Turn Signals won't work

[bluebird]

I just got my 65 back from an auto electric. All they fixed were my brake lights. They told me that my sequential motor may be out. Is there anyway of testing the sequential motor before I take it all apart? When I hit the turn signal I can hear a click in the sequential motor in the trunk.

This is what works and what doesn't.

Works - Emergency Flashers, Brake Lights, Head Lights (turning on High Beam turns all front head lights off), all dome, map, and courtesy lights, radio, heater

Does not work

Turn signals and inside dash lights (speedometer and green lights)

Any tips? Thanks. I can't wait to drive legally. I guess I can drive straight for a long time. :)

[Dutch]

Does your front turn signal light blink? Does the turn signal indicator ignite?

If so, then I'd focus on the turn signal motor in the trunk. A lot of folks replace these with electronic versions but I've found that taking the motor apart and cleaning it usually brings it back to life. Mine's been working flawlessly (knock on wood) for several years now.

In addition to the motor, there are a series of 3 or 4 contacts (like points in a distributor) next to the sequential motor (under white cap) that sometimes get corroded and won't make contact. If the motor isn't turning, however, the contacts are a mute point.

Good luck.

[Joe Vandatta]

I agree with Dutch, it is probably the motor.You can hear the motor run if you open the trunk and turn on the turn signal.If you don't hear anything follow Dutch's insructions. The point board usually only affects one or two lights in the sequence. I have had this happen and replaced the point board to fix that problem. (easy to install)
Make sure you are getting voltage to the motor before doing anything else.
Joe

[66 Boid]

Question:
Were sequential tail lights produced for the 1964 T-Bird? I swear that my friend who owned a 1964 T-Bird had sequentials!
What years were the sequential tail lights produced?
Thanks,
Tom

[FlyingDutch]

64's did not come with sequential lights (not all states allowed them till 65). If your friend had a 64 with sequential lights he probably added them. If I had a 64, I would added them. It's a really standout feature of the Flairbirds and their sister cougars. I've recently seen late model Mustangs with aftermarket sequential signals.

[t-bird-art]

In the trunk is a little 12 volt motor on top of the white plastic box . Open the white box and you will see the plastic cam that slowly rotates pushing the contacts that complete the 12 volt current to the taillight bulbs. Inside the plastic cam is the shaft from the 12v motor. Put 3-in-1 oil on the motor shaft where it enters the white box. After 40 years it's dry as a bone and dragging the motor to a stop.

[t-bird-art]

Note on cleaning the contacts. They are gold plated to stop corrosion. Only use electrical circuit/contact cleaner--- never an abrasive. Wetting a piece of a matchbook cover with the contact cleaner works good.

[budaman]

I have a '65 that all lights worked except turnsignals and indicator lights. Had the same clunking sound in the trunk when I moved lever. The relay and motor were very corroded so I replaced them with an electronic replacement. Still no turnsignals!
I startd tracing wires from turnsignal switch and found the turn signal indicator relay was not there. Talked to several people that said it wasn't needed as the indicators were on a seperate circuit. Since the relay was missing I ordered one and installed it last weekend. low and behold, the turn signals now work! That was a great feeling. Now on to the power windows! :)

[66QBird]

Like others, I think you have to try to get your sequencer working before you go to the electronic. I had a similar problem--my gunsights would sometimes just pulse but not flash. Other times all worked fine. I noticed when the pulsing was happening the third turn signal light would not work. This was the same when I used blinkers on both sides. I removed the sequencer, took off the black cover, pried/slid off the white plastic cover, sprayed dirty points with contact cleaner and put it all together. I could tell there was black dust on everything and it was dry. When I put it together it all worked great. It took about 30 minutes and cost nothing to fix. How often does that happen?

[redbird1]

"Bluebird",
Do you know how the people that worked on your car got the brake lights to work?
Did they tell you what they did?
The reason I ask, is mine aren't working.
They were up until a week ago.
When I press the pedal nothing happens.
If I put the directional signal on, the side that is on flashes in sequence as it should.
If I step on the pedal while the directional signal is on, the opposide side flashes off and on, but not sequentially.
If I let off the pedal, the light goes out, but the one that is signalling still flashes in sequence.
I replaced the stop light switch, and the stop light relay.
Cleaned the turn signal relay, and still the same.
I am at a loss as to why the brake lights are not working.
If I press the pedal, there is no sound coming from the stop light relay, but as soon as I put the turn signal on in either direction, the stoplight relay clicks(the old relaywhen it was installed),(and the new relay buzzes)
Any ideas"
Bob.

[lazy390]

To 66 Boid..my 64 has sequential lights also
I retofitted the reqired bits because they are just too cool not to have!!!
Webnet also sell an electronic version that is really easy to fit ( i fitted a setup in an hour ) and can be done without cutting up the loom ( unsoldering joints means it can be changed back easily) or butchering anything and under $100 bucks its gr8 value.

[Thunderbirds NW]

I agree with Dutch on his approach of cleaning the small white box in the trunk, to the right of, and behind the spare tire location. After you remove some insulation you will see the white box. Once pried open I used cotton swabs sprayed very lightly with WD 40 cleaned the cam and contact points. Cleaned all the inside of the white box inside, so no black residue was present. Closed the white box. The sequential signals started working and went for a year when I had to repeat the process. After the second cleaning I haven't had to climb in the trunk for 10 years! Remember outside the box there is a screw which attaches the unit to the body of the car which is your ground. The white plastic box won't work without it being grounded. Best of Luck Thunderbirds NW

[dvns55]

I HAVE A 64 TBIRD all of my lights work except when i put my turn signal on left or right my rear light will go off only on the side i use any ideas thanks

[Thunderbirds NW]

I have a 66 T-Bird which has different turn signals (sequential) than a 64. I asked a friend of mine, who has restored 64 -66 T-Birds for over 20 years, who also judges Big Birds, your question. First you should check the turn signal switch. Then you might "examine" the eight or ten wires coming out of the steering column above the carpet below the dash. Check for any loose plug in connections. DO NOT UNPLUG any of these connections! If you still have the same problem see a knowledgeable, reputable Auto Electric Mechanic who has worked on old classic cars. They will find the problem in little time. Best of Luck! Thunderbirds NW