[C2] Turn Signal Switch
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 28
Likes: 2
From: Washington, MI.
Turn Signal Switch
A few weeks ago a friend following me said that my right turn signal functioned but the brake light did not. The cause was easily located in the forum and I have a new turn signal switch to install. There doesn't seem to be an easy way to do it. In looking at the old switch, still in the car, it is apparent that all wires were cut and spliced a few inches short of the switch. Other than doing that, it looks like it might be easier to remove the steering column. Egad, I did that when I rebuilt the cluster a couple of years ago. The shop manual advises sticking a thin screw driver in each connection and remove the wire. I fussed with that a little to no success, maybe being too cautious. The car is a 66 Coupe that apparently has had a number of previous owners, some who were good about repairs and others who were shoe makers. The braided oil pressure line comes to mind.
You guys are a great help and I'd appreciate any input. I did try to find this subject in the forum, but came up dry.
You guys are a great help and I'd appreciate any input. I did try to find this subject in the forum, but came up dry.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 839
Likes: 323
From: Maumelle Arkansas
The "correct" way would be to use the thin blade screwdriver to push down the tab and remove each terminal from the connector and thread them down the column, then plug them back into the connector. You don't have to remove the column to do it. I have also seen the wires cut, then threaded through the column, and spliced back together but I don't like that way myself. It's easier to take the wires out of the connector. Just make sure you take note of where they go!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 1,103
From: Aggieland TX
Ron,
Here is some info on the turn signal switch. I believe the '66 is the same or very similar to the '65.
When I replaced the switch in our '65. I removed the wires from the "harmonica" connectors on the switch pigtail. That allows you to feed them through that notch in the escutcheon one-by-one. Then you simply push the connectors back into their appropriate slots in the housings. BE SURE TO LABEL WHAT GOES WHERE BEFORE YOU TAKE THE WIRES OUT OF THE PLASTIC HOUSINGS.
To remove the brass connectors from the housing, slip a small flat bladed screw driver into the front of the slot in the housing while gently pulling on the wire from the rear. The screw driver or other tool depresses the tang on the brass connector to release it from the housing. When you reinsert the connector into the housing, make sure that tang re-engages or you might push the connector back out when you mate the male and female harmonicas back together.
The attached PDF has some info that may be of help.
I vaguely recall someone on here indicating that the wires could be removed from the switch itself so that you didn't have to go through removing them from the harmonica connectors but I don't recall who that was.
Hope this gives you some insight.
Dave Z
Here is some info on the turn signal switch. I believe the '66 is the same or very similar to the '65.
When I replaced the switch in our '65. I removed the wires from the "harmonica" connectors on the switch pigtail. That allows you to feed them through that notch in the escutcheon one-by-one. Then you simply push the connectors back into their appropriate slots in the housings. BE SURE TO LABEL WHAT GOES WHERE BEFORE YOU TAKE THE WIRES OUT OF THE PLASTIC HOUSINGS.
To remove the brass connectors from the housing, slip a small flat bladed screw driver into the front of the slot in the housing while gently pulling on the wire from the rear. The screw driver or other tool depresses the tang on the brass connector to release it from the housing. When you reinsert the connector into the housing, make sure that tang re-engages or you might push the connector back out when you mate the male and female harmonicas back together.
The attached PDF has some info that may be of help.
I vaguely recall someone on here indicating that the wires could be removed from the switch itself so that you didn't have to go through removing them from the harmonica connectors but I don't recall who that was.
Hope this gives you some insight.
Dave Z
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 33,073
Likes: 6,634
From: Rochester NY
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer