Interior Blinker Lever Install Howto

[ace123]

Hi,

I have a 1987 911. When I move the lever down the left blinker blink and the dash indicator works. When I move the lever up the right blinker blinks and the dash indicator work. So normal operation.

The problem happens when I turn on the headlights. At this point I have one headlight with the high beam on and one with the high beam off even and the dash high beam indicator is on.

Then when I push the blinker lever, the blinker works and the high beams go off.

My mechanic stated that is was the interior blinker switch. Do you think this is the case? Also, how tough it it to install the blinker assembly? Can anyone show me any documentation on it?

He gave me the diagnosis after I spent $1800 in his shop last month. I don't feel bad doing it myself

This is my first post to the forum!

Thanks!
Ace123

[RSBob]

I am no wrench and have limited skills but I managed to figure it out on my own and bet you can as well. Look for screws on the underside of the center assembly where the combination switch is located and then disassemble - I have an early car so yours may vary. Once you have it out check all the contacts. If they are visible and worn - you may be able to add a bit of solder and then file or sand to the correct thickness. If that doesn't work or you can't find anything obvious then, many vendors sell the switch including our sponsor.

[ace123]

I saw a couple of screws on the steering column. I'm guessing it might take off the plastic case and then I'd have access to the blinker switch. Can anyone confirm this?

[ace123]

I looked at it again and it seems like I may need to take part of the dash out from under the steering wheel. Do I need to do that or can I thread the leads through it?

[krd]

remove your steering wheel, then you will see 6 small screws two top, and two bottom and two on top for the horn contact. then remove the two small screws on the left and right of the steering column. you now hav access to your high beam/turn signal lever.

[HarryD]

This is a common problem. All of the current for the headlamps goes through this switch and it can cause hte switch to overheat or the contacts can get burned.

If you have a bit of mechanical competence, you can do this. You can search on the BBS for lots of threads on this topic. Try search terms like headlight flasher or headlamp flasher.

If you want to try, these are the basic steps:

1-Remove your horn pad

2-Using a 27 mm socket, remove the nut holding the steering wheel to the column. Be sure you have the steering wheel centered before you start and you use something other than your steering column lock to hold hte steering wheel still while you turn the nut.

3-As noted above you will see some screws that hold the clamshell tot he steering column. Be sure you find and remove the two screwws onthe sdies fo the clamshell as well.

4-You will see you turn signal/flasher switch.

5-This thread (turn signal switch quick fix pictures) discusses how you can attempt to repair the switch.

6-Reassembly is reverse of above (just swear at different places).

7-Install headlamp relays (Marcus Sucro or from Pelican Parts) to reduce the current to the switch to prevent this from happening again.

[ace123]

OK - dumb question. How do I remove the very first part of the steering wheel. The steering wheel pad part. Is there a trick to it? Do I have to worry about breaking any contacts or snaps or something? Thanks!

[HarryD]

No dumb questions but unfortunately, I cannot answer this as my horn ring is attached differently.

It would be helpful if you use your user control panel to add your year and model to your signature line.

[ace123]

Did the sig thing

[jmohn]

Originally Posted by ace123

OK - dumb question. How do I remove the very first part of the steering wheel. The steering wheel pad part. Is there a trick to it? Do I have to worry about breaking any contacts or snaps or something? Thanks!

The pad just pulls off (there are 3 spring-loaded snap connections under it); get your fingertips under the pad and, using your fingers as levers, pry it up. The horn wire usually gets disconnected during this step but it's easily reattached.

There are several write-ups about this repair, I suggest doing a search; I think "101 projects" also has a description.

As an aside, I'm need to replace my turn-signal/high-low beam switch as well. I did a "repair" on it a couple years ago but knew I'd have to replace it someday.

Good luck,

Jerry M
'78 SC

[ace123]

Sounds good. I'm first going to try to repair it by taking the steering column casing off with the 2 screws. I read that it sometimes works. I hope so because the steering wheel is a little intimidating for me. I don't want to get stuck without one and then have to tow the thing into the shop.

[silverc4s]

Ace,
Many times these assemblies can be "repaired" and continue to provide service for many years by doing two things that are MUCH easier than the replacement of that switch assembly.

First of all, you can remove the steering wheel & the plastic column surrounds pretty easily on all pre airbag cars. I think that includes you, right?

Hint: Step one is disconnect the battery.
Hint2: be sure to scribe the steering wheel spline position before removal.

Once you have done that, you can burnish all the contacts with a mini file & emory board, also very fine sand paper, crocus cloth can be used.

When the contacts are clean & smooth, and breaking as they should, you can install the Sucro relay kit (do a search here) under the front bonnet, and you will most likely never have the problem again.

I have don this on my 1973 and also on a 1969 911, with 50watt headlamps, and they are both working fine. Removal 7 replacement of that switch assembly is a real PITA, and if you don't install the bypass relay kit, it will happen again, in less time than the last go round..

Good luck, the job is not that hard, good time to check the steering column bushing for wear as well..

[65_lincoln]

Ace, welcome to the forum - first things first - we need pics of your car.

Next, I recently had to replace the windshield wiper switch on my '87, and the changeout was the same as for your blinker switch, just on the other side of the steering column. I definitely had to remove the steering wheel to get at it. Make sure that you disconnect the ground from your battery first, because even with the ignition off, the horn is always powered. The steering wheel removal is very easy with a 27mm socket, a short extension, and a steering wheel "club" security device to use for leverage on the steering wheel. Don't rely on the steering wheel lock to hold the wheel in place, you'll break it.

My best suggestion is that the Bentley manual has a good and straight-forward description of how to change out the switch, with lots of pictures. That book plus Wayne's 101 Projects, plus the Search function here will help you through almost everything. Good luck!

[65_lincoln]

Originally Posted by ace123

I looked at it again and it seems like I may need to take part of the dash out from under the steering wheel. Do I need to do that or can I thread the leads through it?

And if you do need to replace the switch, you do not need to remove any of the dash - the wiring will thread through under the steering column.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by ace123

Sounds good. I'm first going to try to repair it by taking the steering column casing off with the 2 screws. I read that it sometimes works. I hope so because the steering wheel is a little intimidating for me. I don't want to get stuck without one and then have to tow the thing into the shop.

Do not try this. Your Steering Column casing (clamshell) is held in place by those two screws PLUS four bolts inder the steering wheel. If you can get the casing off by removing only the two screws something is wrong and your clamshell is not mounted correctly.