turn signal cancellation

[echappe]

OK,
I have read all the previous threads on this topic...this is little more perplexing. With the car up on jackstands and the wheels off, turn signal returns perfectly with every spin of the wheel in either direction. On the road it never returns....any thoughts anyone.

Thanks for all the help over the years,
EC

 

[Stefan]

OK,
I have read all the previous threads on this topic...this is little more perplexing. With the car up on jackstands and the wheels off, turn signal returns perfectly with every spin of the wheel in either direction. On the road it never returns....any thoughts anyone.

Thanks for all the help over the years,
EC

My best guess for this strange phenomenon is a few mm play in the steering column.
Remove steering wheel and you will easily see the functionality for the signal return with the car up on jackstands contrary standing on mother earth.

 

[MMercury]

Per the pictures, the switch is activated by a cam that is a separate part of most steering wheels. It is bendable and thus adjustable. It can also be repositioned by the use of a washer and, if memory serves me, the switch itself has a tiny bit of wiggle room. As has already been suggested, your cam may be barely functioning/connecting with the cam so that a tiny bit of body flex with the front suspension at full extension makes a difference. This can occur both laterally and longitudinally - especially if washers, spacers or shims are used in the case of an aftermarket steering wheel or hub. Look carefully at the last picture and you may note the protruding turn signal triggering mechanism on the right hand side of the steering shaft. Do NOT attempt to bend that part of the switch - or you will likely regret it.

If you can grab the steering wheel and it, along with the column to which it is attached seems sloppy (up and down movement) the rag disk that couples the steering assembly to the shaft that moves the steering gear may be worn or the shaft itself may need some adjustment. Often times this may be indicated by a horn that works intermittently - depending upon the position of the steering wheel.

Good luck. :wink: