turn signal switch install

[doc18015]

Its snowing in the Phila. area....great time to replace the turn signal switch in my '85 Cab, but I am stuck and not in the snow!!! How do I install the 4 wires that attach to the ,I think, headlight switch? I have tried to see where the wires are attached, but the pull cable/handle for the gas lid is in the way. It looks like the headlight switch does not have room to be pulled out the back, let alone attach the turn signal wires. How are the wires installed/attached? Does the headlight switch and the gas lid attachment and cable have to be removed? I have the Bentley, but it just says"attach the wires". Help!! What is the secret to installing this turn signal switch? Thanks, guys.....I appreciate your help. P.S. ---If it snows all day, I may get into more trouble. I hope it stops!

[Emission]

For me, it was one of those very uncomfortable upside down crawling moves in the footwell that allowed me to see. It sucked, but after a few minutes (or maybe more than a few) of cussing and swearing, I got it all back together.

I've had luck using lots of light, and those trick little mechanic mirrors too.

[doc18015]

I have spent alot of time under the dash......it just does not seem possible to do without removing something. Come on guys, need some advise! Thanks

[Emission]

Have you tried long needle-nosed pliers to attach the spades? You can't see it, or can't get in there?

[vash]

ok doc, the only way i found it possible was to remove the headlight switch. you unscrew the knob and spin some plastic nut with a small screwdriver. once it is loose you can push it down further into the under dash area to work. it will still take some serious yoga moves to do, but with the headlight switch loose you can spin it to see which wire to take off ONE BY ONE. i went ahead and ran the new wires right next to the old ones and everytime is disconnected one, i immediately attached the new one. no confusion. piece of cake. then when you are done, push the headlight switch back in and check your work.

cliff

[doc18015]

Emission....thanks for the tip but I can't see anything. The metal flange for the gas lid pull is hiding everything. Cliff, I thought of taking the headlight switch out , but it looks too tight to remove it . Maybe I have a weird 85......but that gas lid pull looks like it should removed.

[vash]

really, my gas lid pull seemed to be in the way too. but i went for it. it took some wiggling. i had my targa top off, my seat back and one leg was sticking straight up! i got the thing down. get ready for a ab workout. i even had the aftermarket AC in the way. maybe just loosen the headlight switch, therefore you can rotate it to see the four wires.

[vash]

wait, is it possible to pull the nearest gauge out and work the headlight switch up?

[doc18015]

Guys, I hear that this is in the 101 Projects book from Wayne. I will order one for other projects, but for now, does anyone have that book? Does it address the difficulty with changing the switch? Got to tell you that I thought my 928 was overengineereed.......

[doc18015]

I looked over the gauge pull and it does not seem to provide additional room. I would like to hear how Wayne addresses this with a solution. Maybe its just poor engineering.

[doc18015]

Kind of weird..........my posts are stuck on #23. STUCK just like I am!!!!!

[Silveresrty911S]

Do as unfixed said and remove the headlight switch knob, once you do that there's room to wiggle it down and see what the he** your doing. I know it's tough BTDT, but have patience and all will work out. There was all most no way I could have done this with the switch in place... all thumbs ya know

Rick

[aj88cab]

You might want to try taking the bottom dash panel off.

There is a small screw at the end of the panel (with the door wide open), then the left air vent pops out (sort-of) and there is a screw behind it, then there are two bolts up behind the pad that you can sort of get to with a flexible socket or small box wrench, then you have all the room you need (again..sort-of).

Then follow the previous advice, you will find it better to remove the switch as previous folks have said. I used a circle-clip pliers to remove the plastic nut.

I won't go so far as to say this is "easier" but it will give you a little better access to the switch.

While you're at it why not install a headlight relay too.

Good luck

[john walker's workshop]

pull the plug off the 4 way flasher switch to make more room to slip out the headlight switch. targas and cabs had that extra bracket for the hood pull that makes it a bit harder. you can always cut the wires 6 inches away from the switch, and butt connect them as a last resort, but it would be neater not to have to go that route.