Repairing Guides

how to repair a turn signal switch

by Mr. Rosendo Gutkowski Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Find the wiring diagram for the turn signals in your vehicle model using the repair manual.
  • Identify the wires carrying power from the flasher unit to the switch and the wires carrying power from the switch to the turn signal lights. ...
  • Gain access to the turn signal switch electrical connector. You may need to remove an under-dash panel or column cover to see the electrical connector.
  • Look for the wires that you identified in step 2.
  • Turn the ignition key to the On position, but do not start the engine.
  • On the switch connector, find the wire that supplies power to the turn signal switch.
  • Connect your test light to a good ground under the dashboard - a metal bracket or bolt will offer a good ground.
  • Operate the switch to turn the left turn signal light.
  • Back probe the wire that supplies power to the switch; the test light should flash. ...
  • Back probe the wire at the connector that supplies power to the left turn signal lights; the test light should flash. ...
  • Back probe the wire that supplies power to the right turn signal lights; the test light should not light. If the test light illuminates, replace the switch.
  • Repeat the test, but this time operate the switch so the right turn signals light. ...

Full Answer

How to replace your turn signal relay?

  • Unbolt the panel under the steering wheel. You can leave the hood release connected.
  • There are 2 bolts holding the fuse block in place. One of them is not easy to get to. ...
  • The fuse block has hook on it that you'll need to maneuver to get it loose enough to flip over to get to the back. ...
  • Unplug old relay, plug in new relay.

How to replace turn signal lever?

  • Pull up on the upper steering cover
  • Remove the upper steering cover
  • Remove the three 7mm bolts on the lower steering column
  • Lower the bottom steering column cover

Should I replace worn light switches?

When to Replace a Light Switch

  • Crackle, Snap, Pop. Unusual sounds coming from your light switch are a tell-tale sign it’s time for replacement. ...
  • Feeling the Heat. If your light switch or switch plate feels hot, a serious electrical issue and fire hazard could be hiding in the wall.
  • A Light Delay. Notice a delay between flipping the switch and the light turning on? ...
  • Loosening Up. ...

How do you replace turn signal light bulbs?

The following steps work on most modern cars:

  1. Switch on the turn signals. Switch on the turn signals again to ensure you know which bulb to remove.
  2. Switch off the turn signals. Turn the turn signals off and switch off the ignition.
  3. Remove the retaining screws. ...
  4. Remove the electrical connector. ...
  5. Remove the tail light lens. ...
  6. Remove the bulb. ...
  7. Insert the new bulb. ...
  8. Reassemble the turn signal. ...

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Can a turn signal switch be repaired?

Taking out and changing the turn signal switch When the plastic around the wheel is off, the turn signal switch can be located at the left side. In it is a plug with wires. We pull out this plug, it can be plugged back in only one position so getting it back shouldn't be too difficult.

How do you know if a turn signal switch is bad?

Symptoms of a Bad Turn Signal SwitchTurn signal lamps don't work at all.Only one side of the turn signal lights is working.Other car systems don't function properly or at all.

Why is my turn signal switch not working?

Check for a blown circuit fuse. Verify that circuit connections are not loose, corroded or unplugged. Inspect the wiring harness or terminals for the rear section of the circuit. Check for a bad connection between the turn signal switch and the flasher or between the flasher and the ignition switch.

How do I change a turn signal switch?

7:499:40How to Replace a Turn Signal Switch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSide you just by pressing this one you're going to the left side and make sure the blinkers on theMoreSide you just by pressing this one you're going to the left side and make sure the blinkers on the left side is going to work you want to make sure they're they're they're in the right way.

How do I test a turn signal switch?

0:342:04How to Test a Replacement Turn Signal Switch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBy turning them onto the run position looking for our indicators. On position checking for theMoreBy turning them onto the run position looking for our indicators. On position checking for the headlights in front. And it also forms as your high beam. High beams click on click off.

How much does it cost to replace turn signal switch?

Turn Signal Switch Replacement pricing for various carsCarsEstimateAverage Dealer Price2010 Toyota Tundra$306$318.282009 Kia Spectra$213$225.882016 GMC Sierra 3500 HD$177$189.322014 BMW 428i$926$954.682 more rows

Why is my left turn signal not working?

If the turn signals light up, but do not flash, it is time to replace the flasher. If there are no turn signals on either side, check the fuse as it may be defective. Another problem is both turn signals on one side not working. This could indicate bad bulbs or bad ground in both housings.

Can you replace a turn signal lever?

The switch is connected to a cancellation device that automatically brings the lever back in neutral position when the signal light is no longer needed. If your turn signal switch is broken, you have to replace it immediately because without it, you can't operate the turn signal lights.

How does a turn signal switch work?

Power is supplied to the turn signal lights when the signal lever is pressed. The flow of electricity to the turn signals is sent through a fused circuit and a flasher to the bulbs. The signal lever stays caught in place at this time. The turn signals continue to operate while the steering wheel is turned.

