Turn Signals Light Up When Brake Pedal Is Pushed

[MarkinOR]

Just pulling my ’02 Diplomat out of its long winter slumber and my DW noticed that when I push on the brake pedal my amber turn signals light up as well. I double checked and sure enough I found that when I put on the brakes the audible “turn signal chime” in the cockpit pauses until I let up on the brake pedal and both rear amber turn lights go on. To complicate my trouble shooting I noticed that although both turn lights go on each side as requested will flash while the brake pedal is pushed. So do I have a short-to-ground at the bulb (water perhaps?) or is my problem more likely up front at the relay, fuse or brake switch at the pedal? The more I thought about it the more confused I became. Do I have a brake light circuit short or is the problem in the turn signal path. I appreciate any help I can get…
MarkinOR

[Skip426]

I'd blame a poor ground at the tail light assembly , probably corroded over the winter, if the power going through the brake light bulbs can't get to ground , it'll back up through every bulb in the assembly till it finds what it's looking for.

[stink]

I would check your bulbs. If good I would check any diode box you have for trailor lights. If good the problem may be in the wiring or your turn switch.

[Gorlininc]

You didn't change any of your bulbs to LED lights did you?
Do the front and rear turn signal lights come on when the brake is depressed or just the rear?
I have the chassis and house schamtic for my 2001 diplomat 38A which should be the same as your if you want a copy I can email it to you.
Safe travels
Rick

[MarkinOR]

Found it!

Short ended up being in the wire loom along side the steering column. Looks like condensation caused a short across a wire from the turn signal/clock spring circuit that is factory-cut for rigs with amber turn signal lenses. The wiring diagram in my owners manual was somewhat helpful but I had to have a magnifying glass the size of the Hubble to see the lines. Thanks to everyone's suggestions, it gave me a starting point

[Gorlininc]

If you want your wiring diagram that you can blow up on your computer is be happy to email you a copy.
If you message me your email I'll send it to you. It's really helpful.
Rick