fixed the problem.)

Anyhow, in addition to the turn signal fuse blowing, I also have no hazards. And when I turn the hazards on, I have no brake lights either.

I checked the flasher and hazard relays, so that's not it. I'm going to try the multi-function switch next (even though I just replaced that one about six months ago).

One question I have for the knowledgeable folks on here: I've seen several suggestions that the wiring harness in the steering column is not long enough and can develop breaks. If that turns out to be the case with mine, what's the best way to go about fixing it?

 

If you have tilt-wheel, moving the column up and down tends to stretch the wires, and pull them out of the connector. You can pull the covers (security torx bit required) and check that. It's also possible that the wires pulling out could be the location of your short. (which is what you problem is in any event.)

Welcome to DF!

 

If there are breaks in those wires, how easy is it to see them? Are they obvious, or am I going to have to test continuity to find them?

 

That's a crap shoot. (sorry) It may be obvious, then again, your problem may be someplace else entirely. It's worth a look though.

 

OK, thanks.
I'm headed out to the garage to take a look now. I'm sure I'll have loads more questions after that.

 

So, it wasn't the multi-function switch. I tried a new one and it didn't make any difference.

I also couldn't see any obvious problems with the wires running from the connector down the steering column; they all seem pretty much intact.

What is the next most likely culprit?

 

Pull both bulbs on the right side, hit the switch. Does the fuse blow? If not, then install a bulb. (just one) Try again. That will (maybe) narrow which end of the truck you are concerned with.

If it still blows, even with no bulbs, you are going to have the trace the harness, front and rear, and see where the short is. If you have a trailer harness on your truck, I would start there.

 

One of the times I got rear ended, it pinched a wire in the trailer harness. Fuse would blow every time I turned left, or used hazards, but not right.
Took a while to sort that one out.

 

I tried the no-bulbs suggestion, and for a minute, I thought we were onto something. It really looked like the fuse was going to stay whole. Sadly, it's still blowing the fuse without any bulbs at all.

Is there a secret to tracing the harness? If there's not an obvious break somewhere, how do I find the short?

 

I went back and re-examined the wires in the steering column really closely. None of the wires in the multi-function switch connector are showing any signs of problems. (no obvious problems with the other wires, either)

I also checked out the grounds that the wiring diagram say connect to the right hand signals. They look okay, too.

I was really hoping I wouldn't have to hunt for a bad wire in the harness, but fate is not going to be so kind it seems.