Turn indicators freezing

[tbirdmike63]

Hey everyone, my turn indicators are freezing up when I have all the outside lights on, heater on, they freeze on. I have a stronger alternator, all my grounds are good. I have the original sequential system in the trunk, I was thinking about getting the electronic version, do you think this would help since it probably uses less power? Thanks!

[Deanj]

I experienced a similar problem, but it was caused by cheap low quality bulbs. You may be correct about the flasher and it's an easier cheap obvious fix.

Dean

[jopizz]

The sequential unit worked fine from the factory with the original alternator so it has nothing to do with the design of the system or how many amps it draws. If you're sure all your grounds at the sequential unit in the trunk are good then I suspect a worn sequencer motor. In that case, yes, the solid state unit will fix it but it's an expensive fix. You can also look for a good used motor on Ebay which is less expensive but you never know how long it will last. If you decide on buying the solid state unit look around. They were used on Cougers as well as Thunderbirds so prices can really vary.

John

[tbirdmike63]

Actually the rear turn signals work fine it's the front fender top indicators that freeze up when I have a lot of things on in the car like the lights, heater, etc. so I was wondering if I was to buy the electric sequential unit it would be less draw so the front fender indicators would work properly.

[OUR5T8BIRD]

Hey everyone, my turn indicators are freezing up when I have all the outside lights on, heater on, they freeze on. I have a stronger alternator, all my grounds are good. I have the original sequential system in the trunk, I was thinking about getting the electronic version, do you think this would help since it probably uses less power? Thanks!

This is becoming a common problem as of late and many owners with '65 and '66 Birds are experiencing the same thing . With all your lights on with these birds you have as many lights as the average Xmas tree . When you come up to a turn, the signal indicator is probably working just fine. Then you apply the brakes and more lights come on . That is most likely when the indicators stay on constant . With a bit more rpm they probably flash again . When this situation is happening with the indicators, your signal lights are still working the way they are supposed to do through the flasher (motorized stepping switch ) ) and signal relay in the back . Sure you will see the amp gauge going into the negative. What is most likely failing is the turn indicator relay , located just under the dash above the left knee . Part # C5SB-13A 366-C . You could try to replace it or open it and clean contacts etc. Or, live with it like most of us . Hope this helps.

[tbirdmike63]

I was under the impression when the fender indicator freezes the rear lights freeze up too, so the rear signals continue to work even when the fender indicators freeze?

[jopizz]

You have three common points regarding the front turn indicators: the relay under the dash, the turn signal switch and the motor/flasher in the sequential unit. It's not necessarily true that if the fronts freeze so do the backs. I've seen the fronts freeze and the backs continue to work. Do the front lights freeze at idle. If so it should be easy to tell if the backs stop working at the same time.

John

[OUR5T8BIRD]

You have three common points regarding the front turn indicators: the relay under the dash, the turn signal switch and the motor/flasher in the sequential unit. It's not necessarily true that if the fronts freeze so do the backs. I've seen the fronts freeze and the backs continue to work. Do the front lights freeze at idle. If so it should be easy to tell if the backs stop working at the same time.

John

John: With all the lights on, front and rear , night time running, signal light on, left or right, the front signal lights are flashing and the rear lights are flashing sequentially while the turn indicator on the fender stays on solid. Especially when you apply the brake lights . From experience, with higher rpm while on the brake, the indicator will start to flash . Hope this clarifies whats I am trying to express .

[jopizz]

I'm not doubting what you are saying. I'm just pointing out that the turn signals worked fine when the car left the factory. I've had numerous '65 & '66 Thunderbirds over the years that had no issues with the turn signals freezing up. If they are now it's because of a fault in one or more of the components or poor grounding due to corrosion or a breakdown in the wiring, not because of the design.

John

[simplyconnected]

...With all the lights on, front and rear, night time running, signal light on, left or right, the front signal lights are flashing and the rear lights are flashing sequentially while the turn indicator on the fender stays on solid. Especially when you apply the brake lights...

Simply wire the indicator light with the front turn signal light. Done! - Dave

[tbirdmike63]

That's s great idea, i found the wire that goes to the fender indicator, but the wire that goes to the front turn signal do you know what color wire that is that I need to tap into? Thanks!

[jopizz]

That's s great idea, i found the wire that goes to the fender indicator, but the wire that goes to the front turn signal do you know what color wire that is that I need to tap into? Thanks!

It should be white/blue on the right side and green/white on the left.

John