Universal Turn Signals

[68FORDJBM]

As anyone used and can reccommend the LMC universal turn signals (48-4905) P34?

I can't seem to get my turn signals to operate properly no matter what I do. I've replaced the cam, checked all the wires, replaced the plugs, traced the power and still I have a short that prevents the currnet from flashing through my flasher - I get solid current all the way up through the flasher and power wire going into the TSS. Anyway, I just want use of my turn signals since driving in seattle with the windows down to make arm signals is not acceptable:)

Also, my front TS light sockets are bad. What is the easiest way to replace them. I couldn't figure out how to get to and remove the socket to replace the connection where the bulbs plug in. Couldn't find the socket PN either.

Thanks!

[ForingaMex]

When you turn the TSS, lets say to the right, does the right turn signal in the dash and the right bulb in the back of the truck come on? Do they stay on solid without flashing? In order for the flasher to work correctly all the flasher bulbs must be in working order.
To remove the front lights just there are two nuts from begind the light socket that have to be removed. (at least on the 67-69) The best would be if you could find a good socket at a yard somewhere. If need be you could just replace the wire connection but it won't be sealed from behind to keep water and dirt out of it, unless you find a way to seal it.
I have used a universal TSS before but not the one from LMC. It was just a temporary mesure till I could get it all fixed properly. My thought is that if you have a short somewhere just throughing a new switch at it won't make any difference. I hope this helps, if not someone here will come along to help. This site is a massive knowledge base and you can find all the help you need to diagnose the problem. I personally would rather spend some extra time to make the original TSS work or get a new or used replacement switch for the original.
Jake

[68FORDJBM]

Thanks Jake. I'm with you on fixing the orginal problem but I've spent my free time for several months trying to make the ts work in my 68 F100. I thought at least I could have something that works until I find and fix the root cause.

I know that the emergency flashers work so that tells me the bulbs are working (in the back and on the dash) the emergecy flashers worked at one time in the front too but now I need to replace the sockets like you said. The turn signals come on solid in the ts light and on the dash. Actually, only the left ts dash indicator works (solid). I get nothing on the right. I actually had the turn signals working correctly when everything was plugged in outside of the column - as soon as I ran the wires down the column they stopped working again:(

[fordman]

im not sure i agree that all the bulbs have to be good in order for the flashers to work. but maybe i am not remembering right. i dont have a socket or anything on the front drivers side of my 4wd yet. the front right bulb i think has burnt out now. but i do have rear turn sgnals and rear flashers i think.

[ForingaMex]

Depends what kind of flasher is being used, they may work with only one bulb but some flashers don't work unless all the bulbs are good. That is at least the experience I've had with them.
Jake

[fordman]

you could be right i really cantremember if mine work now o rnot with the front one burend out. i knwo when it wasnt burned otu both backs and the one frotn did flash. it may have been because the fourth one wasnt there to plug in. so the missing light had no effect.

[68FORDJBM]

I guess the take home message is that I'll replace the bulbs/socket in the front of the truck before I buy and use the universal switch.

Does anyone know where to find the front tail light assembly or socket in case I can't find one used at a yard?

[Thunderfoot]

Check the "Links" at the top of the page. Dennis Carpenter, NPD, LMC, etc. have them.

[Hawkrod]

I would add that replacing the turn signal switch cam may not fix a bad turn signal switch. It really is only for fixing a switch that works but does not stay locked in a turn position. What usually causes switch failure is the rivet contacts that hold the wires in the plastic melt in so the heads are too low for the springs on the cam to touch. If your lights did not work before the cam change they will not likely work after. As far as burned out bulbs are concerned, it is true that with heavy duty flashers they will not blink, they will just come on as some bulbs are not working. This is why you can't just use any flasher cannister, they are rated for the number of bulbs. Crossed bulbs in a socket can also cause a big problem as the bulbs are only supposed to go in one way but as sockets wear and corrode they allow bulbs to be installed backwords which shorts out the headlight circuit with the turn signal circuit. Turn signals are not hard but you have to check every socket and every wire to make sure they are right. Hawkrod

[68FORDJBM]

Thanks all. I found out that the park light socket I couldn't find at LMC/DC, etc is just a stock socket in any parts store. The socket twists out of the housing with a little effort. The most difficult part was removing the grill so I could remove the turn signal park light assembly. I now have working front ts park lights:). Unfortunately, while removing the headlights the headlight adjustment screw clips crumbled so now I have to wait for new to arrive before I can replace my headlights:(

Then, back to the turn signals.

[ForingaMex]

by 68FORDJBM on Tue Feb 16, 2010 9:22 pm

...I now have working front ts park lights:)...

Does that mean that your turn signals are working properly?
Jake

[68FORDJBM]

Nope. I put the universal turn signal on and still no turn signals as you expected, but at least I know the short isn't in the switch:). Any ideas where to look for the short? I've got new or clean plug sockets and bulbs on all four corners so it has to be in the wires or connections.

[fordman]

usually just under the back of the bed where the previous owner has tried to add trailer lights is the place where the wires are messed up at. but it really could be anyplace. one way to narrow it down is tracign the power given off fromt he switch. you can use a pin point tester to poke a tiny hole in the wire that is suppose to be sending a signal in several different places in the run. when you hit a spot that has no pwer go backwards until you find the bad spot.

[67MercM100]

Thanks all. I found out that the park light socket I couldn't find at LMC/DC, etc is just a stock socket in any parts store. The socket twists out of the housing with a little effort. The most difficult part was removing the grill so I could remove the turn signal park light assembly. I now have working front ts park lights:). Unfortunately, while removing the headlights the headlight adjustment screw clips crumbled so now I have to wait for new to arrive before I can replace my headlights:(

Then, back to the turn signals.

I'm also working on my front parking/turn signal sockets. I got the grill loose; got the housing and original socket out. What do I use as a replacement socket?? I bought some from Dennis Carpenter. Yeah, they go in from the back. But nothing holds them in the housing. I tried some from NAPA with the "grippers". But the grippers weren't long enough to be of any good.

HELP!! (& Thanks)

[fordman]

so the housing from dc does have bolts in the housing already?