Details of Turn Signal Switch operation?

[Nathans_Dad]

I am trying to troubleshoot and possibly fix my turn signal switch. Am having the problem where the high beams will come on with the flash (pulling back) but all lights go out when you push the stalk forward. I know, I know, buy a new switch. Before I do that the cheapo in me wants to try and fix the one I have. I already have checked the fuses and they are ok. I have the switch out of the steering column and am trying to figure out how the contacts work. I took some pictures of what the contacts look like in the 3 positions:

First is the switch in the centered position. Everything works fine here, lights on standard beams. All 3 contacts are in the center.




Now the switch pulled forward in the Flash brights position. Again, this position works fine. Rearward 2 contacts have been pushed back and are no longer contacting the front contact.




Ok, now the problem position. This is when the switch is pushed forward and the high beams should stay on. All headlights go out in this position on my car. As you can see, the front two contacts are in contact and the rear one is disconnected.



Can anyone who has fixed these switches before tell me whether this one is working right and if not, how can I fix it? Thanks.

[Nathans_Dad]

Well after fooling around and trying to bend contacts the way I thought they should be I succeeded in melting the plastic piece that changes their position...DOH! Oh well, maybe that is the Porsche God's way of telling me to not be cheap and get a new switch. Ordered the switch from Pelican today and got a Sucro relay on the way as well. That should get me all set for an H4 upgrade, my next thing to do...

[fireant911]

Nathans_Dad,
I also bought the switch from Pelican (about a year ago) and the Sucro relays (about six months ago) and both are neatly 'stashed' in my toolbox. My brights come on intermittantly and I thought that the end of the life of the switch has been reached - my solution was simply to not drive the car when lights were needed. I would be very interested on how your installation goes with this project and maybe your success let enable me to perform this operation on my car.

[Nathans_Dad]

Will post an update after I do the job...thanks for the interest!

[Dutchie]

I think we all tried that fix first and end up replacing the switch you are not alone believe me. I fixed mine by bending the copper pieces and it worked for a few weeks. I got in a fight with some guys on the freeway because they thought i was trying to get past by using my highbeams LOL that little adventure made me run to the dealer and buy a new switch in the end.

Daryl it,s not that hard you need a 23mm socket if i remember right to get the steering wheel off. Remove the little plastic part that holds the contacts for the horn so you can remove the switch itself. After that i took off the first wire and put it on the new switch and so on. Hope this helps.


Cheers