electrical help please

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Feb 1, 2013 | 08:40 PM

doug1962

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Heel & Toe

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From: Myrtle Beach SC

electrical help please

I got in my 58 tonight for a little drive and when I pulled the headlight **** neither of the headlights came on. The tail lights, however, did come on. About a minute later the headlights did come on. So down the road I go. I looked back as I drove and noticed the brake lights were on even though I wasn't applying the brakes! After stopping at a light at which time I obviously had to press the brakes the brake lights then went off. Everything seemed to work fine for the rest of the drive home. When I pulled in my driveway and stopped the car all seemed back to normal. I then tried the turn signals just to check them out and... you guessed it, they didn't work! What is going on here! Is the car telling me the turn signal switch is going bad? Thanks for the help.

Feb 1, 2013 | 08:43 PM

Nowhere Man

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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa

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Start with the basics. Check all the grounds and fuse. For correct sizes and if any are blown

Feb 2, 2013 | 11:07 AM

Steve59

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From: Philadelphia Pa

Also check the head light switch. On my 59 apparently if you jiggle the switch the headlights go on/off. Probably a bad switch connection or the switch will need to be replaced.

Feb 2, 2013 | 01:41 PM

doug1962

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From: Myrtle Beach SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve59

Also check the head light switch. On my 59 apparently if you jiggle the switch the headlights go on/off. Probably a bad switch connection or the switch will need to be replaced.

Would the headlight switch effect the turn signals? I just replaced the headlight switch 2 years ago. I guess it could go bad but I would think it should last more than 2 years. I have a hunch it is the turn signal switch since everything now is working fine other than the turn signals . I had the same problem in my 59 several years ago.

Feb 2, 2013 | 01:58 PM

JohnZ

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From: Washington Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug1962

I got in my 58 tonight for a little drive and when I pulled the headlight **** neither of the headlights came on. The tail lights, however, did come on. About a minute later the headlights did come on. So down the road I go. I looked back as I drove and noticed the brake lights were on even though I wasn't applying the brakes! After stopping at a light at which time I obviously had to press the brakes the brake lights then went off. Everything seemed to work fine for the rest of the drive home. When I pulled in my driveway and stopped the car all seemed back to normal. I then tried the turn signals just to check them out and... you guessed it, they didn't work! What is going on here! Is the car telling me the turn signal switch is going bad? Thanks for the help.

You have two separate problems, in two separate circuits. The headlights not coming on, then coming on later, says that circuit is compromised - bad ground or bad switch, or bad dimmer switch.

The other issue with the brake lights and turn signals is in the turn signal switch or a sticky cancelling mechanism.

Feb 2, 2013 | 02:04 PM

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Racer

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From: Bridgewater CT

Maybe a bad ground somewhere making intermittent contact?

Feb 2, 2013 | 10:34 PM

doug1962

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Heel & Toe

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From: Myrtle Beach SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnZ

Please pardon my ignorance. Many have suggested a possible bad ground. Where are the grounds located that I need to check? Once located, is it just a matter of tightening the ground bolt/screw or is there more to it?