Turn Signal Switch

Replace the turn signal switch (multifunction switch) on a 2005 Dodge Viper by removing steering column covers and disconnecting the switch assembly from the steering column.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Turn signal switch (multifunction switch) × 1 — Mopar 05086309AC or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition to the OFF position and remove the key.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait at least 2 minutes before proceeding.
4. Ensure the steering wheel is in the centered position with the front wheels pointing straight ahead.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column cover
   Locate the lower steering column cover beneath the steering column. Remove the 2 Phillips screws securing the lower cover to the column. The screws are located at the bottom edges of the cover. Carefully pull the lower cover away from the column and set aside.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove upper steering column cover
   With the lower cover removed, locate the upper steering column cover. Remove the 2 Phillips screws securing the upper cover. These screws are accessible from the underside of the cover. Gently separate the upper cover from the column, being careful not to stress any attached wiring or components. Set the upper cover aside.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access the turn signal switch
   With both column covers removed, the turn signal switch (multifunction switch) is now visible on the left side of the steering column. The switch is mounted to the column with mounting screws and has an electrical connector at its base.
4. 4

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector at the base of the turn signal switch. Press the release tab on the connector and carefully pull the connector away from the switch. If the connector is difficult to access, gently guide it through the column shroud area. Ensure the wiring harness is not damaged during removal.
5. 5

   Remove the turn signal switch mounting screws
   Locate the 2 Phillips screws securing the turn signal switch to the steering column bracket. These screws mount the switch housing to the column. Remove both screws completely and retain them for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Switch Mounting Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the turn signal switch
   With the mounting screws removed and the connector disconnected, carefully pull the turn signal switch assembly away from the steering column. The switch lever may need to be guided through the column opening. Remove the switch completely from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Install the new turn signal switch
   Position the new turn signal switch onto the steering column bracket, aligning the mounting holes with the column bracket. Guide the switch lever through the column opening as needed. Ensure the switch is fully seated against the mounting surface before installing screws.
8. 8

   Install the switch mounting screws
   Install the 2 Phillips mounting screws through the switch housing and into the column bracket. Tighten the screws in a cross pattern to 3.0 Nm (2.0 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can crack the switch housing.
   Torque spec

   Switch Mounting Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Route the wiring harness connector to the base of the turn signal switch. Align the connector and firmly press it into the switch socket until you hear or feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
10. 10

    Reinstall upper steering column cover
    Position the upper steering column cover over the column, ensuring all wiring is routed properly and not pinched. Align the cover halves and install the 2 Phillips screws from the underside. Tighten the screws to 2.0 Nm (1.5 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall lower steering column cover
    Position the lower steering column cover under the column, aligning the mounting points. Install the 2 Phillips screws at the bottom edges of the cover. Tighten the screws to 2.0 Nm (1.5 lb-ft). Verify both covers fit flush with no gaps.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine off). Test all turn signal switch functions: left turn signal, right turn signal, high beam, low beam, and flash-to-pass. Verify hazard function separately (hazard switch is dash-mounted). Verify all functions operate correctly and that the turn signals self-cancel when the steering wheel is returned to center.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all steering column cover screws are tightened to the specified torque of 2.0 Nm (1.5 lb-ft) to prevent rattles.
2. Verify no wiring is pinched between the steering column covers during reassembly.
3. Test all turn signal and lighting functions before returning the vehicle to service.

Verification

• With the ignition ON, activate the left turn signal and verify the left turn indicators flash both on the dashboard and at the exterior lights.
• Activate the right turn signal and verify the right turn indicators flash both on the dashboard and at the exterior lights.
• Test the hazard light function and verify all four turn signals flash simultaneously.
• Test the high beam function and verify the high beam indicator illuminates on the dashboard.
• Test the flash-to-pass function by pulling the turn signal lever toward the steering wheel.
• Turn the steering wheel left and right through a full lock-to-lock cycle while turn signals are active to verify the self-canceling function operates correctly.
• Verify there are no warning lights on the dashboard related to the lighting system.

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