Classic/Antique Car Repair: turn signals, 1967 ford galaxie, turn signal switch

Question
hey dave, my turn signals on my 1967 ford galaxie dont work at all please tell me how to fix the problem even if the bulbs work

Answer
Hi Stevo...

"...even if the bulbs work..."   I'm going to assume what you mean is you've checked the bulbs themselves and they aren't burned out...so they could work but they aren't working.

The most common problems are blown bulbs, blown fuses, corroded bulb sockets, bad grounds at each light, and defective turn signal flashers.

1.  If there is a fuse for the turn signals it's the first place to look after you check the bulbs.

2.  You could check for corrosion and ground problems at each light but since they are all non-functional I'd go right to the flasher unit next.  There is no test except to put in a known good one and see what happens.  So off to the auto parts store you go.

3.  If the flasher unit doesn't solve the problem, your next step is to verify the workings of the turn signal switch.  This gets more involved...and if I were you I'd consider the possibility of corrosion/grounds at this point, especially if the car has been sitting awhile.

For example, at one bulb socket leave everything in place but run an extra wire you have laying around from a really good clean ground to the bulb's brass base while that bulb is switched on...meaning it should be getting 12v from the switch and then the flasher unit would disconnect it momentarily, then it would get 12v again, etc.  The light will start flashing if you give it a good ground and everything else is in order too.

Also, with the battery disconnected, remove each bulb and check to see if the bulb contacts (the little nub or nubs on the bottom) are clean and perky.  Then check the corresponding contact receivers inside the socket.  This is where corrosion will appear.  Not only do the contacts have to be clean, but they have to reach each other and be touching.  Are the bulbs seating firmly in their sockets?

Why don't you write back to me after you've taken these steps and then we'll get to the switch if we have to.

Thanks for writing.

Dave