62 Turn signal switch -- should that thing get hot?

[Peter S.]

I had an intermittent problem with my brake lights not working on one side or the other. I knew it wasn't the bulbs themselves or even the brake switch because it moved from one side to the other, and they would work fine and then without moving the car or hitting a bump, if you used the turn signal then they would quit working (on one side). Use the turn signal again and they would work fine.

So I figured it was the turn signal switch. I put in a different switch (old one, from a different car) and was testing it. All lights work correctly, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals. But after using the lights, the switch is really hot. Like so hot you can't touch the leads on the back of the switch without pulling away your burnt flesh. Is that normal? I realize with two lights in back and one in the front, there's a fair amount of current going through that switch (and the ammeter dips down when you put on the brakes) but should it get that hot? I want to make sure the switch is OK before I put it back in the steering column...

[Terry B.]

Re: 62 Turn signal switch -- should that thing get hot?

I'm having similar problems. My left side stopped working and the switch was replaced. Then both sides worked fine for awhile and now the right side won't work (the turn signals light up but won't blink).

[William C.]

Re: 62 Turn signal switch -- should that thing get hot?

In a word, NO. It sounds like you have a short somewhere.

[Edward J.]

Re: 62 Turn signal switch -- should that thing get hot?

Its sounds like a high ampreage draw in the electric system, a short would generally blow the fuse. some things to look for are the electrical connections at the switch, bulbs, Where ever the wires pass through a buckhead, grounds, Do your light sockets have a soloid connection, correct light bulbs.heat is generated when theres a problem trying to get the voltage through a circut. good luck Ed

I should add that where theres a connection issue the plastic connector will sometimes melt some from the heat.

[Philip P.]

Re: 62 Turn signal switch -- should that thing get hot?

When the switch is hot are any of the lights on or does it just get hot without the turn signal being used. THis may help to narrow your problem down.
Phil

[Peter S.]

Re: 62 Turn signal switch -- should that thing get hot?

It only gets hot when the turn signal is used. I'll try to see if it's left or right -- maybe that will tell me if one side has a problem. I can also put the old switch back in and see if it's also getting hot.

[Domenic T.]

Re: 62 Turn signal switch -- should that thing get hot?

Don't forget that the turn signals go thru a thermister type switch, (blinker) and your problem may be there because it has a contact in it that gets hot and bends away, interupting the circuit, then cools and makes contact again causing the noise you here under the dash as the lights blink.


Some of these are 2- prong and some are 3- prong and there are heavy duty ones that can be bought if you have extra lights to blink (trailor) .


It would also get hot and your problem is likely started there as it would take the switch out at the wheel also.


The tungston in the blinker switch can stick in the MADE position and cause a large power draw.

DOM