Mr. Shea I am having a break light problem and I think that I have narrowed it down to the turn signal switch . A few years back I had the steering head apart, but I don,t remember exactly what I did. I remember going to auto zone and renting a couple of special tools and kinda the procedure,but I don,t remember exactly but I know I consulted you. Could you refresh my memory as to what to do and what special tools I will need. I am working on a 1978 with tilt and telescopic wheel with cruise. Any info you could pass on would be greatly appreciated . Thanks in advance. Keith

 

First I would provide this possible approach to your problem. If you have access to a different (or new) turn signal switch, you can just plug it into the vehicle wiring harness to perform a test. Use the new switch to prove that the old switch is the real culprit. The steering column turn signal switch wires are held in a plastic connector called the "harmonica" connector. Disconnect the harmonica connector from the vehicle wiring harness. Now plug the new switch connector into the vehicle harness. Now operate the turn signal switch and determine if it fixes the problem or not.

If you are going to need to replace the turn signal switch, I think that it will be a lot easier if you totally remove the steering column from the car. (Fishing the turn signal switch wires in and out of the steering column can be very difficult with the steering column still in the car.)

Here are links to several papers on disassembly of the Corvette T&T steering column.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=991
This is a blowup of the steering wheel, telescope lock, and horn parts.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=1004
This link actually has three multiple page papers (You will need the first two papers). They take you all the way from removing the horn cap to complete disassembly of the T&T steering column.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=1009
This link takes you to three drawings on the disassembly of the T&T steering column.

You may find the above information fairly overwhelming. But the instructions are very complete.
Take lots of digital pictures to assist you in the reassembly.

One last hint, after you remove the steering wheel and hub, you will find a big telescope spring that rests on a plastic piece called a retainer. If your steering column hasn't been apart in the last 35 years you will most likely find that the retainer will break into many pieces regardless as to how carefully you try to remove it. The retainer is called out in the above picture by its GM part number 7808385. (It is no longer available at GM dealers.) You can try;
Zip Products SC-517
Willcox 780838
Or other major suppliers.

Further help is only a computer click away.
Jim

 

Jim,

I don't mean to hi-jack this thread but my question is somewhat related.

The turn signal lever must be held in order for the right or left directionals to work.

I read your reply to the OP and ask if the steering column has to be removed to repair this fault. It is a tilt/tele column. Is this a big production?

Thanks a lot

 

I know that pulling the steering column can be intimidating. However, I have always found that it is a lot easier to just pull the column rather than trying to fish the turn signal switch wires up and back down through a T&T column head.

I might add that removing the plastic "harmonica" connector from the wires (both the original switch upon removal and the new switch upon installing) and leaving a tracer cord through the steering column wire passage may make the fishing procedure easier. Just make sure that you reinstall the wires in exactly the same positions. This procedure is also covered in the instructions.

My Disassembly & Repair Instructions #1 & #2 are quite complete as to removing the steering wheel, telescope lock, the entire column, and changing the turn signal switch.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=1004

Good luck,
Jim

 

Thank you, Jim. Have a great day.

 

Cor66vette,
I just noticed that you are questioning a 1966 turn signal switch. I am not sure that the following is true for 1965-66. The following is true for 1967+ Corvettes.
There are two flat springs on the turn signal switch. I am sure that one of them holds the switch in the turn positions. I think the other presses against the hazard switch mechanism.

Possibly the flat spring to hold the switch turn positions just got dislodged somehow.

I would further suggest refering to the 1965-66 Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual. There might be more information on the turn signal switch. If I recall correctly, the 1966 and earlier turn signal switches were a different design.

Jim

 

Jim,
Actually, I was referring to a '77.
I will be looking at one on Sunday, and one of the "cons" of the car is that the directional lever has to be held in place for the signals to work. When I read your post I just had to chime in with my own query.

I will certainly save your revised info in the event that same problem becomes an issue with my '66.

I appreciate you repeating the instructions for my benefit.
Thanks
Carl