turn signal switch

wahoofan · 09-07-2005, 03:01 AM

I know someone has asked this, but a quick search couldn't find my specific problem. My turn signal switch will not return to center anymore, and there is no "click" when you move it between positions. All of the lights still function properly, as long as I manually select the right position with the lever. Is there any way too fix this, or am I stuck buying a new one?

Dan Owens · 09-07-2005, 04:57 AM

If it's not moving on it's own and there's no "click" then it's probably broken. I'd replace it as the contacts can weld together in the highbeam mode and you possibly can burn some stuff up with it.

scottb · 09-07-2005, 06:23 AM

Also, since you'll likely be putting in a new (and somewhat expensive) switch, now's the time to install Marcus Sucro's relay kit to save the high-beam part of the switch from frying (which it likely eventually will).

wahoofan · 09-08-2005, 02:51 AM

Where do I get this and how do I install?

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

E-mail contact: msucro@rennlist.com

klaucke · 09-08-2005, 05:55 AM

I installed relays for $6, no need for the kit, just some simple wiring. I did it for the reason mentioned above, to save my new turn signal/high beam switch from getting burned up prematurely.

jthwan22 · 09-09-2005, 10:47 PM

It is possible the little plastic square bump wore down to self canceled. You can pull the steering wheel for a quick look.

rs dreamer · 09-10-2005, 08:44 AM

There are 2 or 3 small springs that return the lever to the center that could be broken, or it could be that the mechanism is just gummed up. Does it feel stiff when you move it to turn right or left, or does it move nice and smooth but just won't return? My '73 had the original type turn switch and when it wouldn't return to center, I took it off the column, shot cleaner into the metal parts that do the return to center thing and then had to apply a grease to get it to work smoothly again. I went further and disassembled the entire switch to clean all the contacts and discovered when I had it assembled that there was now a short. When I found where the short was, I fixed it by realigning some of the contact pieces, but concluded that it was not designed well. The new replacement switches are different and may have fixed the shortcomings of the original switch. Bottom line - if you have the old type, you could try cleaning and re-greasing, but do not disassemble all the electrical layers. If it doesn't work, buy a new one especially if you plan on keeping the car for a long time.