Installing New Turn Signal Switch

I'm wondering what is involved in installing a new turn signal switch on a 79 CJ5 with a tilt column and manual transmission. I bought a new switch (it comes with the attached wire harness and clip). I took off the horn and the steering wheel, but don't see how to get to the switch. There is a metal plate covering it that has grooves all around it (for the ignition lock post to pop into). I don't want to try prying this plate off because all I have to brace against is the plastic column shroud. How do I get to the plastic turn signal switch? Furthermore, once I get the old one out, how in the world will I get the new one fished in there? I'm assuming the easiest way will be to pull some metal wire up through the column when pulling out the old switch, then using it to fish the new harness back down through the column. Or will I just have to bite the bullet and un-bolt the column from the firewall and dash to have a good go at this thing? Anyone have any experience or words of advice for this? Thanks.

 

That metal plate is called the "lock plate". You need a lock plate compressor to push it downward slightly where then you can pry the metal retaining ring around the shaft upward and off. It takes two little screwdrivers or an icepick to get the ring to come up and off. Take your time and not bend it. YOu will see when you compress the plate down about 1/4 inch or so. Just enough to get the pressure off of the retaining ring. Once you get the ring off , the lock plate comes next and the turn signal switch is under it. It is ususlly held on with just a few screws. They ususally crack at the plastic and then quit working. The wires are connected down lower in the column on the upper side. Some good lighting and a mirrow helps.

You can get the lock plate compressor at an auto parts store. YOu can do it without the tool but it is a PIA. They don't cost too much , maybe $10-$15.

 

Thanks, I'll go get one. I see where the turn signal switch harness clips onto the main harness at the middle of the steering column shaft, that's easy for me to get to and I've already disconnected it. I'm just wondering how hard it's going to be to get the old harness and clip up and out and the new one fished through and down.

 

And don't forget to unscrew the emergency flasher button from the side before you start prying up on the turn signal switch. It is easily overlooked because of its size. It is screwed to the switch through the column.

 

You just have to bend the wires somewhat flat in the same direction as the clip and feed it down thru. It's not hard to do and you will see when you get the old switch out that there is enough room. For that matter , you could attach a small string to the wire harness of the old switch from below and as you pull it out , the string will follow it and then you can attach the new one to the string and then pull it back down thru.

 

To fish the wire out, use some black electrical tape, tape the plug to the wire so that every thing is in line and hook a wire to it so that when you pull it out you have some thing to pull new one in.
Also tape up the new one so it wont catch on stuff .

Andrew

 

Wow, thanks guys. I now know everything I need to...I think.

 

attach some mechanics wire to the plug; tape the end really well, tape the plug parallel as mentioned to the wire harness.
pull up on the switch as you guide the pug and wire up from down below; install the new plug onto the wire that's come up thru the column; pull gently as you guide the wires back down thru the column. it's pretty easy really.
don't forget to disconnect the battery first.

 

The Lock Plate compressor is usually included with a "Steering Wheel Puller Kit/Set". Autozone has them in their free loan a tool program. They make the job ten times easier.

You have to "Buy" the tool, then you get to keep it as long as you need, and they give you a full refund when you bring the tool back. So you will have to hand over the plastic, but it won't cost you anything in the end. I do it all the time for things like ball joint presses and such.