Adding turn signals to my A. I need help!

Neil Mylar LakewoodCA

Neil Mylar LakewoodCA

Well-known member
The left front turn signal is working.
I spliced a new wire from the left rear turn signal into the left front wiring.

Unfortunately the left rear turn signal is not working.

The bulb is fine.

How can I trace where the problem is?

I purchased a multimeter, but I don't know how to use it.
 
This is what I used to join the wires.
 

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Neil,

There are many Model A owners in California. I suggest you find someone to teach you how to use the multimeter and trace the problem with your turn indicators. That is the best way to learn. Reading about it will work but not as well.

The best connectors are the crimp type that are shaped like a short tube. You can find these at your local auto parts store. However they require a high quality crimper, the type with the ratchet mechanism. The crimp should not pull apart when giving it a good yank, and should be air tight, with the individual strands deformed to mate together.
 
Post a photo of your wiring diagram and turn signals controller, I think both of the rear lights need their own separate wire from the controller ( because of the stop light function)
 
Both rear lights need separate wire because there's lefts and rights. Both of the rear turn signal lights must tie to the brake switch because they use the same filament of the bulb, plus (unless they're European and separate lights) if you step on the brake, the light still needs to blink.


Are you using the Signal Stat or clone switch?
 
Does the left brake and right light still work with the brake,you may have a wire switched if not working.If your bulbs are good you don't need a meter for this. Use your brake adjustment tool to hold the brake so you can see the lights work.This shows the board if you don't have one,it's about adjusting brakes with the board,also good for checking brake lights. .https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMizfaKHXVQ
 
Are you using separate lights for your turn signals in the front and the rear? If separate lights check the the ground connection. It must be good for the lights to work properly.
Those blue connectors are not very reliable. I prefer good soldered connections sealed with heat shrink tubing. If you are using the existing brake lights in the rear check the wiring from the switch to the bulbs. Make sure the brake lights work correctly when the brake is applied, if they work, then has to be the switch.
 
Neil, we need more info. What turn signal switch are you using? Are you using separate lights or using the brake light bulbs. As mentioned, ensure you have good grounds. Do your brake and running lights work OK?

You know the Harbor Area Model A Club's Garage (Al's Garage) is open to members most Saturday mornings? The address is on the first page of the 'Harbor Light'. As a member, you are welcome to stop by...

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I am using a signal stat unit that I purchased used, several years ago.
It has separate wires to the front turn signal lights. They work fine.
It has a separate wire that was labeled 'right rear'. It works fine.

There are 2 other wires labeled as going to the stop light.

My turn signal lights are separate lights with single bulbs. They are not part of a dual brake light bulb.

I figured that I could splice into the front left wiring and connect it to the left rear turn signal. But it is not working.

Y-blockhead do you know if Al's garage is meeting this Saturday morning?
 
When I install turn signals, I keep everything separate from the orignal lights. Keeps thing simple in case of a problem.
 
Neil Mylar LakewoodCA said:
I am using a signal stat unit that I purchased used, several years ago.
It has separate wires to the front turn signal lights. They work fine.
It has a separate wire that was labeled 'right rear'. It works fine.

There are 2 other wires labeled as going to the stop light.

My turn signal lights are separate lights with single bulbs. They are not part of a dual brake light bulb.

I figured that I could splice into the front left wiring and connect it to the left rear turn signal. But it is not working.

Y-blockhead do you know if Al's garage is meeting this Saturday morning?
Click to expand...

Yes we are, I usually get there at ~9:30am. I already talked to our Tech Director. He said bring it on by.

Wick said:
When I install turn signals, I keep everything separate from the orignal lights. Keeps thing simple in case of a problem.
Click to expand...

That is the way mine are set up too. Very simple system.

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That is the same as I have installed, almost fool proof, although it has been said that some fools are some what smart at times!:D . It is one of the least expensive, and probably reliable.
 
Neil, those wire connectors you use are notorious for poor electrical continuity. These are especially poor for use in a vibratory environment such as in a Model "A". You should be soldering all wire connections.
Also, you can avoid all of the issues with installing & troubleshooting turn signals by using the reproduction wire harness with integral signals including a Signal-Stat.
 
I agree with Bob in post 16 about the blue connectors. One can cut the wires , splice/ twist and solder and use heat shrink if desired.Sometimes the solder can come loose if not careful.
 
I took my Model A to Al's garage this morning. Dennis, Jim, and several other guys help figure out my wiring problem and even wired my accessory brake and tail light.

The blue connector was definitely not working.
Dennis determined that one of the wires labeled as going to the stop light was actually the wire needed for the left rear turn signal.

I'm very grateful for these club members. It was a fun time. There was a lot of light harded kidding going on.

Plus, there was even coffee and donuts.
 
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Bob suggested soldering. This is OK if done right. The problem is when the solder wicks down the wire making it stiff and a stress point where the solder ends. That is why the crimp connectors, shaped like a tube, are recommended. But, like I said in my earlier post, the right crimping tool must be used.

Glad you got it fixed and that you got a lesson on the use of the multimeter. That meter will help you in many ways in the coming years.
 
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