electrical problem?

[Bill Wingood]

Two frustrating items on a 65 coupe with factory A/C:

1: When using a turn signal both front turn signals flash while one side flashes correctly in the rear, i.e., when signaling a left turn the rear left lights blink while in the front both lights blink.

2: No matter what position(s) the controls are on the dash, the A/C compressor always runs when I turn on the fan. The fan blows air so it works. There also seems to be no heat. I can't seem to get the A/C not to come on.

[Wayne W.]

Re: electrical problem?

I have a couple of questions for you. Do the turnsignals do that in the RH as well as the LH direction. Do the dash indicator lights also both light up. On the AC there are three common points that cross activation might occur. First is the switch itself. Second would be the high speed relay, and third would be the compressor switch on top of the heater box. The later is the first place that I would check. They have a tendency to burn up.

[Bill Wingood]

Re: electrical problem?

Wayne,
I will have to check whether they both flash RH and LH. Both indicator lights on the dash do not light up. Just the appropriate one for the signal. From what I've been reading, perhaps it is something in the steering column?

I just happened to look at all the wires on top of the heater box this morning and all looked normal, that is nothing was melted or burnt. There did appear to be a fuse line but I did not disconnect it.

I cannot speak for the condition of the switch, I suppose I could just replace it. I do not know what or where the high speed relay is and I will double check the wires and connections on top of the heater tonight as well as the turn signals.

At this point I'm inclined to just remove the fan belt to the A/C and see if I can get any heat and just stick my arm out the window when making turns!!! Any advice would be appreciated Wayne, Thanks.

[Mike McKown]

Re: electrical problem?

I can't help with the electrical but don't go to the trouble of pulling the belt. Just pull the hard shell connector off the compressor clutch.

[Wayne W.]

Re: electrical problem?

If the dash indicators operate normally it would eliminate the turn signal switch from being the problem. You need to look very closely at the bulb sockets or the wiring near them including the connectors. An improperly installed bulb could do this also. Are you sure that it is the turn filament rather than the park lamp filament that is burning? The 65 may not have a high speed relay. If it does it will be located on top of the AC box under the hood near the fan speed resistors. I still think that the switch on the inside box is the most likely suspect. Why not just unplug it and see if things change.

[Bill Wingood]

Re: electrical problem?

Thanks Mike. Much easier than pulling the belt.

I called technical assistance at Paragon Parts and Tony indicated the high speed relay is under the heater box on the firewall. Should be a sliver box with wires going to it on the passenger's side. He recommended taking the cover off and checkng for burnt or broken items. They do not sell the replacement part (part number 1115992).

Paragon does sell a replacment heater control switch and cable assembly should I be able to trace the problem down to the switch.

It's supposed to snow tomorrow so maybe I'll have time to check all this out.
Thanks!
Bill

[Bill Wingood]

Re: electrical problem?

Wayne,
Excellent suggestion as I replaced the driver's side bulb awhile back. They were not as bright as I thought they should be the other night when I noticed they both blinked at the same time. As per your suggestion, I will check the socket, wiring, and bulb installation.

As for the A/C, I will have to get my books out before I start disconnecting things as I don't know what all the wires do/go to. Will post my results by Friday. Thanks very much for your suggestions.
Bill