The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Turn signals question

I have asked thios before buit I can't get my turn signals to flash. I can't find the flasher? It is not in the turn signal unit on the steering colum is it?

It should look like a cylindrical metal can about 1-1/2" tall by about 3/4 to 1" wide. Most likly hidden behind dash around steering column. Older ones may look different, but I don't know.

TPB,

I'd do a walk-around the rig and make sure both rear brake lights work when your helper mashed the pedal. Have them indicate a turn and watch the front signal lights...they should illuminate but won't flash.

If all this happens, my guess would be the same as yours, it's the flasher itself that is bad. Follow the wire loom down from the turn signal unit. You will probably find the flasher tucked up neatly under the dash above the steering column...didn't Beltfed just say that!


Stuart

The flasher was in the Turn signal unit 2 pronged. I replaced it and they work. Amazing! However on the Turn signal unit there are two small lights and they used to go on but the lights did not flash. Now my lights flash and only the top light on the turn signal unit goes on for both directions. Where should I start.

TPB,

I'm not sure on this, but I thought a three pronged flasher was required for 'pilot' lights. The wires, or prongs were, POWER, LOAD and PILOT.

Will your unit accept a three prong unit. If it will, maybe that would be the solution.

I have enclosed a link to some pictures of different aftermarket turn signal units and their wiring. Do you have one of these styles?

http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/Tech/SignalWiring.html

Stuart

There are only 2 wires with prongs

TPB,

What kind of turn signal unit do you have? Did it ever work the way you think it should?

What you seem to be saying is that now all the exterior lights front and rear blink properly but the small turn indicator lights in the column mounted unit don't flash and won't individually illuminate. Is this right?

Stuart

Yes the extierior turn signal lights flash propoerly but the small turn signal indicator lighs in the column moutnted unit don't flash properly. What is happening is that the the top light (right) just stays on.

TPB,

I might be flogging a dead horse here. You haven't said what turn signal setup you have...what brand and model it is.

Signal-Stat models 900, 901 and 910 are all common to these old truck and they all use a three prong flasher.

I have tried to find a picture of the guts of one of these units to see if it could be a funky bulb deal inside or a mechanical problem, but alas, no soap on the pix.

I'm not a wizard on these things but all the dope shows a three prong flasher, and the third prong is what works the little pilot lights to signal a left or right turn in your column mounted switch.

Cletis has dug around with these and written a Tech-Tip...maybe he will take pity on me and jump in with the true poop!

Stuart

pm 551 0c69 are the numbers on the front.

Hello all,
I have a turn signal question. I have my fathers 1957 Chevy PU. I am not sure of the history on the signal but he bypassed the original system and put in an aftermarket turn signal system attached to the column (which works). I want to go back to the stock turn signal. I have yet to take it apart but I am looking for advice on how to find out what is broke from the original system. Would it be difficult to get this working again? thanks for the advice!
Jon

UncleRod,

I have enclosed a schematic of a '57 directional unit. It isn't the greatest but it might let you see what's inside before you tear into it.

If it's a broken component that caused the original to be abandoned, I'll bet it would be easy to diagnose and repair. The hardest part might be getting the steering wheel off.

Before you ripped it apart, it might be interesting to see how many repair parts are actually available for the switch. Good luck.

Stuart

UncleRod - all necessary parts are available for those stock TF signal units, one of the main problems is the wedge that holds the cup in place, they get worn and the cup slips down so it doesn't cancel - find a few pics here of the whole works - not hard to rebuild

Bill

Bill,
Thank you for the photos. I will be lookinginto that problem here in a few days. With my restoration...its hard to know where to start!

where ever you start, you'll find shoulders to cry on here
when you get frustrated with one part, just go on to another, eventually it'll all fall into place!

there may be other pics in that album that'll be helpful, feel free to use what you can, including the installation manual linked below

Bill