Stubborn Turn Signal Switch
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Stubborn Turn Signal Switch
Tried searching for my specific issue with no luck:
Sometimes my turn signal lever does not want to engage, especially when the steering wheel is turned slightly one way or another. It will have some resistance and wont click into place. When the wheel is pointed straight ahead, it usually will engage no problem. Also, the half-depress lane change blinker function sometimes will not work, I think also when the wheel is not pointed straight.
Does anyone have any experience with this - Does it sound like an issue with the switch itself, or something with the clock spring? Trying to determine if it's something worth digging into, thanks!
98 XJ 4.0
Sometimes my turn signal lever does not want to engage, especially when the steering wheel is turned slightly one way or another. It will have some resistance and wont click into place. When the wheel is pointed straight ahead, it usually will engage no problem. Also, the half-depress lane change blinker function sometimes will not work, I think also when the wheel is not pointed straight.
Does anyone have any experience with this - Does it sound like an issue with the switch itself, or something with the clock spring? Trying to determine if it's something worth digging into, thanks!
98 XJ 4.0
#3
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Location: Oklahoma
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Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L L6 PowerTech (stock)
Your 1998 may be different than my 1992. I'd think that that would be the switch in mine from your description. It is my understanding that your seitch is cheap and easy to replace,
#4
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Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
I'm no fan of WD-40, don't buy it, don't use it. In your case.....if it's an issue with lube of the switch components, WD won't mess up a contact connection, but might thin/desolve sticky gunk in there. There is a bunch of moving stuff in there. IN your shoes I might try a liberal blast or two in there. Normally the switch is under the steering wheel and is no fun to change, needing a puller and some skill. Gat suggests a 98 is easy, I wouldn't know.
#5
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I just did this on my 2000, and I did not have to pull the steering wheel. All I needed was a Phillips screwdriver and a torx bit, I think a t15. It’s a pain to try and not break the plastic trim pieces, but do able. There is also a relay under the steering wheel inside the kick panel that was taped with clear tape that can cause issues with the turn signal, I replaced it just because I was in there.
#7
I personally think it's normal, my turn signal also won't engage when the wheel is in certain positions. Also, if you plan to replace, absolutely DON'T buy aftermarket or you'll be replacing it again within 6 months - 2 years. I had to replace my aftermarket from autozone twice in the past 2 years already. For replacement instructions see link below.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/how...switch-102773/
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/how...switch-102773/
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#8
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Location: Groton, MA
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
I'm no fan of WD-40, don't buy it, don't use it. In your case.....if it's an issue with lube of the switch components, WD won't mess up a contact connection, but might thin/desolve sticky gunk in there. There is a bunch of moving stuff in there. IN your shoes I might try a liberal blast or two in there. Normally the switch is under the steering wheel and is no fun to change, needing a puller and some skill. Gat suggests a 98 is easy, I wouldn't know.
#9
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Great, thanks! I'll try and replace the switch, hopefully it fixes the problem. It's already caused some sketchy lane changes, so it needs to be fixed.
I did just replace the turn signal relay because I was trying out some LED turn signals, didn't quite work out as planned due to trailer hitch wiring making things go crazy.
I did just replace the turn signal relay because I was trying out some LED turn signals, didn't quite work out as planned due to trailer hitch wiring making things go crazy.
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89build66 (08-21-2019)
#10
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Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
Best of luck Mocha, seems you are in good hands. (I believe hand signals are still legal, at least better then nothing until you nail the problem.) Or wave a gun out the window, always works for me.
Last edited by DFlintstone; 02-20-2019 at 06:58 PM.
#11
Old fart with a wrench
There's a cancel cam on the switch that turns the signal off when the wheel if turned back straight. That could be broken in such a way to cause your problem.
#12
Junior Member
Thread Starter
For anyone who might find this thread down the road I finally fixed my turn signal issue with a new OEM switch.
I did try 3 aftermarket turn signal switches from different sources, and even picked up a used one to try out. All three aftermarkets had the same issue, where they would cause rapid flashing of both rear blinkers when the turn stalk was pushed a certain way. They are crap, don't even try em! (I should have listened ) The used OEM one also had problems. I even opened up my old one to try and clean it out and sand down the contacts, but still had problems.
New OEM from a dealer is the way to go. Expensive but does the trick. They have just been discontinued however and it had to be shipped from another state, so they may no longer be available pretty soon!
I did try 3 aftermarket turn signal switches from different sources, and even picked up a used one to try out. All three aftermarkets had the same issue, where they would cause rapid flashing of both rear blinkers when the turn stalk was pushed a certain way. They are crap, don't even try em! (I should have listened ) The used OEM one also had problems. I even opened up my old one to try and clean it out and sand down the contacts, but still had problems.
New OEM from a dealer is the way to go. Expensive but does the trick. They have just been discontinued however and it had to be shipped from another state, so they may no longer be available pretty soon!
#13
Old fart with a wrench
If anyone needs it, I have a good used WJ multi-function turn signal switch you can have for postage. PM me.
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