If you’re restoring a classic car like a 1955 Chevy, one of the most important systems you need to check is the wiring. In particular, the turn signal wiring is essential for ensuring your vehicle is safe and street legal. In this guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the 1955 Chevy turn signal wiring diagram that you can use to troubleshoot any issues or make necessary repairs.
What is a turn signal wiring diagram?
A turn signal wiring diagram is a visual representation of the electrical connections and components involved in the turn signal system of a vehicle. It typically shows how power flows through the system, where switches and relays are located, and how signals are transmitted between different parts of the system.
By referring to the wiring diagram, you can identify any problem areas, such as broken wires, faulty switches, or burned-out bulbs. You can also use the diagram to ensure that all connections are properly grounded and that the turn signals are functioning as intended.
Understanding the 1955 Chevy turn signal wiring diagram
The 1955 Chevy turn signal wiring diagram consists of several components that work together to produce the blinking turn signal lights. These include the turn signal switch, the flasher relay, the brake light switch, and the turn signal bulbs themselves.
The turn signal switch
The turn signal switch is located on the steering column and controls the left and right turn signals. When the switch is activated, it sends a signal to the flasher relay, which then sends power to the corresponding turn signal bulb.
It’s important to note that the turn signal switch also controls the brake lights on the 1955 Chevy. When you press the brake pedal, the switch activates the brake light circuit and sends power to the brake lights, causing them to illuminate.
The flasher relay
The flasher relay is a small electrical component that is located under the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle. It’s responsible for producing the blinking effect of the turn signal lights.
When the turn signal switch is activated, it sends a signal to the flasher relay, which then sends power to the turn signal bulbs in a sequence, causing them to blink on and off. The flasher relay also controls the speed of the blinking, which can be adjusted by replacing the relay with one that has a different rating.
The brake light switch
The brake light switch is located near the brake pedal and is activated when you press the pedal down. When the switch is activated, it sends power to the brake lights, causing them to illuminate.
On the 1955 Chevy, the brake light switch is also interconnected with the turn signal system. When the brake pedal is pressed, the switch interrupts the turn signal circuit, causing the turn signal lights to stop blinking and the brake lights to illuminate instead.
The turn signal bulbs
The turn signal bulbs are standard 1156 bulbs that are located on the front and rear of the vehicle. When power is sent to the bulbs by the flasher relay, they illuminate and blink on and off to produce the turn signal effect.
It’s important to ensure that the turn signal bulbs are properly grounded and that there are no broken wires or connections between the bulbs and the rest of the turn signal system. This can cause the turn signals to malfunction or not work at all.
How to troubleshoot turn signal problems on a 1955 Chevy
If you’re experiencing issues with your 1955 Chevy turn signal system, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and identify the problem. Here are some of the most common issues and how to fix them:
Problem: Turn signals won’t blink
Possible causes:
- Bad flasher relay
- Bad turn signal switch
- Bad wiring or connections
Solution:
- Check the flasher relay and replace if necessary
- Check the turn signal switch and replace if necessary
- Check for broken or corroded wires and connections and repair as needed
Problem: Turn signals blink too fast or too slow
Possible causes:
- Wrong flasher relay installed
- Bad turn signal bulbs
- Bad wiring or connections
Solution:
- Replace the flasher relay with one that has the correct rating
- Check the turn signal bulbs and replace if necessary
- Check for broken or corroded wires and connections and repair as needed
Problem: Turn signals won’t illuminate at all
Possible causes:
- Bad turn signal bulbs
- Bad wiring or connections
Solution:
- Check the turn signal bulbs and replace if necessary
- Check for broken or corroded wires and connections and repair as needed
Conclusion
The 1955 Chevy turn signal wiring diagram is a crucial part of your vehicle’s electrical system, and it’s important to understand how it works and how to troubleshoot any issues. By referring to this guide, you can identify problem areas and make necessary repairs to ensure your turn signals are functioning properly and safely.
| Component | Wire color | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Turn signal switch | White | Power from fuse |
| Green | Power to left turn signal | |
| Yellow | Power to right turn signal | |
| Flasher relay | Red | Power in |
| Light green | Power out to left turn signal | |
| Dark green | Power out to right turn signal | |
| Brake light switch | Light blue | Power to brake lights |
