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turn signal electrical help needed

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Smilin Jack, Mar 27, 2011.

  1. Smilin Jack
    Joined: Nov 8, 2010
    Posts: 465

    Smilin Jack
    Member

    Fellers,
    I'm using a Mid 80's Ford steering column in my 31 Model A truck build. All works good except the turn signals. Emergency flashers work, brake lights work, turn signals come on but don't flash. Changed flashers, same. The blue wire from the column goes to flasher, other flasher post goes to fuse panel. Have I missed something or is the turn signal switch bad? Any thoughts, anybody?
    Jackie
     
  2. mt shasta steve
    Joined: Mar 26, 2010
    Posts: 270

    mt shasta steve
    Member

    I had a similar problem with my '41 truck. It about has to be in the flasher unit. If you have E flasher, then everything is wired right. If you have right/left lights but no blink, try disconnecting hazard flasher. You should have separate flashers for hazard and turn. Good luck, wiring is the hardest thing for me to do. I figure it is a lot like plumbing, you put juice in one end of the pipe, it should come out the other.
     
  3. mopar210
    Joined: May 18, 2008
    Posts: 392

    mopar210
    Member

    are you using 1157 or multi led bulbs ?
     
  4. you may not have enough load or current draw to make the flasher flash

    how may bulbs do you have? if just rears that would one be one bulb trying to make it flash
     
  5. Engine man
    Joined: Jan 30, 2011
    Posts: 3,480

    Engine man
    Member
    from Wisconsin

    You don't have enough current flow to make the flasher work. Flashers are rated for the number of lights they can handle and the mechanical type use the current to heat a bimetal spring that opens and closes the circuit. Try using an electronic flasher.
     
  6. Smilin Jack
    Joined: Nov 8, 2010
    Posts: 465

    Smilin Jack
    Member

    I'm using a typical 552 flasher. The front and rear lights use 1157 bulbs. All lights come on when the signal lever is moved, it just don't flash. I felt like I had it wired right, even checked some wiring diagram. Could the turn signal switch in the column be bad and everything else still work including the turn signal lights, just no blink. Seperate flasher for the hazard lights and they work fine.

    Thanks for the advice. I'm going to try the flasher for LED lights. Can't hurt.
    Jackie
     
  7. Engine man
    Joined: Jan 30, 2011
    Posts: 3,480

    Engine man
    Member
    from Wisconsin

    If the lights come on when you move the signal switch, you are getting current flow. If they go out when you remove the flasher, the current is flowing through the flasher.
     
  8. Smilin Jack
    Joined: Nov 8, 2010
    Posts: 465

    Smilin Jack
    Member

    Current definitely flows through the flasher. Unplug it and lights go out. Seems there should be enough resistance for the flasher to work but maybe not.
     
  9. Engine man
    Joined: Jan 30, 2011
    Posts: 3,480

    Engine man
    Member
    from Wisconsin

    If you want the old style flasher look, try a 575 which is designed for 1 to 8 bulbs. If you just want a reliable flasher, go with a 232 or 243 electronic flasher.
     

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