Turn signal doesn't disengage after turning

[digitalepiphany]

I searched high and low through this site for this answer. And, I googled it. But, I couldn't find one. At least, not one specific to K5s.

What are the possible causes of a turn signal not disengaging after turning? Through google, I've seen people say that it could be the lever needs to be replaced, the canceler switch needs to be replaced, or it could be a short.

Are any of those any more likely than the other? And, how difficult is it to access the plate/remove the lever? Everything I found on google was for newer cars, so I'm hoping that it'd be easier on earlier models.

 

[ryoken]

busted cancel cam on the turn signal assembly... pretty common... get a new turn signal assembly, I STRONGLY advise getting an AC Delco unit... iirc, they run like 50 to $75..

you'll want at least a lock plate depression tool, and possibly a steering wheel puller...

 

[Kain]

^^i have those tools:-)

 

[ryoken]

i've done it without either.. the lockplate clip is a complete b*tch by yourself, but it can be done.. a second person makes it not bad... but the tools are cheap, and rentable sometimes too...

OP, it's not a bad job, your not going very deep into the column...

 

[digitalepiphany]

I was able to find it at O'Reilly's, but not Autozone. I hate how nonspecific they are. Do you know if the lock plate comes with the turn signal assembly? I saw it sold separately, but no need to buy it twice if it comes with the assembly.

 

[ryoken]

you don't need the lockplate, just the tool to remove/reinstall it..

 

[warrior454]

may want to look as well there is 2 springs on the switch that do the canclelling sold dozens of them in my 20 years at the dealership about 1.50 each
part # 1964784 and 1964785

 

[FAB454]

may want to look as well there is 2 springs on the switch that do the canclelling sold dozens of them in my 20 years at the dealership about 1.50 each
part # 1964784 and 1964785

arnt the springs part of the switch?

 

[digitalepiphany]

What does the lock plate do then?

 

[dyeager535]

Lock plates major function (it does other things too) is to lock the steering wheel in place once the key is removed. Here is a picture of it: http://www.steeringcolumnservices.c...let-oldsmobile-pontiac/plate-tilt-7837171.php

There is a pin that is controlled via the lock cylinder, that when key is rotated to the "off" position, pokes through one of the exterior slots in the lock cylinder. This is why sometimes when you turn the key off and rotate the wheel a bit, you'll hear a "click" and the wheel is locked. Also why sometimes the key is hard to turn, and moving the wheel a bit helps to get the lock cylinder to rotate with the key.

 

[digitalepiphany]

Thanks. I guess I was confusing it with the canceler plate. From what I found online, the canceler plate is what disengages the signal after turning. Now, that info was from google, and it was probably for newer cars, which obviously isn't applicable here. From what I read above, there are 2 springs that disengage the signal, right?

 

[dyeager535]

Not the greatest pictures, but here is the process: http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12525.0

I'm thinking the plastic piece under the lock plate is what does the cancelling, contacting those two springs?

 

[digitalepiphany]

Thanks man.

 

[ryoken]

sigh... this is what you need to replace... just go to napa and tell em you want an AC Delco turn signal assembly for whatever year...

 

[dyeager535]

The springs aren't what cancel the turn?

 

[ryoken]

it's not the springs that fail, it's the plastic plate they hook to... I have an old one kicking around somewhere, but I can't be bothered to hunt it down..

 

[digitalepiphany]

Thanks. The pic really helps. I was thinking I was going to have to buy the whole lever, but this looks like it's just internals.

 

[ryoken]

what yr is it?

 

[Larry]

may want to look as well there is 2 springs on the switch that do the canclelling sold dozens of them in my 20 years at the dealership about 1.50 each
part # 1964784 and 1964785

Exactly, I’ve fixed many of Saginaw steering columns in GM, AMC and Chrysler vehicles with turn signal cancelling problems by replacing those little springs. In fact, I just replaced one in my Suburban a few months ago for the same problem on the RH side.

Replacing the entire turn signal switch is a big waste of time and money plus if the installer has no prior experience in a Saginaw column, they can do more harm than good trying to replace the turn signal switch. I would have to say about half the time I’ve been into these steering columns is due to someone else taking them apart and not knowing how to put it back together correctly.

You can find both of these Dorman parts in pretty much any dime store auto parts store in the HELP section.

Dorman part number 49312: MSRP $3

Or you could go with this one in case the big cam is broke which is possible but not nearly as often as the springs breaking. Dorman part number 49300: MSRP $12

Craftsman Steering Wheel Plate Removers 941834: $20

Sorry for the tiny pictures but I couldn't find any that were bigger