Turn Signal Switch: Service and Repair

DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL SWITCH

The directional signal switch can be removed with the steering column in the vehicle and without disturbing any of the column mountings.


Removal





1. Remove the steering wheel.
2. Remove the column to instrument panel trim cover.
3. Position screwdriver blade into cover slot. Pry up and out to free cover from lock plate.





4. Screw the center post of Lock Plate Compressing Tool J-23653 onto the steering shaft as far as it will Compress the lock plate by turning the center post clockwise. Pry the round wire snap ring out of the shaft groove and discard the ring. Remove Tool J-23653 and lift the end of the shaft.

NOTICE: If the column is being disassembled on the bench, with the snap ring removed the shaft could slide out of the lower end of the mast jacket, damaging the shaft assembly.

5. Slide the directional signal cancelling cam upper bearing preload spring and thrust washer off the end of the shaft.
6. Remove the directional signal lever screw and remove the lever.
7. Push the hazard warning knob in and unscrew the knob.
8. Remove the three switch mounting screws.
9. All Columns - Pull the switch connector out of the bracket on the jacket and feed switch connector through column support bracket and pull switch straight up, guiding the wiring harness through the column housing and protector.




10. Remove wire protector by pulling downward out of column with pliers using tab provided.

Tilt Column - Position the directional signal and shifter housing in the "low" position. Remove the harness cover by pulling toward the lower end of the column, be careful not to damage the wires.




11. Remove the three switch mounting screws and pull the switch straight up, guiding the wiring harness and cover through the column housing.

Installation

CAUTION: It is extremely important that only the specified screws, bolts and nuts be used at assembly, or personal injury could result. Use of overlength screws could prevent a portion of the assembly from compressing under impact.

1. All except Tilt - Be sure that the wiring harness is in the protector. Feed the connector and cover down through the housing and under the mounting bracket (column in vehicle).

Tilt - Feed the connector down through the housing and under the mounting bracket. Then install the cover on the harness.




2. Install the three mounting screws and clip the connector to the bracket on the jacket.
3. Install the column to instrument panel trim plate.
4. Install the hazard warning knob and directional signal lever.
5. Make certain that the switch is in "Neutral" and the hazard warning knob is out. Slide the thrust washer, upper bearing preload spring and cancelling cam onto the upper end of the shaft.




6. Place the lock plate onto the end of the shaft. Screw the center post of the Lock Plate Compressing Tool J-23653 onto the steering shaft as far as it will go. Place a NEW snap ring over the center post. Place the "C" bar over the center post and then compress the lock plate by turning the nut clockwise. Slide the new snap ring down the tapered center post and into the shaft groove. Remove Tool J-23653.