What do cell phones and 1955 Oldsmobile turn signals have in common?

They both work flawlessly until they do not work.

But it does present a common question, from a complete novelist point of view.

Are there very detailed step by step instructions for both items to trouble shoot them?

Let's forget the cell phone since this is an Oldsmobile site.

I have a long distance friend with a 1955 Oldsmobile who's turn signals just quit working with the snap of the fingers.

He needs a very detailed set of instructions on how to trouble shoot the problem. Pictorials in color would be a super plus for him showing where to start, how to use a meter, what the readings are expected to be, etc. I can not provide that information to him due to my age and it being a overly simple task for me so I don't have the correct prospective to really assist him.

Is there such an article or manual for the 1955? The shop manual is not detailed enough for him.

Thanks
Ron

 

Not an expert, but two things to do now, check the plug to make sure it's grounded to the socket and/or trance the wiring with a multimeter.

I don't know if 55's have the same type of sockets as 60's and 70's cars, but rust and frequent bulb changes can degrade the prints on the plug so they don't make good contact in the socket.

In a nearly 80 year old car, the wiring can just degrade over time and exposure to the elements. Might be time for a new wiring harness.

 

Uh, what cel phone do you have that works flawlessly? I need one of those.

 

If the entire signal system quit working, The first item to check is the fuse.
There should be a fuse panel on the inside of the firewall under the dash.
With the ignition on, check both sides of the fuse with a meter or test light to make sure you have voltage.
If he fuse is blown, then you have to find out why. Check your wiring carefully.

 

You said that the shop manual isn't detailed enough for troubleshooting. Does your friend have an OE wiring diagram?

 

Posted a 1955 Wiring Diagram earlier this year:

1955 Oldsmobile Schematic Wiring Chart

 

My sister just went thru cell phone grief.

My cell phone truly is great except when I crack the screen.

Per the turn signals, my friend is lost around electricity. I am in Texas and he is in California. I have suggested most of your suggestions before I posted this message. Hopefully he can get someone local that can guide him in the absence of a very detailed manual. He has great writing skills and I have suggested that he wrote such a manual using his personal encounter as the starting point.

Fuses, flasher are good, rust and/or corrosion are the likely causes and are the hardest to locate and resolve.

I can only wish him well from a distance.

Ron

 

If the fuse and flasher are good, then the next item to check is the turn signal switch itself.
Do the stop lamps work?