this is a 68 327-350 hp manual. when i press on the break pedal the tail lights (all 4) lights up. keeping the brake on and turning the turn signal either left or right for a turn,that particular left or right rear lights go out and the other side stays on. could it be in the turn signal in the steering column causing the lights to go out. i really need help on this because i have problems with solving electrical problems.
appreciate all replies
thanks.
joe

 

Both lights are suspose to light up for both the brake and turn signals for the 68. Yes they do go through the turn signal switch. I just replaced the switch on my 68. It's not too hard of a job. In fact I had to do it twice because the first switch wasn't any good.

 

It's definitely the turn signal switch. I've fought this battle already

 

There is a curved electrical connector on the end of the wiring coming out of the steering column from the turn signal switch that connects to the vehicle wiring harness.

A good check is to plug the new turn signal switch into your vehicle's wiring harness and try the new switch before pulling the old switch out of the steering column.

Many suppliers may not allow return of electrical components once removed from their packaging. But at least you won't be pulling a perfectly good part from the column if it is not the culprit.

Jim

 

Does the entire steering column need to be removed and then disassemble the column on the bench? Or do you remove the s/wheel and pull it out thru the top?????
Appreciate the info.
thanks
joe

 

You should be able to pull the turn signal switch out through the top without pulling the steering column out of the car.

However, the turn signal switch wiring passes down the column and in between the column jacket and the capsule bracket that holds the column up into the dash. Because of this fact, the wiring and connector won't just easily feed up through the gap between the capsule bracket and the column jacket.

Here are two alternatives:
1). Remove the screws (or nuts) that hold the column bracket up into the dash. Then remove the screws that hold the bracket up against the steering column. This is so that the curved electrical connector can pass up through the gap between the column bracket and the column.

DO NOT just let the column "hang" when you remove the column bracket. Have someone else hold it up into place while you fish the turn signal wires up through the column. (The reason the electrical connector is curved is so that it will fit up through the close confines of the column head.)

2). You might also consider this course of action. If you remove the individual wires and metal contacts from the curved connector. You can probably fish the bare wires up between the column bracket and the column jacket without removing the column bracket.

Straighten a heavy paper clip or use a very thin blade screwdriver. Insert it into the curved connector from the contact side to disengage each wire and contact. There should be a small molded square channel in the connector that will guide you to a metal tang on the contact that holds it in place. Once you depress the tang and pop the wire and contact out of the connector, you should take a small knife blade and bend the tang back out so that it will engage the connector correctly upon reinstallation. The turn signal switch wiring can now be fed separately through the column.

Make sure that you reinstall your switch wires into the connector in the correct order, so that when you reassemble them, all your lights, horn, and buzzers will work correctly.

Good luck,
Jim

 

Thanks alot for the detail instructions, looks like you have done this in the past. I need to purchase, that is order the parts when i get back in town. Again thanks for the info it is well appreciated.

joe

 

The only special (not too special) tool I had to get was a steering wheel puller. I bought my switch from Ecklers. I had it for quite a while before I got around to installing it only to find that it was a bad switch. I called ecklers and spoke to someone in their tech department. He told me that they had a bad batch of switches come through and offered a free replacement. I didn't even have to return the old one. I didn't have to drop the column. I had to remove a piece of the dash right under the column. There is a track that the cable runs through it's held on with a couple small phillps head screws. You need to pay attention to how the horn and the telescope go back together. Also getting the steering wheel back on straight after you pull it off.

 

This is probably a stupid question but just thought I would confirm-the flasher is plugged in -correct? If its not or is "open"(bad) it will do as you described.Brake lights work but turn signal turns them off.Turn signals are just flashing brake lights. I usually dont see both sides bad in the switch at the same time-one of the commons between right and left is the flasher.

 

Yes, it is a plug in flasher. The harness is further down the column but i have not tried to disconnect it. I need to order it first, the vendor that shows the best picture in there cat. is "ZIP" products, somewhere around $85. When i get back in town i will look at it a little closer and then order it.
thanks for the reply
joe

 

Did you try replacing the flasher? They only cost $3

 

Dummy me, i will try that this weekend, great idea.

thanks