Replacing The Turn Signal Switch

[GMan]

I bought a NOS turn signal switch for my 68 F100 and I'm about to dive in to replace it. Anything I should be aware of before I start, or any tid-bits that might make it easier? Thanks.

[flyboy2610]

When you pull the wires up through the column, Tie a good strong piece of cord to them so you can easily get the wires back down the column.
You won't get the plastic plug in up the column, so diagram where each color of wire is, then use a small pair of needle nosed pliers to release the wire from the plug. Afetr you get the wires back down the column, they just snap in place in the connector.

[GMan]

Thanks. Thats not something I would likely have thought of.

G

[bluef250]

A jewelers screwdriver has worked for me to release the male (switch) wire end from the connector. The manual shows a detail of how to make a tool to release the wire from the plug. Consider cutting one wire at time and treading new wire through to avoid mixing up wires. I tried this but did not work out very well for me. I have seen it work.

[FORDification]

Or you could just invest in the set of tools specifically made to do this...the set of 5 cost me less than $10 at the local NAPA, and makes things immensely easier.

[GMan]

Ok, I have the steering wheel off, and the turning signal switch unscrewed. Is the connector for the wires at the bottom end of the steering column? While the turn signal switch is unscrewed, I can't pull it up. I am obviously missing something. Thanks.

G

[fordman]

at the bottom of the column is a plug that can be either cut off the old wires . or remove the wires from the plug whhich youll have to do anyway. and then the wires will come out of the column. tie something to the wires before you pull the wires thru the column so you can pull the new wires back into the column.

[oldschoolrods]

Or you could just invest in the set of tools specifically made to do this...the set of 5 cost me less than $10 at the local NAPA, and makes things immensely easier.

wow thats a great deal, i bought just the green handled one at napa for a job i was doing cost $10!!

[GMan]

I read the various threads on replacing the turn signal switch and I wondered why I was having so much trouble. The wiring colors for the new switch didn't match that of the existing switch. I looked at the wiring diagrams and noticed that the colors of the old switch did not appear correct.

As you can see in the pics I've posted, the larger gray plug is the one that comes down from the steering column. Not sure if this is a factory plug or a replacement. Pretty sure Ford didn't use wire nuts to assemble their trucks. I also noticed that there is a hazard switch on the steering column, as well as the switch in the glove box. Could it be that the previous owner put a new column on and altered the wiring. I would appreciate any input. Thanks.

G

[ima71 trucks are older]

Thats a 73-77 column and connector.

[GMan]

Hence the wire nuts to mate it to the original wiring I guess. Thanks for the reply.

G

[FORDification]

The give-away should've been the hazard light switch on the column...bumpside truck columns have that on the dash.

[GMan]

If it's on the dash, what is the switch in the glove box? There was an after market steering wheel on the truck. Would that have been a reason for a different steering column? I can't think of another reason.

[GMan]

Although, after reading the tutorial about adding power steering, he could have chosen the later model column for that purpose. I will have to investigate further.

[flyboy2610]

If it's on the dash, what is the switch in the glove box? There was an after market steering wheel on the truck. Would that have been a reason for a different steering column? I can't think of another reason.

Your hazard switch could be either in the dash or in the glove box. My '69F250CS has it in the glove box.