electrical

Turn Signal Switch

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.5 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the turn signal/wiper combination switch assembly on the steering column of a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

⚠️Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait at least 3 minutes before beginning work to allow SRS system capacitors to discharge. Failure to do so may result in accidental airbag deployment.

⚠Do not turn the steering wheel or rotate the cable reel once the steering wheel is removed, as this can damage the SRS cable reel and require replacement.

⚠Mark the steering wheel position relative to the column before removal to maintain proper alignment during reinstallation.

ℹ️Ensure ignition is OFF and key is removed before disconnecting battery to prevent steering lock issues on vehicles with electronic steering lock.

Tools required

Trim panel removal tool setEssential

Phillips screwdriver setEssential

Flathead screwdriver

Torque wrench (2-15 Nm range)Essential

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

Extension setEssential

Wire tie or tape for position marking

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

Turn signal/wiper combination switch assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Steering column cover clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Turn ignition OFF and remove key fob from vehicle
Disconnect negative battery terminal using 10mm wrench
Wait minimum 3 minutes for SRS system discharge
Turn steering wheel to center straight-ahead position
Mark steering wheel position relative to column with tape or marker

Procedure

1
Remove lower steering column covers
Locate the lower steering column trim covers. Remove the Phillips screws securing the lower cover (typically 2-3 screws on underside). Gently pull the lower cover away from column, releasing any retaining clips. Set cover aside with screws.
Torque spec
Steering Column Covers2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
2
Remove upper steering column cover
With lower cover removed, locate the upper column cover screws (typically 2 screws at rear of cover). Remove Phillips screws and carefully lift upper cover up and away from steering column. Watch for any wiring clips attached to cover.
Torque spec
Steering Column Covers2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
3
Disconnect airbag connector
Locate the yellow SRS airbag connector beneath the steering column. Slide the red locking clip away from connector body, then carefully separate the connector halves. Position connector out of work area.
4
Remove steering wheel center access cover
Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the center horn/airbag access cover on rear of steering wheel. This exposes the airbag module mounting bolts.
5
Remove airbag module mounting bolts
Using a Torx or hex socket (varies by model year), remove the two airbag module mounting bolts from sides of steering wheel. Support the airbag module as you remove the final bolt. Carefully pull airbag module straight back from steering wheel.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6
Disconnect airbag and horn connectors
With airbag module pulled away from wheel, disconnect the airbag electrical connector by releasing the locking tab. Disconnect horn connector. Place airbag module face-up in a safe location away from work area.
7
Remove steering wheel bolt and wheel
Remove the large center steering wheel mounting bolt using appropriate socket. Mark the steering wheel to shaft alignment if not already marked. Use a steering wheel puller if wheel is tight, or carefully rock while pulling straight back. Do not use excessive force or hammer on wheel.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
8
Locate and access turn signal switch
With steering wheel removed, identify the turn signal/wiper combination switch on the left side of the steering column. Note the routing of the wiring harness. The switch is typically secured by 2-3 small screws.
9
Disconnect switch electrical connectors
Trace the wiring from the switch assembly to the main connector(s) on the column. Release the locking tabs and disconnect all electrical connectors from the turn signal switch. There may be 1-2 connectors depending on configuration.
10
Remove turn signal switch mounting screws
Remove the Phillips screws securing the turn signal switch assembly to the steering column bracket (typically 2-3 screws). Support the switch as you remove the final screw to prevent it from falling.
Torque spec
Switch Mounting Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
11
Remove old switch assembly
Carefully pull the turn signal switch assembly away from the steering column. Guide the wiring harness through any clips or routing channels. Note the exact routing path for installation of new switch.
12
Install new turn signal switch
Route the new switch wiring harness through the same path as the original. Position the switch assembly onto the steering column mounting bracket. Install and hand-tighten the mounting screws, then torque to specification using torque wrench.
Torque spec
Switch Mounting Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
13
Reconnect electrical connectors
Connect all electrical connectors to the new turn signal switch assembly. Ensure each connector locks fully with an audible click. Verify wiring is not pinched or stretched.
14
Reinstall steering wheel
Align the steering wheel to the marked position on the shaft. Ensure the SRS cable reel has not rotated from center position. Slide steering wheel onto shaft and install center bolt. Torque steering wheel bolt to specification.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
15
Reinstall airbag module
Reconnect horn and airbag connectors to the back of steering wheel. Position airbag module into steering wheel, ensuring connectors are not pinched. Install and torque the airbag mounting bolts to specification. Reinstall center access cover.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Reconnect yellow SRS airbag connector beneath column and install red locking clip
Reinstall upper steering column cover and secure with screws, torquing to 2.0 Nm
Reinstall lower steering column cover, ensuring all clips engage properly, and torque screws to 2.0 Nm
Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to specification
Turn ignition to ON position and verify SRS light performs normal self-check (illuminates briefly then goes out)

Verification

Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine
Verify SRS airbag warning light performs normal self-check and extinguishes after 6-8 seconds
Test turn signal operation in both left and right positions, verify indicator lights flash properly
Test hazard light function operates correctly
Test windshield wiper operation in all positions (off, intermittent, low, high)
Test windshield washer function operates correctly
Verify horn operates when pressed
Check that high beam and headlight flash functions work properly
Ensure all steering column covers are secure with no rattles
Test drive vehicle to confirm all turn signal and wiper functions work under normal driving conditions