steering column
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steering column
Posted: April 05 2008 06:53 PM
 
matt tfn (aka matthewp) [ View ] [ thnk4nothin@yahoo.com ] [ Car Ads ] [ Blogs ]
new jersey, New Jersey
(908) 296-3761
 
Trying to get a turn signal switch (I have the no brake light blues) for this column. I'm guessing 80's GM van column but need to order the switch but need to know exactly what year. As always thanks in advance for the help!!!!
 
 
 
Comments
 
Posted by aosborn  -  04/05/2008 08:38 PM
Have you eliminated the brake light switch as your problem? If it is an in-line hydraulic unit they are prone to failure especially if using non synthetic brake fluid. Do you have power to the brake light switch? Do you have power out of the brake light switch?
aosborn [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Olympia, Washington
 
Posted by Starfire  -  04/05/2008 08:49 PM
Let's back up a minute! Is the problem no brake lights or is the problem no turn signals? They are two completely different things. About the only thing they have in common is the bright element of the taillight bulbs and maybe a fuse.
Starfire [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Weimar, Texas
 
Posted by aosborn  -  04/06/2008 12:37 AM
It says he has "the no brake light blues", and the brake lights are tied into the turn signal circuit in a single bulb, dual filament tail light system. That is why one bright filament blinks on the side the turn signal switch is activating and the brake light is on steady on the other tail light.
aosborn [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Olympia, Washington
 
Posted by Starfire  -  04/06/2008 01:25 AM
Yes, it is understood the break lights are apparently not functioning. It was also acknowledged the turn signal and brake light functions use the same bulb filament. Brake light function is controlled by an entirely different switch from the turn signals. If the turn signals are functional (unknown from the post) then the brake light switch would be the problem not the turn signal switch, which has nothing directly or indirectly to do with brake light function unless grounding for both is through the turn signal switch, which would be totally stupid and in which case neither turn signals or brake lights would work correctly. But then GM has never been known for other than problematic electrical systems with ground related problems.


So the direct question is: Do the turn signal and emergency lights work normally? If so the darn brake light switch needs replacing not the turn signal switch, as Matt seems to be thinking.
Starfire [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Weimar, Texas
 
Posted by aosborn  -  04/06/2008 03:47 AM
On this type of system power goes through the brake light switch (battery power) when the brakes are applied, then through the turn signal switch and out to the tail lights high wattage filament. When a turn signal is activated, power for that particular side is taken from the turn signal power fuse, (ignition power) directed through the turn signal switch through the flasher unit and then to the appropiate bulb. The other tail light still functions as a brake light. The two systems are indeed interconnected and some basic checks need to be made before matthewp rips his steering column apart to put in a turn signal switch he may or may not need. Check the easy stuff first, ie brake light switch, fuses, etc. and then work from there!
aosborn [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Olympia, Washington
 
Posted by matthewp  -  04/06/2008 09:46 AM
Thanks guys. Andy, you are correct and the last thing i want to do is rip the column apart but I believe I'm at that point. I have checked everything up to the "turn signal switch/cancel switch". Sorry for the vague "brake light thing". Yes I have no brake lights, I have turn signals. The switch is good, checked power to the terminal/pigtail at the bottom of the column with a test light but no power. I checked the turn signal wires at the column and when I step on the brake the test light should light up, it does not....I can explain the way I tested it in detail but it would be a very long post. Before I open the column i will test the new switch before I start pulling wires through. Do you know the year of this column?

Thanks again.
matthewp [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] new jersey, New Jersey
 
Posted by Starfire  -  04/06/2008 10:35 AM
Matt if you are sure the steering column came from an '80's GM or Chevy van the turn signal switch would be the same throughout the 1980's. I would suggest you log on to rockauto.com and check the various years and application differences that existed because of variances in factory cruise control setups and in the late 1980s that being also tied to transmission functions. You can access images of the variations and compare to yours.
Starfire [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Weimar, Texas
 
Posted by aosborn  -  04/06/2008 12:09 PM
The column can be identified by the size and configuration of the factory turn signal connector at the base of the column. I believe the Ron Francis Wiring Products web site shows the different types and what years they were used. Good luck...and keep us posted of what you find.
aosborn [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Olympia, Washington
 
Posted by matthewp  -  04/06/2008 07:09 PM
Thanks again. I'll check it out and keep you posted.
matthewp [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] new jersey, New Jersey
 
Posted by DaveHughes  -  04/06/2008 09:51 PM
cant help you much with your problem ButI LOVE that 3 Window- I had one very similar. Nice ride!
DaveHughes [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] seaman, Ohio
 
Posted by matthewp  -  04/13/2008 12:52 PM
Turn signal switch was bad. A 6-pack and a few select words later, we have brake lights again. Might be hard to see in the picture but the brake light wire was flattened by the column drop. Couldnt see it until I pulled the switch. Thanks again for everyones input......
matthewp [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] new jersey, New Jersey
 
Posted by blade58  -  04/13/2008 02:13 PM
Good truobleshooting usually it is something simple,FYI advanced auto parts carry replacement turn signal switchs for GM s, i was having turn signal challenges when i started to get into it it was a bad connection
blade58 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] apopka, Florida Charter Member since January 2008
 
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