How do you wire a turn signal switch?

0:132:51Universal Bolt On Turn Signal Switch Wiring - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAvailable on the market the connections will be similar for each the simplest approach to a bolt onMoreAvailable on the market the connections will be similar for each the simplest approach to a bolt on switch is to use it to power the indicator lights in the gauge cluster.

How do you diagnose a turn signal operating problem?

If your turn signals have stopped working, it'll be doing one of these things: blinking rapidly, coming on without blinking, or nothing at all. The good news is that all of these symptoms point to two possible issues, a bad turn signal relay or a dead bulb.

How do I know if my flasher unit is bad?

The most common symptom of a bad or failing turn signal / hazard flasher is hazards or turn signal lights that do not function. If the flasher breaks or has any internal issues it can cause the lights to malfunction, or not respond at all when the turn signal lever or hazard light button are pressed.

What happens when a turn signal switch fails?

When the turn signal switch fails, it will probably be hard to use at first. It might seem to be loose, or stop returning when you complete a turn. The turn signals may stop working, or the headlight dimming function will become intermittent. When the turn signals stop working, you need to troubleshoot before you start replacing expensive parts.

What to do when turn signals stop working?

When the turn signals stop working, you need to troubleshoot before you start replacing expensive parts. If the switch is flopping around in your hand, it needs to be replaced, but other problems may originate elsewhere in the system.

How to get clockspring off steering column?

Disconnect the harness connector and pull the clockspring straight off. Set it somewhere where it will not be disturbed. You don’t want the center of the clockspring to turn at all while it is off the steering column. Some cars have a hole in the clockspring for the insertion of a pin to keep it from moving while it is off the car.

How to remove steering wheel from radio?

Part 1 of 3: Removing the steering wheel. Step 1: Disconnect the battery. If your radio has an anti-theft security code, make sure you know what it is before proceeding. Put on your safety glasses, then loosen the battery ground cable clamp (usually a 10-13 mm nut) and disconnect the cable.

What to do when steering wheel comes loose?

When it does come loose, carefully pull it off the shaft while watching for any electrical connection that must pass through the steering wheel.

Where is the clockspring on a car?

It will be keyed to the steering column so that it turns with the column. The electrical connector to the car is usually under the center of the column. All the connectors in the airbag electrical harness are yellow or orange to make it easy to distinguish them from other systems in the car.

Where are the Torx fasteners on a car?

Most cars have torx fasteners holding the airbag to the steering wheel that are accessed from the side of the steering wheel that faces the dashboard. Usually you can just unscrew these fasteners, pull off the airbag insert, and disconnect a small electrical connector at the back of the airbag.

What is a turn signal switch?

The turn signal switch is the switch which activates the flasher on your turn signal when you move it in either an up or down direction. If your turn signal switch is not working properly, you can save yourself some money by replacing it yourself rather than paying a mechanic to do it.

How to put steering wheel back in place?

Put the steering wheel back into place by pushing it back into the steering column.

How to prevent electric shorts?

It is important to prevent the threat of electric shorts by disconnecting your car battery. Disconnect the negative terminal.

Can you replace a broken turn signal switch?

Also, having a turn signal switch that doesn’t work properly is not only dangerous, but it can also result in a ticket. Replacing a broken turn signal switch can not only save you money, but could save your life.

How to check if a turn signal switch is bad?

Verify that circuit connections are not loose, corroded or unplugged. Inspect the wiring harness or terminals for the rear section of the circuit. Check for a bad connection between the turn signal switch and the flasher or between the flasher and the ignition switch.

What to do if your turn signal light doesn't come on?

If one of the signal lights doesn't come on, check the bulb; check the bulb socket for corrosion or damage; check for a bad ground at the socket. See the 'Checking a Light Bulb Socket for Ground and Power.'. Check for an open in the circuit, between the light (s) that doesn' t work and the turn signal switch.

What type of bulb is a turn signal?

Most likely, the turn signal bulb is a two-filament type. Make sure both filaments are in good condition, and that the bulb glass is not darkened. Otherwise, replace the bulb with another one of the same type and wattage. Examine the bulb socket for corrosion or damage.

Why does my light flash faster?

Or one of your light bulbs may have burned out. A burned-out bulb can cause the indicator light to flash faster.

How to use a test light?

You can use a test light here: After removing the bulb, clip the test light to the socket wall (ground) and touch each socket contact inside with the tip of the test light. Have an assistant operate the turn signal. The test light should flash—otherwise, there something wrong with the ground or power connections.

How to tell if bulbs are still in good shape?

First, check the bulbs to see if they are still in good shape: No darkened areas or damaged filaments.

What to do if the test light doesn't flash?

If the test light doesn't flash, the switch is bad. Replace the switch. Back probe the wire that supplies power to the right turn signal lights; the test light should not light. If the test light illuminates, replace the switch. Repeat the test, but this time operate the switch so the right turn signals light.

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