1964 Turn Signal Issues – New Owner and Follow Up

Hi Bill,
I purchased my Lincoln a few weeks ago and had it shipped to me. All of the electronics work bar the blinkers. The owner had the neutral switch replaced just before selling and said they were working then (of course). The mechanic thought maybe a wire had come lose. What I know and have tried so far: 1.The brake lights work and the appropriate light shuts off when the turn signal switch is engaged, it just doesn’t flash. 2. I replaced the turn signal flasher and still no blinkers. 3. I checked the wires coming from the bottom of the steering column that lead to the horn and turn signal switch with a light tester and all seem to have power. The wires going to the turn signal flasher also have power. Does this sound like a malfunction of the turn signal switch itself or should I check another failure point? Thanks for all that you do for us Lincoln owners!
Devin
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Hi Devin –
Congrats on your 64 Lincoln sedan purchase. They are well thought of and respected in the old car hobby.
Your turn signal issue does sound like a t/s switch problem. To test this circuit properly though you will need in addition to the 12v test light a correct t/s wiring diagram for a 64 Lincoln. This way the circuit and sw. can be verified one step at a time as per the wiring contacts inside the t/s switch and the plug to that switch etc. With the steering wheel removed as per the shop manual a sharp eye can (possibly) in many case spot bad connections and possible melting of the plastics at the switch contacts. Keep in mind that an incorrect or faulty flasher could also upset the system. You could as a quick test only, unplug the t/s flasher and jump the plug off and on for a short time manually with a jumper wire and the ignition key turned on while operating the t/s sw. for a left- and right-hand turn. This test makes you control the circuit flashing and become the flasher for this test. A helper can assist you by watching the outside lights for any or correct operation.
Let us know what you find. We have the correct parts and shop manuals etc. in order to help you test and repair this issue.
Sincerely,
Bill
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Hey Bill,
I just wanted to send along an update. I replaced the turn signal switch, changed the bulbs over to LEDs for better visibility(and got an LED compatible signal flasher), and everything is working now! I am having a weird issue where the driver’s side parking light is “on” in parking mode, but this was happening with the original bulbs and switch. I’m guessing this may be a ground related issue, if you have any insight please let me know. Thanks so much for your help!
Best,
Devin
PS Installing a new turn signal switch should qualify as a form of torture. I ultimately had to cut and reinstall the bullet connectors.
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Hi Devin –
We haven’t heard of such a strange problem as you describe. Are you sure that it is the parking section of the left front bulb that is coming on when the gear shift lever is moved into the Park position or could it be the turn signal section of the bulb? However, if it only malfunctions with the lever in Park, the shift mechanism could be shorting out some wiring somewhere. You could try unplugging the wiring that leads up the steering column while in park. If the light then goes off the short could be happening in the column somewhere. We have seen many strange issues that have been caused or created by previous owner attempts at repairs and never addressed but we have not heard of this one.
Sincerely,
Bill
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Hey Bill,
I meant the Parking Lamp position on the Headlight Switch, the first stop when turning on the lights. Sorry for the confusion!
Devin
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Hi Devin –
From all of information that you have shared with us with your recent issues it seems possible that someone may have performed some unknown and unconventional wiring procedures to that 64 Lincoln. For us to help you diagnose the problems further with any accuracy and without guessing we would need the vehicle here in our shop. With all of the above information a knowledgeable tech needs to carefully examine the wiring with the use of the correct wiring diagram. We wish you the best of luck with this and please let us know what you eventually discover.
Sincerely,
Bill
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Hi Bill,
I plan on redoing the vacuum lines and inspecting wiring this winter as the car will be parked. I will let you know what I learn then.
Best,
Devin