Repairing Guides

how to repair turn signal switch

by Alayna Zboncak Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  • 1: Obtain a Repair Manual. Since replacing a turn signal switch will differ depending on the make and model of your car, you will need to obtain a copy ...
  • Step #2: Disconnect Battery. It is important to prevent the threat of electric shorts by disconnecting your car battery. Disconnect the negative terminal.
  • Step #3: Remove Steering Wheel. To gain access to your turn signal switch you may need to remove the steering wheel. ...
  • Step #4: Disconnect from Wiring Harness. The turn signal switch will be attached to a wiring harness that should be disconnected before you remove it.
  • Step #5: Replace the Turn Signal Switch. Once the turn signal switch has been removed, replace it with the new one. ...
  • Step #6: Reattach the Steering Wheel. Put the steering wheel back into place by pushing it back into the steering column.
  • Step #7: Reconnect the Battery. Without the battery reconnected, your car will not be able to operate, so reconnecting the cables to the battery is an important step.
  • Step #8: Test the Turn Signals. Start the car and test both signals to make sure they are operating properly. ...

Full Answer

How to remove and replace turn signal switch?

What you will need

  • Nissan Combination Switch
  • Mechanic Toolset Metric
  • Torque Wrench
  • Breaker Bar
  • Secure Torx Set

How do you replace a turn signal switch?

I accidently broke the combination turn signal switch on my 2014 KIA Cadenza Premium Edition. I bought a brand new switch but KIA wants over $300 to replace it. I need a mechanic in my area to replace the switch. I can't drive the vehicle this way as it ...

How do you repair a broken turn signal?

  • You will find a screw holding the taillight in place on the back of the bed on some small trucks. ...
  • You will have exposed wires in the bulb holder once you have pulled the taillight/turn-signal cover from the bed. ...
  • Disconnect the bulb holder by gripping it firmly at the back and pushing in. ...

More items...

How do you fix a turn signal?

Turn Signal Problems and Diagnosis

  • I. One of My Turn Signals Doesn't Work. ...
  • II. One Side of the Turn Signal Lights Doesn't Work. ...
  • III. My Hazard Lights Don't Work But the Turn Signals Do. ...
  • IV. Turn Lights Flash Too Fast or Slow. ...
  • V. Turn Signal Lights Don't Work. ...
  • VI. Turn Signals Don't Flash. ...
  • VII. Turn Indicators on Dash Don't Flash. ...
  • VIII. Turn Indicators Don't Work But Turn Signals Do. ...
  • IX. ...
  • X. ...

More items...

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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 I know if my 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 test my turn signal switch?

0:342:04How to Test a Replacement Turn Signal Switch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst just click to the left look for our turn signal. Indicators. Click to the right.MoreFirst just click to the left look for our turn signal. Indicators. Click to the right.

Is there a fuse for turn signals?

Like all of the lights on and in a vehicle, turn signals rely on a fuse. When the fuse blows, electric power to the turn signals will be shut off entirely. Burnt out bulbs: As with all light bulbs, turn signal lights can burn out and die.

How much is it to fix a 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 turn signal blinks fast but all lights work?

A bad bulb is by far the most common reason that a signal blinks faster. This is because a bad bulb alters the resistance in a circuit, sending a different current through the blinker. To figure out if this is the issue, test all signal lights to see if any bulbs are visibly out.

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.

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.

Can turn signal switch affect brake lights?

A bad turn-signal switch may interrupt the brake light circuit when it should not. A broken wire to or from the switch may also cause the lower brake-lights not to work. The third brake light does not flash with turn signals. This is why a bad turn signal switch will not affect it.

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 prevent electric shorts?

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

What happens if you don't connect your car battery?

Without the battery reconnected , your car will not be able to operate , so reconnecting the cables to the battery is an important step.

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.

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.

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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