First C3.... Already having problems..
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 22
Likes: 10
From: MN
First C3.... Already having problems..
Hello! I just bought a 1976 Stingray and I'm already having issues. I got home the first night and all of the sudden the hazard lights started going off. I went to pull the switch and then the screw came right out. It won't thread back in (I think the inside is stripped) and I don't know how to shut them off. For now, I pulled the flasher off of the fuse box so it would stop the hazard lights, however, now I don't have blinkers. Help!!!
Ps. I'm new here so I am sorry if this is in the wrong section
Ps. I'm new here so I am sorry if this is in the wrong section
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
Welcome to the C3 Tribe!
I'd start with a super small needle nose pliers or thin screw driver and see if I could pull out the switch shaft. Once the shaft pulls out, you can do a diagnosis and see if it is stripped or not.
Failing that, you may have to take your steering column apart. Not a bad job if you are handy. You can get to the switch pretty easy and fix or swap.
A suggestion is to buy two manuals. The first being the factory service manual and the AIM (assembly Instruction Manual) so you can see how things go together. It will save you countless hours. Ebay has them quick, dirty and (sometimes) cheap.
Good luck!
I'd start with a super small needle nose pliers or thin screw driver and see if I could pull out the switch shaft. Once the shaft pulls out, you can do a diagnosis and see if it is stripped or not.
Failing that, you may have to take your steering column apart. Not a bad job if you are handy. You can get to the switch pretty easy and fix or swap.
A suggestion is to buy two manuals. The first being the factory service manual and the AIM (assembly Instruction Manual) so you can see how things go together. It will save you countless hours. Ebay has them quick, dirty and (sometimes) cheap.
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 22
Likes: 10
From: MN
Welcome to the C3 Tribe!
I'd start with a super small needle nose pliers or thin screw driver and see if I could pull out the switch shaft. Once the shaft pulls out, you can do a diagnosis and see if it is stripped or not.
Failing that, you may have to take your steering column apart. Not a bad job if you are handy. You can get to the switch pretty easy and fix or swap.
A suggestion is to buy two manuals. The first being the factory service manual and the AIM (assembly Instruction Manual) so you can see how things go together. It will save you countless hours. Ebay has them quick, dirty and (sometimes) cheap.
Good luck!
I'd start with a super small needle nose pliers or thin screw driver and see if I could pull out the switch shaft. Once the shaft pulls out, you can do a diagnosis and see if it is stripped or not.
Failing that, you may have to take your steering column apart. Not a bad job if you are handy. You can get to the switch pretty easy and fix or swap.
A suggestion is to buy two manuals. The first being the factory service manual and the AIM (assembly Instruction Manual) so you can see how things go together. It will save you countless hours. Ebay has them quick, dirty and (sometimes) cheap.
Good luck!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Jack,
I'll say welcome too.
A very good source of steering column information is Forum member Jim Shea.
He has terrific illustrated information about servicing steering columns. He is THE steering man!
If you use the search tool for his name you'll be led to his posts and you can then look for info about your flasher problem.
Good Luck!
Glad you're here!
Regards,
Alan
I'll say welcome too.
A very good source of steering column information is Forum member Jim Shea.
He has terrific illustrated information about servicing steering columns. He is THE steering man!
If you use the search tool for his name you'll be led to his posts and you can then look for info about your flasher problem.
Good Luck!
Glad you're here!
Regards,
Alan
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,445
Likes: 353
From: Athens GA
St. Jude Donor '12-'13, '15- '16-'17-'18-'19, '21
Welcome Jack to the forum.
And get used to working on your C3.
These are 40yr old cars and they need lots of TLC.
Look at it like playing with your dog...and not as a chore.
Enjoy!
Bman (Dennis)
And get used to working on your C3.
These are 40yr old cars and they need lots of TLC.
Look at it like playing with your dog...and not as a chore.
Enjoy!
Bman (Dennis)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 115
From: Yelm Wa
Welcome
The "already having problems" is typical when first purchased.
Often times that loving feeling goes away, then things start to break/wear out and they get neglected/sold, until sorted out by the new owner.
Expect the worst, hope for the best.
The "already having problems" is typical when first purchased.
Often times that loving feeling goes away, then things start to break/wear out and they get neglected/sold, until sorted out by the new owner.
Expect the worst, hope for the best.
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 708
Likes: 21
From: Montrose CA
Yes... welcome and congratulations on owning the most beautiful vehicle ever manufactured...
Agree... completely don't sweat the small stuff... you know what - after the next ten years of going through that thing - it will be perfect. Ha!
Manuals will help... patience is a virtue.
Agree... completely don't sweat the small stuff... you know what - after the next ten years of going through that thing - it will be perfect. Ha!
Manuals will help... patience is a virtue.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Hello and welcome to the gang!
The c3s will have things sneek up on you like that, so don't freak out. And there will always be things you want to do to it or needs to be done.
I do recommend the books mentioned by billschroeder5842, but I would also suggest buying one of those guided books, like chilton. They explain the manuals billschroeder5842 suggested and helps make for an easier read.
The c3s will have things sneek up on you like that, so don't freak out. And there will always be things you want to do to it or needs to be done.
I do recommend the books mentioned by billschroeder5842, but I would also suggest buying one of those guided books, like chilton. They explain the manuals billschroeder5842 suggested and helps make for an easier read.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,601
Likes: 7,048
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Welcome to the Forum. 3 years ago I didn't know how to open the door on my basketcase '68 convertible.
With lots of advice from Forum Members I've learned to rebuild trailing arms/speedometers/etc.
You can do this!
With lots of advice from Forum Members I've learned to rebuild trailing arms/speedometers/etc.
You can do this!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 9,248
Likes: 221
From: Dryden MI
Welcome to the joys of owning an older car. There will be always one thing more to fix, and then there is the while is am at it disease. Most of us have it, and it is incurable until you get rid of the car. I went to turn on my windshield wipers and the **** disintegrated into dust! Hazard flashers were or are rarely used and like most switches this can cause issues when you need them. Fortunately not a big deal once it is fixed.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 779
From: Persona Non Grata
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
That's nothing, Jack. The brakes failed on mine, so I pulled the emergency brake. When the dust cleared, this is all that was left...
Just kidding. Good luck!
Just kidding. Good luck!
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 523
Likes: 249
From: SC
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
Well timed, I just walked in from the garage having wiped the drippings off the floor...Fluids Checked!
So not to hijack the thread, I have a rebuilt TT column but the flasher button is frozen in the off position. I've decided to just leave it as is.
Btw...isn't the hazard warning relay a separate component from the flasher relay? My warning relay was mounted on the fuse box and the flasher relay was mounted behind the glove box panel on my 1969.
Regards,
Tom
Last edited by Tom69; Aug 24, 2016 at 01:31 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,445
Likes: 353
From: Athens GA
St. Jude Donor '12-'13, '15- '16-'17-'18-'19, '21