Hey, New to the group as I just acquired my first cougar. it is a 1968 302-4barrel c4 auto.
diving into the car I noticed the turn signals do not work. Where is the best place to start?
Welcome and congratulations on your collar.
There are two inline fuses feeding the turn signal switch, one provides power for the emergency flashers and the other provides power to the turn signal itself. Only one of the two power inputs is activated at one time.
Is your battery and charging system up to snuff? Always always ALWAYS test the turn signals with the engine running and alternator output is sufficient (My cougar charges at 14.3 Volts)
Do the taillights work when the headlamps are on? Taillights and rear turn signal lights share the same grounds.
Do the brake lights work and do the emergency flashers work? There is an inline fuse that feeds the brake lights and the turn signal switch (when the flashers are activated). This circuit is directly powered from the starter relay.
Is the junk in the trunk OEM or solid state? If it is OEM, do you hear the Sequential motor turning when testing the turn signal switch?
If you do not hear the Sequential motor running when testing the turn signal switch, check the other inline fuse between the Accessory post on the ignition switch to the turn signal switch.
Although my writeup is specific for a 1967 Cougar, it also pertains to a 1968 system although some of the pin designations are different.
Let me know if you have any additional questions
Good Luck
Coach Jack
Hey, thanks when the weather gets better I will try and test all these things. I do know the headlights and taillights work when pushed to on.
Wolfekolton,
I sure hope you meant that the headlights and taillights work when PULLED to on. If however indeed your car has a push to on headlamp switch, then your electrical wiring has been (for lack of a betterer technical term) “mucked” with.
Coach Jack
Yes. Factory headlight switch. Taillight and headlight comes on.
Any specific part to try first now that the headlights and taillights work?
I would start with the fuses.
Hey, Tailights don’t actually work on the cougar. Brake lights do. If you click on the emergency flashers the indicators come on the dash but nothing is blinking. Best place to start now that I have a better idea?
Below is a link to my pdf file that describes how to test the turn signal switch specifically for a 68.
68 turn signal switch testing.pdf (176.9 KB)
Coach Jack
I believe I need to replace the flasher can under the dash for the same issue. It clicks once or twice and stops but I have signals (have to hold up for right turn as it doesn’t stay engaged - I have the replacement for that) Problem is I’ve looked for it… tried to follow the click but still can’t track it down.
Just to be absolutely clear here, 67 and 68 Cougars do NOT have flasher cans!! The flashing of the taillights and the dash indicator lights are controlled by the sequential motor in the trunk!
Coach Jack
I meant the K5 relay.
But I still need to figure out why I don’t have interior lights.