Turn signal switch problem

[Lasse]

My low mileage T-bird 1986 (under 12500 miles), has a problem: It keeps on «eating» turn signal switches. The original gave up two years ago, and the replacement gave up now. Installed the third switch now, and I do not like either the feel or function of it. All of them have been kind of hard to use; heavy to shift and makes a sound like they are about to break.
Is this a known case on these cars? I am located in Norway, so not too many to ask. I am also curious if there is a better switch available (cross reference to i.e. Lincoln or anything better)?
I am happy for any answer on this?
(By the way, my 1966 has never had any issues on this)!

Regards,
Lasse Lofthus
Bergen, Norway

[mcm51]

Wow, that's really something to have a low mileage '86 Bird in Norway, I'll bet it turns a few heads everytime ya take it out for a spin...
My '84 & '86 low mileage Mustangs have never needed a turn signal switch so maybe another member would know more about this issue than I, but here's my thoughts on it, I can't comment on the "hard to use", "heavy to shift", but I do want to comment on going thru t.s. switches every couple years, IF that was happening to me, I would consider swapping out the ignition switch, here's why, it's the first wall that the battery runs into before sending juice in every which direction including the t.s. switch, my only thought is that if that ignition switch is not working as it should, it may be under cutting or over cutting juice to the t.s. switch and that would tend to "eat" t.s. switches, If that ignition switch has never been changed although it only has 12K on it, it may be failing because it's 40 years on, this is the only thing that I can think of as to why your eating t.s. switches, that's all I can come up with on my part...........Sure wish I could help more but maybe other members can..................

[WildWill]

I have myself an 85 t-bird. I have never had that problem over the 30 years my family has owned it, but I have a similar problem with reverse light switch. I don’t know if the switches for turn signals/brakelights/reverse lights are just weak or what, but I know the reverse lights on mine have gone out a couple of times. It might be fuses or wiring too if you haven’t checked that yet. One time, it was just a fuse, but, I’m not sure. Let me know if you figure it out!

[Lasse]

Thank you for suggestions. I have now checked the switch that I swapped out recently, and this is just basic mechanical electronic stuff. And by measuring it with a multimeter I see that it works fine. Full contact. So, it must be something else. It might be the ignition switch, but I am now first trying to replace the relay. It has always had a very fast "blinking" and I see that now the indicator light on the dash is flashing in a week but very rapid speed. A relay was easy to get from our largest parts supplier here in Norway; US Auto Parts, so I am trying that first.
And on the comment that the T-bird turns head; Yes it does, but there are in fact a lot of classic American cars in Norway. Much thanks to the largest club: American Car Club of Norway that was founded in 1975.
I will update this post when I hopefully have the solution.

Lasse

[WildWill]

Well I hope that works for you and it sounds like it should. Here in Missouri, United States where I am, my T-Bird is not alone as the only American classic around town by any means, but it sure does stand out among the other stuff. The only relatively similar stuff you see is a Fox Mustang, but I have never seen another Aero-Bird in my town except for an 88 TC that I test drove a while back. I usually get a lot of attention in it because it’s not something typically seen on the road.

Take care of that 86 of yours though. They are really hard for find in that good of shape pretty much anywhere anymore. Do you have any photos of it? Would love to see it

[Lasse]

Good news. Seems like the new relay did it. And, it doesn't blink superfast anymore. Now it is blinking in a normal speed. So, I think it is solved.

Now let's see if I can upload a picture of the car...

I couldn't figure out how to upload an image of the car here, but it is displayed in my local club's website. The text is only in Norwegian, sorry.

https://bvkn.no/galleriet/medlemmenes-k ... oupe-1986/

Images are from 2018, but it looks just the same now. Though I've put some miles, or kilometers on it since then.

Regards,
Lasse

[Alan H. Tast]

Tutorial on placing photos:

viewtopic.php?t=17653

[Lasse]

OK. Will try to insert a picture.

Yep, made it.

[mcm51]

That's one great-looking '86 ya got there Lasse, we'll all hope your issue is fixed............