Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Ford F150: How to Replace Turn Signal Switch

Has your turn signal switch begun to work only intermittently, all the time, or not at all? This article will walk you through the process of replacing it with a new one.

By Brett Foote - May 20, 2016

This article applies to the Ford F-150.

Turn signals are something that a lot of folks don't even bother to use these days, but if you're reading this, you are likely one of the good drivers who does. The problem with turn signals is that they, like every other mechanical/electric part on your car, will probably go bad eventually. The telltale signs of a bad turn signal switch include one that works only intermittently, not at all, or (the worst) won't turn off. If any of these problems sound familiar, keep reading and we'll walk you through the process of replacing your turn signal switch.

Ford F150: How to Replace Turn Signal Switch

Materials Needed

  • New turn signal switch
  • Ratchet
  • 8mm and 7/32" socket
  • Pick
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • 8mm wrench
  • 2 jaw puller
  • T50 Torx bit

Step 1 – Disconnect battery and fuse

  • Loosen up your battery cables with an 8mm socket and ratchet, then disconnect the battery.
  • Use a flat head screwdriver to pry the terminals free if they are corroded.
  • On the passenger side, underneath the glove box, pull the side panel out to access the fuse box.
  • Use a flat head screwdriver to pry down on the tab of the fuse box cover and remove it.
  • Use the fuse puller in the cover to pull the red 10 amp fuse (third one in on top row, see Figure 3).
  • FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
    Figure 1. Remove the passenger side kick panel cover.
  • FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
    Figure 2. Remove the fuse box cover.
  • FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
    Figure 3. Remove the fuse shown.

Step 2 – Remove the steering wheel

  • Use a flat head screwdriver to pry off the circular plastic cover on the right-hand side of the steering column.
  • Remove the 8mm bolt inside the hole.
  • FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
    Figure 4. Pry off the circular covers on each side of the steering wheel.
  • FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
    Figure 5. Remove the bolts inside each cover.
  • Repeat the steps on the driver's side, then pull the center portion of the steering wheel out.
  • Disconnect the top harness inside the steering wheel by pushing down on the red tab with a flat head screwdriver.
  • Disconnect the bottom tab by prying out the gray clip with a pick, the pry out on the tab at the top.
    • FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
      Figure 6. Pull out the center/horn of the wheel.
    • FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
      Figure 7. Disconnect the two harnesses connected to the horn.
  • Install a two jaw puller in the center of the steering wheel and tighten it until the steering wheel comes loose and you are able to pull it off.
  • Turn the steering wheel until it clicks into place, then remove the T50 bolt in the center of the steering wheel.
  • Remove the 7/32" bolt underneath the steering wheel.
    • FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
      Figure 8. Remove the bolt from the bottom of the steering column.
    • FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
      Figure 9. Remove the bolt from the center of the wheel.
    • FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
      Figure 10. Use a two jaw puller to remove the steering wheel.

Step 3 – Remove turn signal switch

  • Pull down on the steering wheel adjustment level and pull down on the bottom trim piece of the column to remove it.
FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
Figure 11. Pull down on the bottom cover to remove it.
  • Remove the two 7/32" bolts holding the top trim piece on the column and remove the trim.
  • Remove the single 7/32" bolt underneath the top trim piece.
  • FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
    Figure 12. Remove the two bottom bolts from the column.
  • FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
    Figure 13. Remove the top bolt from the column.
  • Push the tab on the top/side of the turn signal switch and lift it straight up.
  • Disconnect the three wiring harnesses connected to the turn signal switch.
  • FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
    Figure 14. Push down on the tab and pull up to release the turn signal switch.
  • FORD F150 HOW TO REMOVE REPLACE CHANGE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STEERING WHEEL CLOCKSPRING AIR BAG DIT
    Figure 15. Disconnect the wiring harnesses.

Step 4 – Install new turn signal switch

Use a pick to remove the spring from the old turn signal switch and place it in the new switch (if your new one doesn't come with a spring). Connect the harnesses and slide the new switch in place. Replace the top bolt and bottom bolts on the column, lift up on the column, then replace the top panel and reinstall the two bolts on the bottom. Reinstall the bottom panel and push it in place. Replace the screw on the bottom of the cover. Slide the steering wheel back on so the yellow dot is lined up, reconnect the harness, and reinstall the Torx screw. Make sure the steering wheel is straight, then reconnect the harnesses for the steering wheel horn/airbag and replace the bolt on either side. Push the steering wheel circular covers back in place. Reinstall the fuse and panel cover, then reconnect the battery.

Featured Video: How to Replace Turn Signal Switch on F150

Related Discussions