55 ford signal lights

[Ford coupe]

When i turn on my left or right signal all four lights flash...How are they grounded as that is a possibility i am told...Grounded just by being bolted to body or??

[paul2748]

They are grounded through the light housing to the body sheet metal where they mount. To check if a ground problem, make up some wires with clips and attach to the light housing (bare metal) and to a good ground (bare metal) on the body. Do one at a time, checking it out each time. Could be that one light housing is not making a ground and if that is the problem then this test should find it.

[Ford coupe]

Originally Posted by paul2748

They are grounded through the light housing to the body sheet metal where they mount. To check if a ground problem, make up some wires with clips and attach to the light housing (bare metal) and to a good ground (bare metal) on the body. Do one at a time, checking it out each time. Could be that one light housing is not making a ground and if that is the problem then this test should find it.

After looking a little closer i find when i turn on right signal the right rear signal plus both front come on Put on the left and left rear comes on plus both front..Yes they do flash.. hate wiring problems but any help appreciated..

[JayChicago]

Couple questions to help with diagnosis (maybe):

With parking lights on, do both rear small filaments light up?

Stepping on brake, do both rear large filaments light up?

[Ford coupe]

So bot rears light up with park lts on but pass side dimmer than driver side..Both brake lts are on and seem bright enoghThankls

[TJ]

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With the passenger side dimmer you definitely have a grounding problem. How old is the wiring?

[Ford coupe]

Most of it as old as the car...All pigtails at park and tail lights new...Would be afraid to go play around under dash..

[JayChicago]

Originally Posted by Ford coupe

So bot rears light up with park lts on but pass side dimmer than driver side..Both brake lts are on and seem bright enoghThankls

Well that did not give any clue. No obvious suspect. With either signal on, all four lights flash. Sorry, this is a mystery to me.

[TJ]

Your wiring is 70 years old. I think it is time for a rewire job.

[tom1948]

Maybe it's the socket itself. just an idea. If I remember correctly, the "55-"56 for had problems with the sockets. tom

[Newc]

I understand that many 50's Fords require the left front fender removal for a total rewire? I have a '53 with bad wiring. Newc