Turn signal contacts?
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Turn signal contacts?
Have an 86 that I replaced the steering column in, I noticed when using either left or right turn signal, I will either not see it flash on the dash, or I have to push a little further to get the signals to flash. I'm assuming the contacts may be going bad in the column, I cleaned them up a bit when swapping it in and it didn't look bad at all. Anything else I should troubleshoot? Anyone know how to fix this problem? Thanks!
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From: Northeast, OK
It sounds like your turn signal mechanism isn't right. Did the original column's turn signal switch work correctly? If so, compare the what it is assembled to the new one.
Oh, and in case you need it the schematics are here: Turn, Stop, & Hazard Lamps - ???Gary's Garagemahal. But, it sounds like you have a mechanical rather than electrical problem.
Oh, and in case you need it the schematics are here: Turn, Stop, & Hazard Lamps - ???Gary's Garagemahal. But, it sounds like you have a mechanical rather than electrical problem.
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Original column is long gone, no luck there, but did work correctly, which leads me to believe the problem is in the column, it's from my parts truck. When I hit the lever downward to make a left turn signal, dash lights flash and so do blinkers. Right turn when you flick it upwards to the flashing position, it neither flashes nor shows on the dash. But if I put a little pressure upwards, it works on the dash and blinkers.
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From: Northeast, OK
I assume by "blinkers" you mean turn signals, and by "dash lights" you mean the turn signal indicators and not all the lights on the dash? In other words, they are working correctly to the left, but to the right you have to hold the lever up. That sounds like the turn signal cam plate is bad.
Drawings are shown here if that helps: Steering Columns - ???Gary's Garagemahal.
Drawings are shown here if that helps: Steering Columns - ???Gary's Garagemahal.
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Gary, you are correct in my unorthodox method of naming parts. I have also been dealing with cold weather here as well, not sure if I would say that is worsening the problem. I do remember when I pulled the old column, I cleaned the horseshoe connector with a brush because it was a little tarnished, but I installed it as one assembly. I'm assuming my best bet is to pull the wheel, disassemble down to the switch and check condition of contacts, the cam and return springs etc.
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I should also add that the 4ways and brake lights work as they should, so that would rule out the fuse. The one difference I can think is that my original column was tilt and this replacement is not. But except for the lever, that shouldn't change anything. I have not seen any motorcraft replacement switches, but the Chinese productions are ~$50 for the complete switch. I'd feel better cleaning up mine than chancing a new one.
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From: Northeast, OK
Are you saying you moved the turn signal switch over from the tilt to non? They take different switches, as shown on the Part Number tab here: Steering Columns - ???Gary's Garagemahal
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Elder User
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Yes, I was told the only real difference on the part was the turn signal levered forward and back as well to tilt, no other wiring or internal mechanism differences. I'm not saying this is a fact though by any means. I now believe I have my dash indicator bulb for left turn signal is burned out because now it will actually flash on the turn signals but not on the dash whether it's 4ways or left turn signals.
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Original column is long gone, no luck there, but did work correctly, which leads me to believe the problem is in the column, it's from my parts truck.
When I hit the lever downward to make a left turn signal, dash lights flash and so do blinkers.
Right turn when you flick it upwards to the flashing position, it neither flashes nor shows on the dash. But if I put a little pressure upwards, it works on the dash and blinkers.
When I hit the lever downward to make a left turn signal, dash lights flash and so do blinkers.
Right turn when you flick it upwards to the flashing position, it neither flashes nor shows on the dash. But if I put a little pressure upwards, it works on the dash and blinkers.
With A/T or M/T .. With or without a tilt wheel also makes a difference.
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Now I really wish I had the old one to compare it to. I just figured I'd take it apart and clean it up. I'm not doubting anyone that the actual part numbers are different or anything, but it seems to do the job the same as the other one, just without tilt.