Bench testing turn signal switch?

[garner67]

I'm trying to sort out my non functional turn signals. I have power at the fuse box, and I have power to the flasher can.

Is there a way I can bench test my turn signal switch?

I know I'm getting power from the blue #44 wire feeding the TSS, but I'm not sure how to test the TSS output to the indicator lamps?

[Thunderfoot]

Use the diagram below and a Test Light.

With the test light and key on, check that you have power on the #44 wire on both sides of the TSS connector at the base of the Steering Column (sometimes the connector gets bad and doesn't made good connection so check both sides of the connector). check the other wires, you should not have power on any other wires at this time.
If you have power on wire #44 then turn the TSS to the Right Turn and check wires 2/49 & 282 for power, if you don't have any power on these wires then check the others and make a note if you find power on some other wire for a miss-wired connector.
Left Turn, check wires 3/50 & 283 for power, if you don't have any power on these wires then check the others and make a note if you find power on some other wire for a miss-wired connector.
Brake light, step on brake peddle and check wires 810/810A for power on both sides of the connector, then check wires 282 & 283
Emergency Flashers on, check wires 810/810A for power on both sides of the connector, then check wires 282 & 283

If you don't have any power on some of these wires then the TSS has bad contacts (new Turn Signal Cam may fix it) or bad wires on it, either way you will need to pull the Steering Wheel and check it out.

Hope this helps.

[garner67]

Thanks for the thorough reply, Shayne. I think I'll be able to sort it out with this info.

Use the diagram below and a Test Light.

With the test light and key on, check that you have power on the #44 wire on both sides of the TSS connector at the base of the Steering Column (sometimes the connector gets bad and doesn't made good connection so check both sides of the connector). check the other wires, you should not have power on any other wires at this time.
If you have power on wire #44 then turn the TSS to the Right Turn and check wires 2/49 & 282 for power, if you don't have any power on these wires then check the others and make a note if you find power on some other wire for a miss-wired connector.
Left Turn, check wires 3/50 & 283 for power, if you don't have any power on these wires then check the others and make a note if you find power on some other wire for a miss-wired connector.
Brake light, step on brake peddle and check wires 810/810A for power on both sides of the connector, then check wires 282 & 283
Emergency Flashers on, check wires 810/810A for power on both sides of the connector, then check wires 282 & 283

If you don't have any power on some of these wires then the TSS has bad contacts (new Turn Signal Cam may fix it) or bad wires on it, either way you will need to pull the Steering Wheel and check it out.

Hope this helps.

[garner67]

Shayne,

With your post, I was able to track down my problem. As it turned out, the TSS was not operating correctly. I just did some cleaning and got it working again. I guess I'll eventually have to purchase a new TSS, but for now I'm good.

Thanks.

[Thunderfoot]

Good deal Mike,

Glad that helped.
Yeah, they can get gunked up a bit after almost 40 years and the contacts start wearing down some too.

[KF100TK]

Sorry i need to cut in but i am having the same problem. I swapped in the 79 tilt column i have all lights working except the signal lights.
I tested for power on #44 (light blue)wire @ both sides of the connector, my test light dimly lights I also tested @ the signal flasher, i had
power @ the #8 wire and dim power @ #44 wire. I also took off my steering wheel to test #44 wire @ the top of the column, no power.
What does this all mean?

[fordman]

if there is power in one side but not out the other side then there is a break in that circut. if there is low voltage i do not know what to tell you. maybe a bad ground? my reverse lights do the same thing. i have low voltage at the sockets. i have not had time to mess with them yet. no if you are testing the horn wire. it is a ground wire. when you ground the horn brush it will honk the horn. it isnt a power switch.

[Thunderfoot]

Depending on the type of flasher, the dim light may be normal... Try removing the flasher and use a piece of wire to jumper the connector and recheck what you did and see if the test light is brighter, and that you have power at the TSS. It sounds like the wire may be broken inside the column if you don't have some power at the TSS...

[KF100TK]

Thanks for the replies, i tested with the jump wire like you mentioned and i got power to the TSS
So i thought i was now on my way but for some reason i lost all power to that circuit.
I checked the wiring diagrams and traced power source to the NSS wires #140 & #950 , no power.
I have power @ the fuse block and i have power @ my windshield wiper switch which is where my power
source is suppose to branch off from for the turn signal flasher. Note: becuase i switched to the tilt column
i used the jumper wires on the NSS from a manual trans truck. Sorry for the long post but i was trying to give
as much info as possible. Any thoughts on where i lost power?

[Thunderfoot]

The power that goes to the windshield wiper switch in this circuit, is for the "Windshield Washer" not the wipers...
Check the fuse contacts:
A. How well the fuse is making contact with the holder (clean the holder)
B. Remove the screws holding the fuse block to the firewall and check the wire contact on the back of the block (Black/red striped wire) it is a common problem for the wire to brake loose from the fuse block...

[KF100TK]

Thanks shayne you sure know your stuff. Wire was'nt broken but corroded a little, scrapped it and got the signal lights to work
Just got to put the rest back together now. Hopefully the horn thing goes well now Thanks again