1977 Ford Mustang II - Turn Signal Switch
Symptoms of a Bad Turn Signal Switch
Your turn signal switch, also called a blinker switch, activates and controls your turn signals on either side of your vehicle. The switch is located on your steering column and may be part of a combination switch and have functions in addition to operating the turn signals. These can include controlling the headlights, fog lights, windshield wipers, and more depending on the vehicle. The turn signal switch is controlled both electrically and mechanically. In older vehicles, the turn signal switch sends a signal to an electrical relay or flasher unit which allows the turn signals to flash until the power to the circuit is disconnected. Turn signal switches in newer vehicles often send electrical signals to the body control module (BCM) to activate the turn signal lights. The mechanical component of your turn signal switch locks the lever in place until you turn your steering wheel, unlocking the mechanism and allowing the turn signal switch to deactivate automatically as you straighten the wheel. Because the turn signal switch also controls a number of other features, it may be used more frequently than other switches in your vehicle. This regular use can cause the switch to wear out over time, potentially resulting in a failing turn signal switch. Some symptoms of a broken turn signal switch include turn signals continuing to blink after the steering wheel returns, turn signals only flashing if you manually hold the switch up or press it down continually, or turn signals and warning lights not activating at all. If the other features controlled by this switch begin to fail, you could have a problem with the combination switch or turn signal switch, but the turn signal fuse, relay, and wiring should also be inspected before making your repair. O'Reilly Auto Parts carries combination and turn signal switches for most vehicles, along with turn signal relays, bulbs, sockets, and more.