Turn signal question

[plymouthcranbrook]

So, what would cause the right rear turn signal on my 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook not to flash? The front one works exactly correctly flashing normally but the rear does not. Left side front and rear both work correctly. Bright tail lights and brake lights on both sides. Even got a new 1154 to make sure all was well. Does the turn signal flash the brake light or the taillight? Any ideas appreciated. I did a search and checked several posts but none I found seemed to match what I am seeing. Thanks in advance

[White Spyder]

So, what would cause the right rear turn signal on my 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook not to flash? The front one works exactly correctly flashing normally but the rear does not. Left side front and rear both work correctly. Bright tail lights and brake lights on both sides. Even got a new 1154 to make sure all was well. Does the turn signal flash the brake light or the taillight? Any ideas appreciated. I did a search and checked several posts but none I found seemed to match what I am seeing. Thanks in advance

I have a similar issue with my '48 Windsor but it is the left rear that will not work.

[chopt50wgn]

Have you checked the flasher on the fuse panel?

[Don Coatney]

What have you done so far besides replaceing the bulb? Have you checked for good grounds? Used a test light or meter to insure the wiring is intact? Etc?

[plymouthcranbrook]

Flasher works well, all other bulbs flash normally. I imagine ground is good since the other lights are bright and solid. Will check if the socket is grounded this weekend. I was wonder if anyone know if there was a connection somewhere in the system that might be a problem. Only two wires go into the socket, I assume one for tail and one for brakes.

Edited September 21, 2012 by plymouthcranbrook

[Redneck Coronet]

I know this is old but on my 50 Coronet the turn signal switch is a 6 wire job. Seperate wires for rear lights. If front is working but not 1 side of the fear I would check the switch.

[William Davey]

You say the brake lights work properly on both sides, so I agree with Redneck - check the signal light switch.

[plymouthcranbrook]

I assume you mean the switch in the Column?  I will do that. One of my plans this week or next is to do that as well as a few other things that I need to do to get on the road this year. Thanks for the input.

[jeffsunzeri]

So, what would cause the right rear turn signal on my 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook not to flash? The front one works exactly correctly flashing normally but the rear does not. Left side front and rear both work correctly. Bright tail lights and brake lights on both sides. Even got a new 1154 to make sure all was well. Does the turn signal flash the brake light or the taillight? Any ideas appreciated. I did a search and checked several posts but none I found seemed to match what I am seeing. Thanks in advance

The turn signal 'flashes' the brake filament. When the brake is applied, and the flasher is on, the flasher unit actually interrupts power to the appropriate brake filament. That's why the brake power is routed through the flasher unit.

If you've got bright brake lights on both sides, but the RR won't flash, there is likely a fault inside the flasher unit itself. This assumes that the unit was installed correctly and was working well up until some recent point in time. All was working well before some event?

[greg g]

If the front flashes and the rear doesn't, the flasher is OK.  My first suspect would be the ground.  A bit of resistance there would be overcome by the brake light's constant current.  The intermittent flow from the flasher might not be of long enough duration to overcome a suspect ground and actually light the lamp before it flashed off.  Easiest fix, run a dedicated ground wire from the fixture to a good ground in the trunk.  Next thing to consider would be a hard ground wire from the body to the engine or frame.  

 

First suspect with any inoperative electrical part (aside from a blown bulb or fuse) on a 6V system is the grounds.   Gotta have good current flow for proper operation of any electrical part.

 

How many times have you suspected a blown bulb only to have it light when you start to twist it out? You might also want to check the condition of the contacts in the socket itself, could be a bit of corrosion there also impeding proper current flow in flash mode.

[Redneck Coronet]

The turn signal 'flashes' the brake filament. When the brake is applied, and the flasher is on, the flasher unit actually interrupts power to the appropriate brake filament. That's why the brake power is routed through the flasher unit.If you've got bright brake lights on both sides, but the RR won't flash, there is likely a fault inside the flasher unit itself. This assumes that the unit was installed correctly and was working well up until some recent point in time. All was working well before some event?

In my 50 Coronet power goes thru the flasher before going to the switch. Moving the switch to right or left turn grounds the switch at the apropriate left or right lights. Once grounded the flasher bimetal heats up and breaks the circuit.

[plymouthcranbrook]

Thanks, many things to look at.

[plymouthcranbrook]

Tried adding a new ground to the socket with a jumper today. No change.  Only the right rear wont flash. Everything else works great. Even tightened the socket a little on the bulb to prevent movement.  I am beginning to suspect the theory of a broken or lose wire under the steering wheel.  I don't want to tackle that now as I want to drive it some more this year. I also tried a new bulb just in case, no help.

Edited September 25, 2015 by plymouthcranbrook

[Don Coatney]

Only wire under the steering wheel is the horn wire.

[ptwothree]

Something going on,or off with the tun signal switch.  Is this factory installed or after market?

[plymouthcranbrook]

Only wire under the steering wheel is the horn wire.

Another thing that doesn't work.

[plymouthcranbrook]

Something going on,or off with the tun signal switch.  Is this factory installed or after market?

Factory.  Not sure I want to take the wheel off at this point anyway. Might tackle it when driving season is over or just before it begins next year. We all know how these things can go.

[pflaming]

Maybe a dumb idea, but test the wire as it exits the switch not at the fixture, the wire may be severed or pinched, or, ?.

[plymouthcranbrook]

Maybe a dumb idea, but test the wire as it exits the switch not at the fixture, the wire may be severed or pinched, or, ?.

Good Idea. Will do when I pull the wheel

[Brent B3B]

Something going on,or off with the tun signal switch.  Is this factory installed or after market?

since this is not site specific (car or truck  ) I thought I'd share what I found on my switch (s) recently on "Bob".

the trucks turn signals were an option, two of mine had the "Signal Stat 800" signals. the brake lights and signals worked except my right front turn. (fender mounted)

after taking apart the switch, one of the rivets had separated and was not making contact with the board. so I pulled apart the second "800" it was attached.

 

I swapped switches turned it on and it blinked for three cycles and then the same thing happened (the rivet separated from the board)

don't know if it was a bad design or ground issue but I put in a "Signal Stat 905" and cha ching! Bob is a happy little truck

[Matthewgreen82]

On 7/1/2015 at 5:30 PM, Redneck Coronet said:

I know this is old but on my 50 Coronet the turn signal switch is a 6 wire job. Seperate wires for rear lights. If front is working but not 1 side of the fear I would check the switch.

How hard is it to get to the switch,l (in the column correct?) And when you get to it, is it manageable to splice in new conductors? I have a 52 Coronet that's brake and turn signals are acting all good balls, if working at all, am afraid most of the wiring is frayed in the column...