Question About Brake Lights / Turn Signal Switch

[JokerSixTNine]

I picked up a 64 TBird last month, and have narrowed down a lighting issue to what I think is the turn signal switch, but since it's a fairly expensive little plastic piece, I wanted to just verify my thoughts on this.

As far as the taillights go, my driving lights work, left and right turn signal work, when I press the brake only the right side works, and only the right side works for my hazard lights.

Using a circuit tester, I have power coming out of the brake switch when the brakes are pressed, as well as right before the steering column when I test the solid green wire. When I test the orange/blue wire out of the steering column (right side tail lights), I get power when I press the brakes, and I get power when I use the right side turn signal (the test light flashes). When I test the green/orange wire (left side tail lights), I get no power when I press the brakes, but I do still get power when I use my turn signals.

Also, is this something that could be corrected if I drilled out the turn signal switch rivet? Could it just be a bad or dirty connection or something?

 

[tbird5866]

It sounds like a turn signal switch problem, no doubt. Trying to repair the turn signal switch may work for you and what have you got to lose? If you fix it, Fine. If not, you will need a new switch anyway.

 

[JokerSixTNine]

Thanks Harley .

That's what I figured too... I have nothing to lose anyway, might as well have at it.

 

[lazy390]

I have a similar problem, the right brake light doesnt work after the right indicator has been used. If i use the left indicator then both brake lights work!
Apparently the early 64's had a recall on the brake lights but im not sure what the fault was or the solution, anyone know?
I have ordered a new brake light switch and brake light relay...let you know if that solves it !!
Scott

 

[tbird5866]

I believe the recall was to install the brake light relay.. Do you have a brake light relay on your car? If so, it would be installed behind the windshield washer bag (front LH side in the engine compartment.) (LH side is driver's side.)

 

[lazy390]

hey Harley,yes i do and it has 63 part number on it ( the car was made in Dec 63). Is this the problem?

 

[tbird5866]

No, the part number is not the problem..

 

[lazy390]

lol im sure the part number isnt..wondered if there was a later part number for the upgraded relay as part of the recall

 

[tbird5866]

No. There is not !

 

[frame30]

I am having the same issue and am wondering if the relay solved your problem? I spent numerous hours the steering wheel/turn signal this weekend;took it all apart. The best I could figure is that the little "sliders" underneath the cam and plastic isolator are worn out ... or the relay? Thoughts? Cheers. Michael.

 

[JokerSixTNine]

Hey Michael,

I installed a new turn signal switch, which is in the steering column (where the turn signal lever screws in), it completely fixed all of my signalling and brake light issues, and it was a painless install.

 

[frame30]

Thanks for the note. I did a little more playing and believe that my switch is unfixable. I was in whinning to an old friend of mine, Gary Cowley, a long time parts guy. He said wait a minute, he went in to the back, and came back with a Ford T Bird switch in the original box! And then he just gave it to me. I am hoping to put it in this weekend. Did you have any trouble matching the wires or were the colour codes pretty clear? Cheers. Michael.

 

[JokerSixTNine]

Everything was very clear, everything just plugged into the wiring harnesses. My original was pretty much unfixable too, but its a very easy swap