93 G.Voyager electrical problems (blinkers)

[Passport2LaTierra]

It would take quite a while to mention everything wrong with my van. So I won't. Anyway, my most pressing problems (which began at the same time) are these:

The blinkers are not working at all. I tried switching fuses on the interior fuse box, to no effect; the fuse was good. Additionally, since this is probably related, the rear lights that should light up when I shift to reverse do not light up.

The blowers for the AC/heat are not functioning, front or rear. The temperature control does work, and so I can get limited heat (and my AC doesn't work anyway, long story) but I'm worried about defrosting, since it gets frosty fairly regularly in the winter here. The button that turns on the rear window defroster has no effect either.

These three problems began at the same time (a couple days ago). My wiring is in horrible condition, especially the bundle that runs along the righ side right under the hood, and I know that's probably the problem. Any other tips though? Could anyone help me get my hands on a wiring diagram that might help?

[89ltd]

I had a simular problem and it was the ignition switch, which sends power to the fuse block while the key is in the on/run position. If you have a test light or volt meter , turn the key to the run position, pull the fuses that are involved and check to see if the power is getting to the fuses at all. If not then it could be the ignition switch, although I would think the radio and wipers would not work as well but with out a wiring diagram, they could be on a seperate circut.

[Passport2LaTierra]

Thanks for the idea, I'll try that. My first thought though, the blinkers generally function whether or not the key is on or the ignition is on, so could an ignition switch be the problem at all?
Thanks

[89ltd]

the blinkers should NOT work without the ignition switch in the on position. Maybe the hazard flashers will work with out the key but not the signals.

[HeadlessHorseman]

Originally Posted by Passport2LaTierra

The blinkers are not working at all. I tried switching fuses on the interior fuse box, to no effect; the fuse was good. Additionally, since this is probably related, the rear lights that should light up when I shift to reverse do not light up.

Not familiar with a '93, but usually, there is a flasher unit (plug & play) that controls both front and rear right and left turn signals - if your fuse is good, it might be the flasher unit.

You mention your wiring is in horrible condition. Does that mean it is complete and corroded or hacked and/or missing?

Originally Posted by Passport2LaTierra

The blowers for the AC/heat are not functioning, front or rear. The temperature control does work, and so I can get limited heat (and my AC doesn't work anyway, long story) but I'm worried about defrosting, since it gets frosty fairly regularly in the winter here. The button that turns on the rear window defroster has no effect either.

Yikes! Sounds like you might have a "basket case" on your hands. With so much stuff not working, you'll have to test each circuit. The blower problem could be 1.) Blower Motor Relay, 2.) Resistor Block (if you have one), 3.) Blower Motor, or 4.) as you say, one or more bad wires that should be connecting these things together.

Originally Posted by Passport2LaTierra

These three problems began at the same time (a couple days ago). My wiring is in horrible condition, especially the bundle that runs along the righ side right under the hood, and I know that's probably the problem. Any other tips though? Could anyone help me get my hands on a wiring diagram that might help?

I would start with something relatively simple, like the Blower Motor problem. If you have a multimeter and know how to use it, you're gonna have to test volts AND possibly amps on each circuit to make sure you have juice to begin with.

If any of this sounds strange, you're best bet might be to find a recommended mechanic and bite the bullet. Ouch!

[Passport2LaTierra]

Well it's fixed.

The wiring is somewhat corroded, but most of the damage is from an electrical fire a couple years ago that happened because the AC fan went bad. And 89ltd, yeah I was mistaken about the blinkers. Anyway, I managed to fix these problems by finding where one of the already damaged wires had a break, repairing it and putting some insulation on it to prevent further shorts. The wire led from the positive terminal of the battery to (I believe) the dash and console in the vehicle. Luckily with that done, the blinkers, blowers, and defroster work, so those actual components weren't affected.

I think probably while working on something else under the hood I probably moved the damaged bunch of wires in such a way that it made a short circut, further damaging a couple of the wires.

Thanks for your help.