Turn Signals Don’t Work When Cold on 1993

[RickB]

My 1993 Lincoln Town Car Executive has the problem of the turn signals not working when it’s cold. About 40F and lower they won’t come on or flash until I’ve driven about 10 minutes and the car is warmed up.

I’ve replaced the flasher twice and it didn’t help. I don’t think this has a Light Control Module; I think they added those in 1994. Would it be the turn signal (multiple function) switch? It sounds like a big hassle to replace. I wonder how many labor hours a shop would charge. Is there anything else I should check?

 

[Action]

The turn signal flasher heats up based on current draw which causes the lights to flash.

Is the replaced flasher correct? Different flashers operate differently
Are all of the turn signal lights of the original design?
Different lights have different current draw. (LEDs draw much less than incandescent)
Did this problem happen last year? If no, have any lights been replaced since last year?
Have you checked exterior light bulbs for corrosion?
Check system grounds for poor connections. Poor connections increase electrical resistance.

Action

 

[RickB]

The turn signal flasher heats up based on current draw which causes the lights to flash.

Is the replaced flasher correct? Different flashers operate differently
Are all of the turn signal lights of the original design?
Different lights have different current draw. (LEDs draw much less than incandescent)
Did this problem happen last year? If no, have any lights been replaced since last year?
Have you checked exterior light bulbs for corrosion?
Check system grounds for poor connections. Poor connections increase electrical resistance.

Action

All bulbs are working and original style. No LEDs. Replacement flasher has the same number that manual calls for (552). I first replaced with one from Autozone—it worked as well as the old one but was too tall for the cover to snap back on. I just don’t think it’s corrosion of the bulbs but I’ll check. The bulbs aren’t going to warm up when it’s cold like the interior and engine compartment.

 

[Action]

After that you would want to take voltage or amperage at different locations.

Or throw parts at the proem.

Action

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[wa9zug]

I think there are separate flashers for the turn signals and the hazard flashers. A) did you replace the right one? B) have you taken any voltage measurements? C) do the hazards work? https://charm.li/Lincoln/1993/Town Car V8-281 4.6L SOHC/Repair and Diagnosis/Diagrams/Electrical Diagrams/Lighting and Horns/Turn Signals/System Diagram/Part 1 of 4/