’88 FJ62 – No Turn Signals or Reverse Lights + Headlight Weirdness

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ChaleTito

ChaleTito

Joined
Oct 14, 2025
Threads
2
Messages
16
Location
Miami FL
Hey Mud crew,

Hoping to tap into the collective wisdom here. My 1988 FJ62 - new to me - (still running the 3FE) has developed a few electrical gremlins:
  • Front turn signals – not working. Bulbs replaced and all fuses checked — everything looks good on paper. The rear signals work fine, but they flash faster than normal, just like when one of the bulbs is out up front.
  • Reverse lights – same deal: new bulbs, fuses are fine, still dead.
  • Headlights – sometimes work perfectly, other times both go dark. If I barely pull the high-beam stalk (not fully engage it), the lights come back to life.

Worth mentioning: my truck was converted to a manual transmission by the previous owner. Not sure if that’s related, but I figured it’s worth noting since wiring might have been modified during the swap.

It’s starting to feel like a grounding or column switch issue, but before I start chasing wires I’d love to hear if anyone’s seen this combo of symptoms before — especially with manual-swap FJ62s.

Any suggestions on where to start? (grounds, relays, dimmer switch, column harness, etc.)

Appreciate any input or troubleshooting tips — thanks in advance!

—Carlos | Miami, FL | ’88 FJ62 | 3FE + Manual Conversion
 
Thanks in advance for any tips! I know these electrical gremlins can get tricky — happy to post pics or wiring details if that helps anyone diagnose.
 
do your windshield wipers work?

The headlights/turn signals are likely related but the reverse lights are likely unrelated. When a 62 is manual swapped the transmission wiring needs to be modified, or I make and sell a plug-in wire harness for it. It's possible it wasn't done right.
 
cruisermatt said:
do your windshield wipers work?

The headlights/turn signals are likely related but the reverse lights are likely unrelated. When a 62 is manual swapped the transmission wiring needs to be modified, or I make and sell a plug-in wire harness for it. It's possible it wasn't done right.
Click to expand...
Wipers works just fine. I also thought the same about the reverse. Can you send me more info about the plug-in?
 
I would check the plug under the steering column and or the switch assembly in the column as the turn signals and headlights are on the same stalk

as stated by Matt, reverse lights are unrelated to the other issue
 
3_puppies said:
I would check the plug under the steering column and or the switch assembly in the column as the turn signals and headlights are on the same stalk

as stated by Matt, reverse lights are unrelated to the other issue
Click to expand...
Will do that!
 
If you put in any LED lights as replacements, put in regular old filament style bulbs. LED can do funky things.

I have Matt’s harness for when I did my conversion, it’s fantastic.
 
RevISK said:
If you put in any LED lights as replacements, put in regular old filament style bulbs. LED can do funky things.

I have Matt’s harness for when I did my conversion, it’s fantastic.
Click to expand...
I know! I briefly tried one for the back lights and immediately gave me a funny noise. Went back to the old ones.
 
Hey everyone - just wanted to post a quick update in case it helps someone else dealing with similar issues.

After digging through a few threads, it looks like the switch stalk is a common failure point. I went ahead and disassembled mine to inspect and clean it. It wasn’t particularly dirty, but I still cleaned all the internals and lightly sanded the contact points to improve conductivity.

Reassembled everything… and unfortunately, the issue is still present.

I’ve ordered a used replacement switch stalk and should have it in the next few days. Once it arrives, I’ll swap it in and report back with results.
In the meantime, here’s a video showing the issue () - if anyone spots something I might be overlooking, I’m all ears.
 
Land Cruiser wiring is ground-switched, so if there's funky stuff happening, checking/cleaning the grounds is always a good first move. A dirty or burned ground can create enough resistance in a circuit to cause a voltage drop that will impair the function of relays and other devices on the circuit. In instances where there is a common ground bus (as is the case with the FJ62), it can cause strange behavior as the current seeks the path of least resistance to a ground - something that could explain your high beam indicator light turning on at odd times.

I'd bet dollars to donuts that your new stalk will not resolve your issue: ask me how I know, haha!
 
Quick update:
  1. High beams: ✅ Fixed! The culprit was a bad stalk and a dirty ground. Swapped the stalk, cleaned up the ground, and now they’re shining bright again.
  2. Reverse lights: @cruisermatt called it — confirmed I’ll need the harness. Appreciate the help, man!
  3. Front turn signals: Still giving me trouble. Thought it was the flasher relay (replaced it), but no luck — bulbs are getting zero voltage (both sides).
    Any tips on where to dig inside the cabin next?
 
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