resistor on ground wire

V

vance07

New member
Anybody know why there is resistor on the ground wire going to turn signal inductor on a 1940 ford dash. I know nothing about the instrument cluster,I purchased it awile ago just trying to get the inductors to work.
thanks
 
The resistor might be there because somebody rewired the car for 12volts? And wanted the original turnsignal switch assembly.
Don't know what an inductor is, can't offer advise on that part.
 
That was my auto correct on the tablet it was supposed to read turn signal indicator. Would that mean the indicator is 6 volt or 12
thanks
 
Most likely 6V if it has a resister to drop the voltage down. There shouldn't be a reason to drop the voltage if it is a 12V bulb.
Edit: Just re-read your OP, it says "turn signal" indicator. 1940 Fords do not have turn signals or turn signal indicators, so whatever is wired up has be added by someone and no telling how it was wired.
 
How are the turn signals controlled, is there some type of level control added to the side of the column? Or is it built into the column? If it is built into the column then the column (and possibly the steering box) have been change out with a later model. There would also have to be modifications to the wirings as the original had no way of accommodating turn signals.
Edit: Looking at the wiring diagrams, the first year I see with factory installed turn signals is 1951. Others may know of dealer installed options earlier than this.
 
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The higher end cars like Lincoln and Mercury got turn signals first but we are talking the late 40s. Cars built before that time have had any number of aftermarket turn signal devices added to them over the years.
 
Bob C said:
The green book shows 6A-18440 Turn indicator-complete kit 1942-48

Bob
Click to expand...

Any idea if that was a factory option, dealer installed option, later add-on or what? I have not found it in the wiring diagrams even as an option.
 
I too was thinking the '40 didn't have factpry turn signals but it might have an original SignalStat aftermarket unit that is 6v, the car might be ungraded to 12v and a resister installed, if it is 12v and a 6v turnsignal you might be able to replace the capacitor and pilot lights. Or leave the resistor.
 
The resistor may have been added to get the flasher to work properly. My '47 has add-on turn signals, but with the very small stop and parking lights, they are not of much use. I have an LED light bar on the back which really improves safety. They can be wired so they are directional.
 
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