Need to fix broken turn signal lever...

[zuper8]

I am working on a 96 SE. the turn signal stalk just flops up and down in the column. I am going to take apart the column this weekend and fix whatever broke in there, but I won't have the option of letting the car sit around if I need to order parts.

so basically I am asking.... when this happens, what breaks? Is it the turn signal switch or the stalk itself? I can get the switch ordered at a parts store, but the stalk I would have to get from a junkyard it seems. Just wanted a heads-up on what I'm probably gonna need this weekend so it will hopefully go smoothly. I have searched and found that this has happened to others, but I couldn't find anything specific on what part was replaced.

[eazhar]

Jeez same exact thing happened to me. Unfortunately its lowest on my totem pole of things to fix but I'm interested in the feedback

[human]

I'm sort of in the same boat with my LSS. The headlight dimmer switch doesn't click to stay in high beam mode anymore.

[1oldman]

I was able to pickup a complete steering column with steering wheel and airbag at the JY for only $35. That might be your best choice. - BC

[Pair of SSEI]

This is the part you will replace. I believe it is called headlight switch, could be wrong. You will need to pull steering wheel (Steering wheel puller). Wires can be a pita to reroute. Part was not that much. Medium hard replacement - 3-4 hours depending on the wires. Careful with Air bag module.

[zuper8]

thank you so much, that post saved my life... I was going to buy a turn signal switch that's in stock after I took the column apart today.... called around for this one, and nobody can get it sooner than 3 days. being that I have to take the car to work on monday, I would have taken the column apart for nothing- lol thanks!!

That said, I will now be doing this project next weekend and will share any useful info with you guys then

[eazhar]

Where did you order it from just out of curiousity? Do you have the part number?

[zuper8]

All finished.. I ended up replacing both the turn signal switch and the wiper switch. You can get both parts from Autozone or similar, but will most likely have to wait a few days... I was glad I bought both so that I didn't get stuck this weekend needing a part in order to finish before Monday. If you are in a situation similar to mine where the car HAS to go back together in a timely manner, order both parts and return what you don't use.

I used this write-up: http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... =55&t=6944

It was very helpful, but for 96+ some things are different, and some things are also different if the column is on the car.

My other and primary source of information was my 96 FSM. If you have never done anything like this before, I personally would not do it without the FSM, I was sure glad I had mine. Overall it wasn't too bad of a job. If you have taken apart a lot of things on a car before, this isn't bad. If you are mostly an oil change and spark plugs kind of guy, you might end up hating yourself.

Having done this, I can say there are definitely easier ways to fix broken turn signals: Replace the whole column (I couldn't get one), or take apart a column at the junkyard, get to the turn signal switch, and grab the springs you need and replace them. Makes this a simpler job.

If you are doing this with a 96, don't try to pry the airbag out like the write-up says, there are two torx bolts behind the steering wheel holding it in. Make sure you mark the alignment of the airbag coil pack to the column and the inner ring. Mark the alignment of the steering wheel to the column as wheel. Torque the steering wheel nut to 30 ft-lbs so you don't crack the coil when you reassemble. Many mentioned only needing a steering wheel puller, but you also need a lock plate compressor. Expect the ring holding the lock plate to suck, save up your patience reserves for this, and perhaps for routing the new wires down the column.

That's about all the comments I have after the job, hope this helps others. The only thing I will add here is the SIR disable procedure from my 96 FSM, as it is not included in the techinfo write-up since the column is off the car.

Disabling the SIR system

- Turn the steering wheel so the vehicle's wheels are pointing straight ahead.
- Turn the ignition switch to "LOCK" and remove key.

1. Remove airbag fuse 1C from I/P fuse block.
2. Sound insulator- LH
3. CPA and yellow 2-way SIR harness connector located near the base of the steering column (is yellow and has warning tags on it)
4. Sound insulator, RH
5. CPA and yellow 2-way connector from passenger inflator module pigtail.

I also disconnected the battery after doing all this even though the manual didn't say to, because messing with airbags makes me squirm.

[1oldman]

I also disconnected the battery after doing all this even though the manual didn't say to, because messing with airbags makes me squirm.

Great job! Air bags make we squirm too. IIRC, the FSMs for my '92 say to disconnect the battery cable and pull the fuse(s). Definitely better safe than sorry. Since the air bags are single stage, IIRC, if deployed, you run the possibility of being de- capitated. - BC