The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Directional signal question

I installed a Signal-Stat aftermarket signal on my 1953 PU with no problems. My "new" 1954 already had a similar unit installed by a PO. It works fine, except for one thing: the middle red light is always lit up. On my previous one, it only was on (and flashing)when the 4-ways were engaged.

Is this normal? If not, is there an easy fix without tearing everything apart? Thanks!!

just a guess
could be a bad flasher or flasher socket?

if you know the color wire for the indicator lamp try tracing it back.

should go to the P post on the flasher.

Thanks, I have to check some more. This unit only has a 2-prong flasher, and that might be the problem. I can't put my hands on the diagram, but I will find it soon I hope.

harryr -

Assuming that the turn signals work even though the indicator is on all the time, then I think that you identified your own problem: the 2-prong flasher.

I believe that your Signal-Stat requires a 3-prong flasher. As DADS50 noted, the wire to the indicator bulb in your Signal-Stat unit should connect to the "P" terminal (for "Pilot Light") on the flasher. Probably the middle terminal if it not marked. Your indicator bulb is probably wired to the power terminal on the flasher.
> Wiring a Signal-Stat Turn Signal Switch

If the problem persists after you connect to a 3-prong flasher, then check for loose, broken, or incorrect wires inside the unit. The wire to the indicator bulb bends every time the signal lever is moved. It may have gotten frayed or broken. Kinda tight inside.

The Signal-Stat unit has one indicator bulb for the three functions - left turn, right turn, and 4-way flasher. The bulb is attached to the switch lever and moves under the appropriate lens. It is the only thing that is connected to the "P" terminal of the 3-prong flasher (unless you also install an indicator socket and bulb in your '54 speedo.)
> Signal-Stat 900 (pat 1959) in my '54

Unlike your '53, your 1954 truck has a hole at the bottom of the speedo face for a turn signal indicator light to shine through. Use #51 6v bulb, or #53 12v bulb in the speedo indicator.
> Stovebolt post - 1954 indicator

- Lonnie

Hey, thanks for all the good info. I did not know about the speedo indicator.

Well, I dove back under the dash, and found that there were 7 wires leaving the steering column control, but only 6 exiting the messy, sticky mass of electrical tape that the PO favored. What's wrong in this picture? So I removed the tape, and sure enough PO had taped the yellow and blue together and used the 2-prong flasher. Which is maybe what he had on hand?

Twelve bucks later I was good to go with a new flasher and socket. "X" to the fused power, "L" to the yellow load, and "P" to the blue pilot hazard indicator. Everything works great.

BTW, NAPA did not have a flasher socket, but a three prong headlight socket works fine.

Thanks again guys.

Harry

Good job, Harry

Thanks, Tim, and thank you Lonnie - I'm going to install the indicator bulb as you suggested. Maybe it will help me remember that I put the turn signal on 10 minutes ago.