Turn Signal Switch

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the turn signal switch assembly in a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette, requiring steering wheel and column disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Turn signal switch assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Turn signal canceling cam (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column bearing preload spring (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable and secure it away from the battery post
2. Position the front wheels pointing straight ahead
3. Set the parking brake and place transmission in Park (automatic) or gear (manual)
4. Allow sufficient time for any residual electrical charge to dissipate (5 minutes)
5. Prepare a clean workspace to lay out small parts in order of removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove horn button and mark steering wheel position
   Remove the horn button/cap from the steering wheel center; depending on wheel type this is done by pressing in and turning the cap, or by removing a retainer ring. Disconnect the horn wire/contact. Use masking tape or a marker to mark the relationship between the steering wheel and steering shaft for proper reinstallation alignment.
2. 2

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Remove the steering wheel retaining nut (standard right-hand thread) using the appropriate socket. Keep this nut as it will be reused; it should be torqued to approximately 35 ft-lbs on reinstallation. Do not remove the steering wheel yet.
3. 3

   Remove steering wheel using puller
   Install the steering wheel puller according to the tool manufacturer's instructions. Thread the puller bolts into the threaded holes in the steering wheel. Tighten the center screw of the puller to apply pressure against the steering shaft while maintaining equal pressure on both puller bolts. The steering wheel will release from the shaft taper. Remove the puller and steering wheel together.
4. 4

   Remove turn signal canceling cam and bearing preload spring
   Remove the turn signal canceling cam from the steering shaft. This plastic cam sits on top of the shaft and may have a locating pin. Carefully remove the bearing preload spring located beneath the cam using needle-nose pliers. Take care not to deform the spring as it must maintain proper tension.
5. 5

   Remove lockplate retaining snap ring
   Using a lockplate compression tool (GM J-23653 or equivalent), compress the lockplate downward to relieve spring pressure and expose the retaining snap ring in the groove on the steering shaft. With the plate compressed, use snap ring pliers to remove the snap ring, then slowly release and remove the compression tool and lockplate from the shaft.
6. 6

   Remove turn signal lever and hazard warning knob
   Unscrew the turn signal lever by rotating it counterclockwise and remove it from the switch. If equipped with hazard warning flashers, remove the hazard warning knob by pulling it straight out or unscrewing it, depending on the specific configuration.
7. 7

   Label and disconnect turn signal switch wiring
   Using masking tape and a marker, label each wire connection at the turn signal switch connector to ensure proper reconnection. Note the wire colors and their positions. Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the turn signal switch. You may need to access this connection under the dash or through the steering column opening.
8. 8

   Remove turn signal switch mounting screws
   Remove the 3 Phillips head screws that secure the turn signal switch to the steering column housing. These screws are located around the perimeter of the switch assembly.
9. 9

   Remove turn signal switch assembly
   Carefully pull the turn signal switch assembly straight up and out of the steering column housing. Guide the wiring harness through the column as you remove the switch. Be careful not to snag the wires on any sharp edges inside the column. If the wires will not pull through easily, you may need to remove additional column trim or access panels to provide clearance.
10. 10

    Install new turn signal switch
    Feed the wiring harness of the new turn signal switch down through the steering column housing. Ensure the wires route smoothly without kinks or binding. Position the switch assembly onto the column housing, aligning the mounting holes. Install the 3 Phillips head mounting screws and tighten them evenly to secure the switch.
11. 11

    Reconnect turn signal switch wiring
    Reconnect the turn signal switch wiring harness connector, ensuring each wire is connected to its proper terminal according to the labels applied during disassembly. Verify all connections are secure and properly seated.
12. 12

    Reinstall turn signal lever and hazard knob
    Thread the turn signal lever into the switch by rotating it clockwise until snug. If equipped, reinstall the hazard warning knob by pushing it into place or threading it onto the switch.
13. 13

    Reinstall lockplate and snap ring
    Place the lockplate onto the steering shaft. Using snap ring pliers, compress the lockplate downward and install the retaining snap ring into the groove on the steering shaft. Ensure the snap ring is fully seated in the groove.
14. 14

    Reinstall bearing preload spring and canceling cam
    Install the bearing preload spring onto the steering shaft, ensuring it is properly positioned. Place the turn signal canceling cam over the shaft with any locating pin aligned properly. The cam must be oriented correctly to engage the turn signal mechanism.
15. 15

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Align the steering wheel with the marks made during disassembly and slide it onto the steering shaft, ensuring the splines engage properly. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and torque it to approximately 35 ft-lbs. Reconnect the horn wire and reinstall the horn button by pressing down and turning clockwise until it locks.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the battery negative cable
2. Verify the steering wheel is centered with the front wheels pointing straight ahead
3. Ensure all fasteners are properly tightened and no tools or parts are left in the steering column

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start the engine)
• Operate the turn signal lever in both left and right positions and verify the corresponding indicator lights flash on the instrument panel and at all four corners of the vehicle
• Verify the turn signal canceling mechanism works by turning the steering wheel through a turn and confirming the signal cancels automatically
• If equipped, test the hazard warning flasher function to ensure all four turn signals flash simultaneously
• Check that the horn operates properly by pressing the horn button
• Verify the steering wheel returns to center smoothly without binding
• Test drive the vehicle to confirm turn signals operate correctly under normal driving conditions

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