Thread: Self Cancelling signal lights

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When I built the Wild Canary 8 years ago, I used a tilt column from Ididit. Like all the other components that were purchased at that time, it has performeed flawlessly until this week. Today when I put my right turn indicator on, it refuses to self cancell when I turn back to the left. It works fine if I turn on the left signal light, and cancells properly when I turn to the right. How much pain is involved in correcting this issue. I know that it is in that round plastic thingy that is exposed when the steering wheel and hub is removed, but I have never changed one before. Is this a big hassle to fix?---I hate people who drive for miles, blisfully unaware that one of their signals is flashing like crazy----and I am becoming one of them!!!----Brian

Never worked on an Ididit but GM columns are not a problem. They probably have a kit (one peace) to repair it

I've never done a column by Ididit but, I have done them on Fords / Chevys etc...

Not a hard job usually, Remove the steering wheel, a couple screws and last one I did in my Mustang, we had to collapse the pins that secure the male connectors in the flat connector.

Double check your wire colors before removal and take your time!

I think I read one time that Ididit products were GM, places like auto zone have the parts on the shelf. Hardest part is the removal of the wheel and that''s not all that bad . Not much going on in there and if one side is working, I would think the adjustment of the horn cam could be off some.

Here is a video that shows you what's happening, the canceling function is totally mechanical, BTW this is a video by Ididit. The video shows him moving the steering shaft to get the clocking correct a bit misleading. If your wheels are straight and that horn cam is not aligned, you will need to remove that snap ring and move the cam a few splines to get the 10:30 clock adjustment.

Synchronizing your Steering Column - YouTube

I love youtube saves typing ... lol

Thanks Guys. If i decide to do a fix, I'll take pictures and let you know how it turns out.---Brian

brian you probably need a new t/s switch you will need a compressor tool to push down the lock plate to remove and replace the snap ring after that there is I think3 screws but it's not a tough job most parts store will loan you a compressor tool if you leave a deposit the ears that contact the cancel cam are thin plastic and break over tone especially in cold country......ted

Brian,
I was talking to Ididit earlier this week, chasing a different problem, but the literature they sent me stated that their columns are guaranteed for life. You might want to call their tech line before chasing too much for parts or instructions.

Brian - The hardest job of changing the t/s switch on an IDIDIT column is feeding the new connector wire - even with that connector off. And as others said. it is a clone of GM's later design. You need to pull your steering wheel, which is either 5 or 9 screws, depending on the brand, pull the wheel adapter for which, once you have the nut loose, is on a taper fit along with splines. You are now at the switch - the contact plunger is loose and on a spring - comes right out. A couple screws hold that switch to the column casting. And the wire - lotsa luck and with a few well known 'blue' words while installing it you will reverse your efforts and be back on the road the next day (assuming it's an evening project).

Reading Brian's post, the problem he's having is the Right signal is staying on not self canceling after the turn has been made . The self canceling is a mechanical function and not electrical. I assume he is physically canceling it by moving the signal lever. He states that the left works normally, this would indicate the horn/cam ring is not in adjustment. If this were electrical I think a bad switch would show itself in one of two ways. There would be no light signal on the right side due to an open circuit caused by the switch failing to close the contacts. If shorted the circuit would be forced to operate constantly, he would never be able to reset or stop the signaling operation .

So with that thought in mind my money is on the horn/cam ring and not the turn signal switch problem.

Originally Posted by pepi

Reading Brian's post, the problem he's having is the Right signal is staying on not self canceling after the turn has been made . The self canceling is a mechanical function and not electrical. I assume he is physically canceling it by moving the signal lever. He states that the left works normally, this would indicate the horn/cam ring is not in adjustment. If this were electrical I think a bad switch would show itself in one of two ways. There would be no light signal on the right side due to an open circuit caused by the switch failing to close the contacts. If shorted the circuit would be forced to operate constantly, he would never be able to reset or stop the signaling operation .



So with that thought in mind my money is on the horn/cam ring and not the turn signal switch problem.

It comes as a complete assembly with the spring and contact separate

I am all about learning, kindly point out the horn/cam ring in these part pictures, or better yet how about a link showing the part you have on your mind.

1979 - 1986 Chevy Chevette Chevy Chevette Turn Signal Switch for Models Without Cornering Lights at 1AAuto.com

NEW Delco #D6211A/GM # 1995970 Turn Signal Switch 1994 S Series/Suburban | eBay

Amazon.com: Gm Turn Signal Blinker Switch 1971-1989: Automotive

However if you cannot provide a picture of what you suggest here is one to help you out.

exploded view for the 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Tilt | Steering Column Services

Item # 6 is the part that provides the cancelation, item # 5 has a slot in it, item # 6 fits into. If item # 5 is out it will effect the timing or cancelation of the turn signal. Item # 6 has a hollow locating pin, it is hollow so a wire with a contact attached provides a path to the horn ring. I am sure you know how that happens so I will stop there. Item# 11 is the turn signal switch with springs and that is sold as a complete assembly.

What IDIDIT supplies is a single piece/assembly plus a separate spring and contact. If you want to contest what I said, fine, that's your prerogative.

And my suggestion to you at Hotrodders.com still holds - get a life without me being involved!!!

Originally Posted by IC2

What IDIDIT supplies is a single piece/assembly plus a separate spring and contact. If you want to contest what I said, fine, that's your prerogative.

To go along with what Dave says, I stated earlier the test procedure Ididit sent to me ended with a comforting statement -

If any of these tests fail call ididit and ask for the tech dept. We have a lifetime warrantee and we will take care of you. Phone (517) 424-0577

I'd really suggest that you call them, Brian. Their tech guys have heard all the problems before, know how their product works, and are very pro-active at problem solving.