REPAIRING 1960-62 TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
by Lindsey Fuller

August 25, 2009

The correct functioning of these switches not only affects your turn signals, but also brake lights. I have found the source of problems is usually broken wires where they are attached to the switch underneath the brown plastic cover.
If the switch still doesn't work, look for a defective coil.


Fig. 1 shows the switch after removal from the dash. That can be an
interesting exercise in itself.


Fig. 2 First step is to remove the rivet holding the brown plastic cover.
I have found it easier to carefully drill out from the underside.


Fig. 3 Bend back the tabs holding the silver metal cover and carefully remove it.
There are some small springs inside the switch.
One is visible between the two plastic sliding parts.
The others are under the brass contacts.


Fig. 4 Be careful not to break the small wire attached to the coil.


Fig. 5 Clean all the contact points with TV tuner cleaner or similar
and then apply some dielectric grease.


Fig. 6 Replace the pivot piece.


Fig. 7 Replace the metal cover and bend the tabs back.


Fig. 8 Use small bolts with lock washers & nuts in place of the rivets.


Fig. 9 Ensure the bolts are short enough to allow the plate attached
to the lever to pass over them.


Fig. 10 If you have to re-solder some of the wires, this is where they go.


John Grady offers these additional comments:

1) Nylon roller must be free. Remove old grease and lubricate it.

2) When the switch lever moves off center, the switch lever coil is fed 12 Volts and holds the switch in the indent.

3) When the 12 Volts to the coil is interrupted, even for a second, the switch snaps back to the center position and everything is off.

4) The signal to release the switch comes out on the purple and orange wires at the plug.
The orange wire holds the switch on a left turn, the purple for a right turn.

5) To test, ground the switch frame. Put 12 Volts on the orange wire. Move switch lever. It should lock on one side.
Remove 12 Volts and the switch lever should return to center. Repeat with the purple wire.

6) Make sure there is no friction on the switch lever.

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