I have no turn signals. I have 3 parking lights ,the front two take turns lighting. All the side marker lamps are working. The four way flasher works and all lights flash. the Brake lights and the back-up lights work. On the dash the green arrow (right side) is on and will only go off if I move the T/S arm slightly off center. The flashers work as I have interchanged them from the flasher to T/S positions. IS this the turn signal switch itself?? AAAHHHHHHH!!! Thanks Tom Dodds
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Re: 1978 turn signals
Tom-----
I'd say you've got it diagnosed correctly; it's the turn signal switch that needs to be replaced. You need switch GM #1997988 with or without tilt/tele.
Keep in mind that this is a replacement switch and may require an "adapter connector" which is supplied with the switch.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: 1978 turn signals
Thanks Joe..I spotted a "reproduction" T/S switch in Lectric Limited's on-line catalog. I've never used their products but I've never heard of any problems either which is probably good news when dealing with electricalitems. Is my view reasonable?Comment
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Re: 1978 turn signals
Tom-----
Yes, they have a pretty good reputation. However, they may just be selling the GM switch that is currently available as their "reproduction".In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 1978 turn signals
Thanks again, Joe. Phoned my Local dealer, Mussalem Chev. in Maple Ridge B.C. and he has one in stock for $60 CDN. Any tricks for replacement or just unscrew the old one and yard it out and thread the new one back in??!!! Tom DoddsComment
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Re: 1978 turn signals
Tom-----
I've never done it on a car with tilt/tele column. However, if it's the same as standard column, it's just about as you describe. You will have to remove the wheel and hub, of course.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 1978 turn signals
I've been there (TS replacement on T/T column).... There are a couple of tricks that'll help a BUNCH!
First, after you pull the wheel, you need the special tool (more important to reassembly than disassembly) to R&R the upper column's pressure plate. Take notes as you go regarding what came from where and part sequence. When you get to the TS switch, you'll see it's pretty straight forward to remove (three screws hold it in place), BUT once it's free it WON'T move more an maybe an inch....
That's because it's being held down by the wiring harness that runs from the TS switch to the lower column's 'harmonica' plug interface. You need to disconnect the harmonica plug at the bottom of the steering column and perform this trick.
Twist the plug 90-degrees so it's in-line with the interconnect harness. Now, wrap both the plug and the harness with tape so the plug can't turn back to its normal, right angle position. Now, before your final tape wrap, install something akin to fishing line. You'll use this as a 'pull guide' when you install the replacement column harness.
Gently pull the switch/harness from the top of the column while you guide the harmonica plug into the lower column's harness opening. Using both the switch and upper harness to pull and the lower guide line as required to 'snake' the harness around internal 'snag' points, fully remove the switch & harness.
Cut the guide line from the old harmonica plug and attach it to the replacement switch/harness and tape that unit's harmonica plug so it's in-line with the harness as you did before. Now, reverse roles and pull on the guide line from below the column while feeding/pushing on the switch/harness from above....Comment
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Re: 1978 turn signals
Thanks for the very complete run-down....you would've laughed as the column seemed to "explode" in my face when I decided that removal of that innocent looking "C" clip would probably help me get to the switch!!! Then I discovered that I'm going to need something besides my thumbs to get it back together. That spring looks like it could double for a valve spring!! I've put together a sort of press that I hope will work to push the spring down enough to get the C clip in place. Do you know the name or number or whatever of the proper tool in case my "invention" doesn't do the job? But, all is not in vain as I learned how the tele portion of the tilt tele works (as if I really needed to know that). Tom DoddsComment
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Re: 1978 turn signals
Tom------
The tool that you need is J-23653-D. It's still available from SPX/Kent-Moore and you can call them at 1-800-468-6657 to order one. The price may be "stiff". Most Kent-Moore tools have gone up greatly in price over the last several years and they were always pretty expensive. It may also be that a similar tool could be had in "generic" form from an automotive tool specialty store under the K-D, Lisle, OTC, or other brand names. There may even be a "cheapy" foreign made tool that will get the job done for you.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 1978 turn signals
I'll start shopping around,,and will let you know if I find a bargain anywhere as most of us would only use a specialty tool once, maybe twice if you do it wrong the first time!! Thanks ....TomComment
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Joe's guess is dead on....
thinking there are secondary mfgrs of equivalent tools like K-D and Lisle. If memory serves, the one I have in the shop was off-the-shelf at Pep Boys from Lisle for a whooping $15 or so.
On actually needing the tool, well that's a matter of conjecture. I can tell you I HAVE reinstalled the pressure plate using my own thumbs to compress the spring while my wife inserted the C-clip. But, you can come CLOSE to divorce here because the lady is going to be clumsy in getting the clip into the slot while your thumbs are SCREAMING!!!!
On poster's unexpected experience with the pressure plate removal, sounds like a time for scolding.... Are you attempting this R&R effort without having purchased and read the text of the Chassis Service Manual? If so, shame!
That's a good way to break things, look back and WISH you'd read the book before you took a 'wack' at the fix-it job....Comment
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Re: Joe's guess is dead on....
I was just looking at the mechanism when the C-clip caught my eye and I was overcome, giddy you might say, to remove it..soooo without any thought, which I'm good at, off it came!!! I thought of involving my wife but thought better of it,,,so who lacks judgement! you for involving your wife or me for not reading up first....?????? Probably a tie. I found a KD compressor locally for $22 CDN which pleased me. Take care..TomComment
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