Mocha

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

Mocha

Any idea on this?

gat

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,

DFlintstone

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.

PoorMansWrangler

PoorMansWrangler

emx72

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/

PatHenry

Yeah, anything from 95 onward (basically, once they started putting a driver's side airbag in there) is MUCH easier than the old column design. However, I think the old column parts were a heck of a lot more durable than the new design stuff. My dad went 400k over 15 years and never needed to replace anything in the column. I had multiple part failures on my 2000 TJ starting about 9 years/200k in.

Mocha

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.

DFlintstone

Thanks for the info Pat. For anyone stumbling onto this thread later...until at least 90 the GM column was used, IDK about 91-95. Here is a great link for the old GM > https://www.elcaminocentral.com/showthread.php?t=27192

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.

dave1123

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.

Mocha

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!

dave1123

If anyone needs it, I have a good used WJ multi-function turn signal switch you can have for postage. PM me.