Yet another problem on my '66!!

[SCUMDOG]

O.K., getting through all the bugs in my '66 Landau, just found another one!

It seems that my starter inhibitor switch (just guessing at the moment, about to go out to the workshop and find out for sure) may have worn out and won't work.

So to remedy this some rocket scientist has cut one of the starter-inhibitor wires at a junction near the power-steering pump and then run it directly to the starter solenoid near the battery.

Result?: You can now start the car in ANY gear!!! Sheesh, maybe that explains the kerb damage to the bottom of the trunk!

Do these switches actually wear out?

[Joe Van Datta]

If you have the C-6 tranny the switch is mounted on the tranny, mine on my 66 has given no trouble.
If you have the cruise o matic it is located on the steering colum.
Good idea to hook it up.

[SCUMDOG]

Originally Posted by Joe Van Datta

If you have the C-6 tranny the switch is mounted on the tranny, mine on my 66 has given no trouble.
If you have the cruise o matic it is located on the steering colum.
Good idea to hook it up.

Ah, mine is a FMX trans (Cruisomatic?) and the switch is on the column, I got it off and it has some of it's internal parts missing!! I'm getting a brand new switch - can't be too careful!

And the C-6 in my F100 does not have a switch on it, the switch is on the T-shifter mechanism, I guess there are variations of the C-6.

EDIT: The switch actually works -still a piece that seems to be missing, going by the manual picture it is some sort of coil spring thing that runs up the middle, any ideas??

Also does the neutral safety switch actuate the back-up lights???

[Harley Eaton]

On the 1966 Thunderbird with Cruise-O-Matic, the neutral safety switch operated the park brake release, the back up lights and the start inhibitor.

[SCUMDOG]

Originally Posted by Harley Eaton

On the 1966 Thunderbird with Cruise-O-Matic, the neutral safety switch operated the park brake release, the back up lights and the start inhibitor.

Thanks Harley, I had the parking brake release and the start inhibitor figured out, it was just the back-up light (reversing lights in New Zealand!) switch had me stumped.
As my bacK-up lights don't seem to work I better get some head-scratchin' done and figure out WHY. :confused:

[SCUMDOG]

Well, got my back-up lights sorted, wiring was o.k. but one bulb was out (poor earth).

NOW find out when I have ignition turned on or on accessory position the stop lights (brake-lights in NZ!)stay on!!!!!

The only thing I have possibly done since they worked properly was to detach the relays in the trunk when I replaced the cowl-drain.
I unscrewed the screws that held them to the trunk floor to move them out of the way and haven't screwed them down again - would a lack of being earthed (grounded) cause this problem??

[Joe Van Datta]

Sounds like your stop light switch is hanging up.

[dans65]

I had a bad brake light relay cause the lights to stay on constantly. I would try the ground first though.

[SCUMDOG]

Originally Posted by dans65

I had a bad brake light relay cause the lights to stay on constantly. I would try the ground first though.

Got into the trunk today, had wife operating brake-pedal, I discovered the relay on the 'switch-board' device on the back of the rear seat (inside the trunk) was getting hot and making funny intermitent noises, after whacking it with a wrench a couple of times it now clicks in and out and the brake-lights go on and off properly - but I think I will replaces it anyway.

What are the other three relays grouprd together nearer to the inner (passenger side) fender? they are connected to the wiring loom with two sets of 4-pin (I think there are only four!)plugs.

All the relays are corroded (one pretty bad) as a result of water entering the trunk via the perished cowl drain hoses.

Once again guys, thanks for the help, I'm a looong way from any other '66 T-bird owners!

[dans65]

I have 65's which only have 3 relays in that pack, turn signal requencer, relay and brake light relay. If you have 4 I would guess possibly a flasher relay. It sounded just like mine as for the brake light relay acting up so atleast we got you going the right direction. I know Pat Wilsons sells a new relay, and you can find NOS from time to time on ebay. There is a early and late one for 65's which changes the plug. I ended up making a short adapter harness to use the one I got from Wilsons and then found one NOS on ebay. If you have ever been on tbirdranch.com on the left column you can scroll down the menu and there is a whole write up on the sequential pack and troubleshooting and such. I know John also offers a replacement relay . Good luck with it and if you have any more ? just ask

[Joe Van Datta]

I replaced the sequential system in my 66 with a solid state set up --
end of problems.

[SCUMDOG]

Originally Posted by Joe Van Datta

I replaced the sequential system in my 66 with a solid state set up --
end of problems.

I was lucky - somebody had already done that to my 'bird - and also fitted Ignitor pointless ignition!!

Didn't stop the problem with the brake relay - and I was scared to 'tinker' too much in case I fried the solid state sequential system.!!

Oh, and if anybody wishes to correspond with a New Zealand Thunderbird owner my e-mail is: [email protected] (also have '55 F100, '62 Fairlane, Harley etc.)

[Harley Eaton]

I think the extra relays you found in the trunk (not in the wrapped package, right?) are for the emergency warning lights. Were they held to the shelf with two screws for both (not each) relay?

[SCUMDOG]

Originally Posted by Harley Eaton

I think the extra relays you found in the trunk (not in the wrapped package, right?) are for the emergency warning lights. Were they held to the shelf with two screws for both (not each) relay?

Yes, they were held by screws to the trunk right beside the right-hand cowl drain hose.

See below -each set of colons represents one relay and where it is located relevent to the cowl drain - (represented by the 'O'), the --- is to represent the rubber 'board' with the sequential light mechanism etc.
(NB, ignore the four full-stops, they're just there to get the lower two 'relays' in the correct position!!!)

--- : O
.... : :

[Harley Eaton]

I believe the warning light relays are C6SZ-10C838-A (4 wires) and C6SZ-10C838-B (3 wire). I have used one relay from Radio Shack to replace these two. I understand Radio Shack s not a good source anymore.. [email protected]