[urq] Front turn signal seem ineffective when the headlights are on. 83 USA model.

[urq]

This is certainly an odd one!  It seems that it has to be some sort of a
grounding problem, but that doesn't explain all the observations.  Have you
confirmed that it is the turn signal filament that is glowing when you have
the headlights off?  Since you didn't state one side or the other I am
assuming that both front signals operate the same way.  It feels like a bad
ground to the turn signal sockets ... and if that is the case you would find
that when the headlights are off and the turn signals are on that both the
turn signal and marker lights are flashing ... and the pair are getting a
return path through the other marker bulbs in the circuit.  If this were the
only problem you should notice the front lights blink when the signals are
on with the headlight on too.  What should be most telling would be to use a
voltmeter and measure the voltage on the ground (Brown) wire for the turn
signal unit ... I'm thinking that when the signals are on with the
headlights off that you will measure several volts (never done this test
myself, but I'd guesstimate ~4V) at the brown wire.  Another test you could
do would be to add a wire to connect the brown wire to the body of the car
and see if anything changes.  

Side note ... whatever you found necessary for grounding the left tail-light
plate you should repeat on the right tail-light plate.  

Good luck!
Steve B
San Jose, CA (USA)

-----Original Message-----

I got the L-Rear turn signal to work acceptably by adding an extra ground
wire to the bulb holder.  

The FRONT turn signals (yellow) seem to flash acceptably bright when the
headlamps are off, but when the headlight are on the turn signals are also
lit,  then using the turn indicator hardly seems to add much intensity ..   
Any advice on if this is normal or how to fix?   Other drivers are going to
be pissed thinking I didn't signal a turn. 

under dash fusebox.   vin < 500. 

http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/37382/taillightbulbholder.jpg
the wire that helped with the L Rear turn signal. 

steve