One of the biggest issues to me on the 88 GT I bought this past weekend is the hazard lights. I can only get them to come on when the engine is running - after they're on, I can turn off the engine, take the key out, whatever and they'll stay on - but if I try to turn them on with the key out, or in any position with the engine off, they will not come on. This can't be by design, because most of the time you're going to want them when the engine isn't running... any kind of known issue here? There is a separate issue with all lighting dimming that I believe is a ground issue, but I wouldn't think that would affect whether or not the hazards switch on at a given time.

[This message has been edited by commodore_dude (edited 08-16-2012).]

I see no one has replied to this yet... probably because it isn't intuitive by looking at the wiring schematic how this could possibly occur. I'll start by clarifying one thing: you're right, the hazards do not work that way by design. There is something wrong with the circuitry in your car. The big questions are why is it happening and where could the fault be. I don't have the answers but I can explain how the lights are supposed to work and offer up some potential sources for the problem.

The hazard lights get their power from the Stop/Haz Fuse which is hot at all times. Power runs from the fuse to the Hazard Flasher which is mounted on a small panel called the Convenience Center in the passenger footwell under the dash. From there, power runs to the Hazard Switch on the steering column, then to the lights through a rather convoluted circuit running to the front and a simple circuit running to the back, and finally to several grounds. None of the circuits have latching relays or any other electronic devices that could fail and give you the symptoms you're experiencing, if the wiring is still stock.

The only way I believe you could end up with your symptoms is if there has been an improperly installed alarm system (most likely) or some other system such as daytime running lights, or remote door locks which may use the hazard system to provide you certain signals when activated or armed. Does your car have any of these systems?

Thanks for the info! I don't have any remotes or knowledge of such a system, and I don't see anything obvious like a siren in the front or rear.

[This message has been edited by commodore_dude (edited 08-16-2012).]

In that case, you'll need a test light or a multimeter to do a few simple electrical tests. The first one is simple:

Just pinch the two little levers that hang down on either side of the fuse panel and swing it downwards to make viewing the fuses easier.
Next, turn the key to OFF;
Then, unplug the Stop/Haz Fuse, set your mulitmeter to about the 20 VDC range and place the red meter lead in one of the two slots that the fuse came out of, and the black meter lead to a known good ground like some shiny metal nearby;
If you see the meter needle move (or the test light come on) then that's good, if nothing happens, then switch the red meter lead to the other fuse slot and report back what happens.
If nothing happens in either slot, then start the car and repeat the test;
Post what happens.

The very first thing I do when either my blinkers or hazards are acting strange is to swap the flashers between the two. I am not sure if that's possible on a Fiero but they are so cheap it's just an easy way to see if the problem is related to a flasher going South on you. If the system still acts as you describe then you've lost nothing and it's time for the real troubleshooting.

Charlie

Lol "Convience Center" It would be more convenient if it were under the car, then you could at least lie down instead of a half squat pushup situp workout with the 180 degree head twist to see what you are looking at.

It's convenient for me, because it's the only exercise I'm getting these days!

I reviewed the schematic for an 88GT and noticed that the hazard flasher might be getting its power from the Audio Alarm Module but unfortunately the diagram is a little sparse in that area. If that’s the case it’s possible that that module is bad (I’ve seen stranger things). The Audio Alarm Module get power from the “Stop Haz” fuse (hot all the time) and the “Gage” fuse (hot with key on and bulb test).

Sorry I haven't posted back, I've been a little ADD about looking at bits of all the issues this car has instead of one issue at a time. First thing I noticed is I don't actually have a door on the fuse panel, so I guess I get to add that to my list! (There is supposed to be one right? There are definitely some latches at least) Seems to be a ground wire cutting across where the door would go, from the side of the car to attaching underneath the dash towards the driver's seat from the fuse panel. I can't imagine the routing is stock even if that ground itself is (though it was handy for testing purposes).

Anyway, I am getting just over 12 volts from fuse #7, so I guess that's not the issue. I found both flashers but I can't get the turn signal flasher unplugged, and in the process of getting in and out under the dash I managed to break off that chunk of plastic that surrounds/goes under the drivers' side seat recline lever

[This message has been edited by commodore_dude (edited 08-25-2012).]

There isn’t a door that covers the fuse panel. The “latches” are to lock the panel up in place. If you squeeze them together the panel will drop down (it’s hinged at one end).

Good to know, thanks! At least that's one less thing to add to my list. I was so pissed at breaking that seat molding I stopped messing with it for the day, went back out today and found that I'm still getting 12 volts at the hazard flasher socket. I guess that surprised me a little, seems odd for the wiring to go from the fuse panel on the driver's side, over to the hazard flasher on the passenger's side, and then back over to the steering column hazard switch. If I can't work this turn signal flasher loose I guess I'll just have to go buy a new flasher for the hazards and see what that does. If it doesn't help, guess the next stop is the hazard switch itself?

Well I'll be damned. Got a new flasher and that sorted it. Of course just for kicks I put the old one back in and now it sort of works, but the hazards don't blink with any sort of consistent rhythm. They're spot on with the new flasher, aside from the fact that whenever they light up the dome lights dim - but that's for what I believe is a ground issue and a new thread I'll be starting shortly. At least now when I stall out I can warn people

I always like it when it's an inexpensive and an easy fix. (once you figure out what it is...)

Charlie

You're telling me! As many problems as I've got to sift through, this made my day.