How to Replace a Turn Signal Switch

Sometime during the life of your car, there are mechanical switches that will need replacement. One such switch is the turn signal switch. This activates the flasher circuit when moved into the up or down direction. Removal of the whole steering column may be necessary to access the turn signal switch.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Locate the turn signal and find a repair manual for your vehicle. Chilton's and Hayne's manuals are the most common unless you want to spend a fortune and obtain a manufacturer's repair manual from your auto dealer.

2. Follow the instructions in the manual for removal, replacement and re-assembly of the turn signal switch. This typically follows the order given below. If there are specifics for your make and model of vehicle the manual will detail them.

3. Disconnect the battery. This will protect you and your vehicle from damage by electrical shock or shorting during replacement. Make sure that while disconnecting the battery you do not short the positive lead to ground. Wrap the positive terminal in a shop rag so that it won't touch any other metal part of the vehicle.

4. Remove the steering wheel. Often this requires a special tool that will press the steering wheel off the steering column and when replacing the steering wheel will press the wheel onto the column. Once you remove the steering wheel, slide the plastic shroud off the column to gain access to the switch.

5. Disconnect the switch from the wiring harness and make note as to which wires go where in the harness so that when you are reassembling the harness you will not hook up the wrong wires. Note that some vehicles have the hazard lights bundles with this switch.

6. Replace the switch, rewire the new switch into the wire harness and slide the shroud back onto the steering column. Put the steering wheel back on the steering column and reconnect the battery. Test the turn signals so that you are sure that you performed the job correctly.