Turn Signal Switch Woes

A

A-Man

Senior Member
In my earlier 04-03-2016 posting, I included a wiring diagram for the wiring of a turn signal kit to my 1930 Ford Model A Deluxe coupe. As a result of response received, I have since installed the turn signal kit. The front and rear turn signal lights, as well as the brake/tail lights appear to be functioning properly.

However, I am experiencing the following problems with the two(2) green turning pilot lights and the one(1) red hazard pilot light on the attached UNITED PACIFIC 5700R Heavy Duty Turn Signal Switch (Note: I have an electrical kill switch, and all problems discussed are with the kill switch in the "ON" position):
1) The red hazard pilot light is very faint AND is lit at all times, except for when the turn signals are engaged.
2) The green turning pilot lights are barely lit.

I have replaced the bulb in the turn signal switch with a correct replacement provided by the vendor. I have the bulb socket directly grounded.

Has anyone installed the UNITED PACIFIC, Model 5700R, Heavy Duty Turn Signal Switch in their 6 volt Model A? If so, could you share your wiring diagram? I suspect a wiring issue, but I am not sure at this point.

Another issue I am dealing with is the installation of a turn signal alarm. I have gone with the TURN ALARM, Model 535 (6 volt). When installed, I have no pilot lights at all. However, when I replace it with the flasher that came with the Turn Signal Kit, I have very faint pilot lights.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
 

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I have the same turn signal on my A and while the turn signals always worked as they should the pilot and indicator lights have never functioned correctly. After spending many hours checking and rechecking the wiring and connections I've just accepted that they aren't made that well.
 
Isn't it frustrating? I am about to come to the same conclusion. Even considering removing the switch and replacing it with a different one. Thanks for you comment.
 
Mike V. Florida said:
Be sure the switch housing is grounded. Take a wire and touch the clamp and a good ground and see what happens.
Click to expand...

I had the same problem as Mike V. Florida said ground the turn signal switch. For years I had the same problem no lights on the switch. One day I had to repair the single switch and bingo!!! :D
 
I am anything but a Model A mechanic but my experience has been that 90 % of the time electrical problems relate to a bad ground. Wayne
 
Grounding the switch itself is only required if you want the pilot lights to function properly. My switch (Signalstat 900) came with instructions for making sure you get a good ground, which involved piercing the paint on the steering column.
 
I ran a ground wire from the bulb socket in the signal switch directly to the positive post of the battery, and still no success.
 
Hmmm - I have the same issue as well as a flash rate that's too fast. I ran a clip lead from the SignalStat housing to the + battery terminal. Didn't help with either problem.
 
Is the T/S alarm in series with the switch indicator lights? If so, the load is shared and will cause the bulbs to dim.
 
Had a similar problem. Finally went to a GOOD radio store ( was advised where to go ) and bought a good switch. This is not a turn signal switch but a medium sized dpdt. Has worked well for 4 years. I made a steering column connector bracket and used a ss hose clamp all painted black. Looks good.
 
A-Man, just noticed your thread. Call me at 866-327-5288 x 1158. We have many customers running this switch on 6 volt positive ground systems. The light bulb included with the 5007R switch is 12 volt, the main reason that it is not bright on the 6 volt system. We do carry the 6 volt bulb, but it can easily be found on-line, or try a model train store.

Also as other people have posted, the switch itself must be making good contact to the body of your car. Sometimes a separate ground wire is need to accomplish this, especially if a rubber strip was used under the clamp to avoid marring the paint on the steering column.

The indicator bulb is glowing when the switch is in the off position is due to the flasher. The "P" termial on a 535 flasher should have no voltage when not flashing. This is a common problem with many of the flashers on the market today. Call around and ask the retailer if theirs is made correctly. As I recall Vintique brand flashers are made correctly. David / UPI
 
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