Turn signals quit working

[Joe Kriston]

They started getting slower,then just sort of petered out...But my emergency flashers work fine...I replaced the steering wheel a couple months ago,so I've already been in there,but they were working fine until a week or so ago...Just wondering where to start troubleshooting....Thanks...

[fordman]

it probably your other flasher unit. the one thats hooked to the back of the instrument cluster.

[Joe Kriston]

Is that where the damn thing is?....I looked all over for it....I thought they just hung underneath the dash somewhere and was too embarrassed to start a 'Where is the turn signal flasher located?' thread...I didn't know there were two flashers...Thanks...

[jor]

Well, it looks like we have an Arizona anomaly, Joe! I am having the same problem with my 68. I replaced the flasher (there are two - get a flashlight and shine it up there under the instrument cluster or better yet, pull the cluster). Anyhow, I replaced mine but no dice. Like you, my emergency blinkers work fine so I know it's not any of the lights. Anyhow, I have been stewing about this and then, Sunday, on the way to the dump, a miraculous recovery! I'm off to work in a few minutes and hoping for the best. No one recognizes the old arm signals anymore; they think I'm waving for help or gang signing! ha ha
jor

UPDATE: Not workin' again!

[FoMoCo]

I'm guessing here. My 67 had the big ear splitting flasher that was the size of a digital camera. It got slower and slower untill I replaced it with a 2 dollar walmart flasher. The male wiring harness terminal had to be changed to female, otherwise a Direct swap. I have a complete virgin wiring harness in my basement Ill see if I can get any ideas where else could go wrong.

Nick

[rjewkes]

if it keeps not workin shortly after working then the ground is bad or thesystem is shorting somewhere.

[ratfink]

Just a thought, when at work and we have an "intermitten" problem, I try a "wiggle" test. Turn on one of your turn signals, then reach under the dash, especially around the plugs and wiggle the harness' untill hopefully you will find the problem area.
Ratfink

[Ford_Doctor]

Try the flasher, but if it doesn't work then it's time to start cleaning light sockets and grounds.

[CJ,s 67 F100]

When you start with the good advice Ford_Doctor gave you I used a terminal cleaning spray that works very good. If you pull the dash, pull and clean every terminal you can find. It will save you pulling it again.

[Joe Kriston]

Good tips,guys...I have another question...What's the difference between a hand signal and a hand gesture,Jor? ....Actually,since I haven't taken my dash bezel off yet,I'm wondering how the flasher is mounted to it...Will a universal one work there?...Gracias'....

[CJ,s 67 F100]

Joe, Mine was just hanging when I put the f600 dash in but it is now zip tied up with the wires. I dont know how it is supposed to be attached

[Joe Kriston]

Thanks,Charles...I might see if I can reach in from the back first,because my bezel is in excellent shape and I don't want to pull it off and scratch it up any more than I have to....

[68F250]

Joe, if it has the original style flasher, it's attached to the back of the cluster in a slot where the arrow is pointing. The top of the flasher has a arrowhead? peg clip that fits into the slot and then you rotate it 90 degrees to lock it in. If you just pull on it the slot will break out on the plastic style clusters, rotate it 90 degrees first. Any flasher will work but they won't attach to the slot. Not a big deal, attaching it to the cluster acts as a sounding board to make the flasher louder. You can always buy a loud flasher if that's a problem. The '67-only flasher is totally different.

[Joe Kriston]

Hey,thanks,Barry...Now I think I'll be able to stick my arm up in there and get the old one out easily....My canceller works well,so it isn't as though I need the loud flasher to remind me that my turn signal has been on for the last 15 miles if I use a univeral one and tie-wrap it someplace......BTW,it seems I saw where there's another poster called 68f250....You guys talked about registered name trademarks? ...

[Joe Kriston]

Yayyy,it was the flasher...Jor,what about yours?....Still messing with you?...