1964 Fleetwood w Tilt Steering Wheel Turn Signal Issue

[Logan Robb]

As is with my luck and sorting all the bugs on my car, tonight on my early evening cruise, I developed an issue with my turn signals. 

The “cancel” function now works excellently. Meaning when I turn the wheel back center, the turn signal cancels every time. Before, it was somewhat intermittent. Well, now it works all the time.

BUT 

The right turn signal is now stuck on. 

I’ve tried everything I can think of to get it to shut off, but it’s stuck. The lever moves freely and “clicks” into place as it should and moves freely. It just isn't cancelling the indicator. Even with the lever in is middle position, the light still blinks. 

I can remove the flasher and that should hopefully fix the issue, I just won’t have signals. But I’d like the signals to work as well HAHA!

Let me know what common issues it could be. I’d like to refrain from removing the steering wheel but will if I have to. 

thanks! Logan

[Kurt]

On tilt steering cars, the turn signal switch is mounted externally to the steering column. There is a bowden cable from the turn signal lever that moves the switch. Unless the bowden cable is messed up, you probably don't need to pull the steering wheel. Unfortunately you will have to lay on the floorboard to work on the switch. There is a peg on the switch that the bowden cable attches to. Detach the the bowden cable & move the peg manually to make sure turn signals & cornering lights work properly. I had to disassemble my switch recently & clean the contacts because the left signal was not working. I don't recommend taking yours apart unless the lights are not working. The metal tabs do not like bending and will break off. The bakelite doesn't like being messed with either. Here's a pic of the switch. I marked the position with tape when I pulled it off.Good luck.

[Logan Robb]

This is helpful-Thank you! I sounds to me like the little peg must be stuck. Not sure how that would happen. 

I am glad you mentioned how delicate this part it. I usually make it a habit to remove and clean and reinstall items that give me issues to make sure that everything is functional for a long time to come. Both my turn signals work and so do the cornering lights. Well, they did until it go stuck on the RH blinker. 

I'll take a look in the manual and see what it has to say as well. I cant imagine the bowden cable would be messed up. Seems like it would be hard to mess up?

I'll keep the thread updated. 

Thanks!

Logan. 

[3ft7bqmb7dryo]

Remove the switch and check that the cable is working. Be careful of the cable as it is easy to break. The cable for the 64 is a spiral wound metal core, but the 63 is all plastic and brittle. If you have an early 64, you may have a 63 cable. 

There are 3 places where the problem may be.  The bell crank under the teering wheel may be broken. The cable may be broken, or the slider on the switch may be broken. 

[Logan Robb]

Russ, I saw while reading some other threads that you were reproducing the bell crank and that you have the Bowden cables available. Is that all still accurate?

[3ft7bqmb7dryo]

Logan, I do have reproductions of the bell crank, but I am out of the Bowden cables right now.  I do repair them with a new metal sheath. 

[Logan Robb]

Russ, I have not verified 100% but I believe the metal core has broken somehow inside my Bowden cable. Is this something you can repair? 

[Logan Robb]

OK, so I am just coming in from outside and I have inspected 2 of the three main components for the turn signal. 

The switch mounted to the column seems to be in good working order. The Peg on the switch looks good and the bowden cable moved freely. 

I was able to move the switch freely by hand and the switch is actuated buy the lever still but only the LH functions properly. It will not release the RH turn signal. 

As the bowden cable moved freely and the peg on the switch is not broken and the signals and cornering lights function as they should, I believe the issue is the bell crank. 

I suppose I will learn how to remove the steering wheel. Lets hope there aren't too many issues with that.