C1 Turn Signals

[Jim Sloan]

I have a 1960 model and for some reason my turn signals have suddenly stopped working. I figured that it must be the flasher so I pulled it out and checked on the identification numbers. It was a round one and it said "Tridon/Trico 536/552". I have had this flasher in the car for the last 16 years and I have had no trouble. So I went to the local auto parts store and purchased a new flasher "Tridon 552". I read in the book that this is the correct flasher for a vehicle with up to 3 lamps per turn signal. So I am assuming that this is the correct one. Problem is that when I plugged it in, I still have no turn signals. I then checked all the bulbs front and rear and they are all fine. When you pull the parking lights or the headlights on the bulbs do light up but no flashing. The dash indicators do not light up and there is no "clicking" noise from the new or old flasher. Does anyone know what might be the problem and how to diagnose and cure it? Thanks in advance.

[William C.]

Re: C1 Turn Signals

Do your brake lights work properly?

[Jim Sloan]

Re: C1 Turn Signals

Hi Bill. Yes my brake lights work just fine.

[William C.]

Re: C1 Turn Signals

First, I'd check the terminals at the flasher to see if one side of the flasher is powered with the turn signals on (key on) if not, the problem is upstream in the t/s switch or the connections to it or the power coming into the switch, I'd start by disconnecting the connectors under the column where the the pink wire at the fuseblock should be the feed at the flasher, and the yellow wire going to the switch is the feed for the switch. If the flasher is ok, with no drain on the lead, you should get 12V at both the feed to the flasher and also the yellow wire going into the T/S switch. In the same connector under the column, the lt blue and dark blue wires are the feed to the lamps. The second connector controls the wiring for the brake lights and it is switched off at the turn signal switch when the trun signal lamps are activated. You can jumper across the wires in the turn signal connector to verify that the problem is upstrean or downstream of this connection. If the switch is bad, jumping across the pink lead to either of the other wires should result in one side or the other blinking. The switch is fairly common if you need one I may be able to help.

[Jim Sloan]

Re: C1 Turn Signals

Hi Bill. I followed your directions and found the problem. It was in one of the connectors under the steering column. It had cracked and come apart allowing the 3 wires to become detached. Luckily I had another one of these connectors from a spare wire harness and I spliced it into the line and reattached the wires. I turned on the signal arm and I now have my signal lights flashing. I have left the new flasher in. Thanks so much for your quick help on diagnosing this problem. I feel much better now, I was feeling a little embarrassed using the ole hand signals out the window, but safety first!
This tech line is part of what makes NCRS the great club it is.

[Gene B.]

Re: C1 Turn Signals

I do not believe the round 552 flasher is correct for the car. It works fine, but probably would not pass judging and remember you have two lamps for your turn signal in a 60. The three lamp configuration did not appear until the 1962 model.

Gene