Turn Signal Switch: How to Remove?

[J.R.Freeman]

Greetings from Canada, eh.

My girlfriend's 2000 Corolla (sedan, automatic, 1ZZFE) has a turn signal issue, that I suspect is related to the signal switch assembly in the steering column. Must the steering wheel be removed before the switch can be removed?

Thank you,

J.Freeman

[Salty_Dog]

Originally Posted by J.R.Freeman

Greetings from Canada, eh.

My girlfriend's 2000 Corolla (sedan, automatic, 1ZZFE) has a turn signal issue, that I suspect is related to the signal switch assembly in the steering column. Must the steering wheel be removed before the switch can be removed?

Thank you,

J.Freeman

No. You should not have to remove the sterring wheel.

IIRC, there are two screws on the cover under the steering column. You will need to remove these screws.

Now, insert the ignition key and turn it one click to unlock the steering column. (Don't start the engine). Then turn the wheel to the right to expose a screw on the steering column cover, and remove the screw. Now turn the steering wheel to the left to expose a similar screw on the opposite side and remove it.

The upper and lower halves of the steering column cover can now be removed to access the turn signal switch.

[J.R.Freeman]

Originally Posted by Salty_Dog

The upper and lower halves of the steering column cover can now be removed to access the turn signal switch.

Good morning Salty,

Thank you for your response. I actually made it as far as that point one night last week, in my driveway. I had the two halves of the plastic clam-shell piece off of the steering column, but when I saw the white plastic part that wraps around the column itself, I assumed the wheel and airbag had to come out. I'm fairly car-handy, but especially on my girlfriend's car I would not want to touch anything to do with the airbag.

Anyway, that's interesting - I think I'll give this another shot and see if I can separate the switch from the column once the plastic shroud has been removed. Thank you for the write-up, that'll save me some time. I managed to get it off before, but it took a little doing!

I'll let you know how it goes,

Jim

[Salty_Dog]

Originally Posted by J.R.Freeman

Good morning Salty,

Thank you for your response. I actually made it as far as that point one night last week, in my driveway. I had the two halves of the plastic clam-shell piece off of the steering column, but when I saw the white plastic part that wraps around the column itself, I assumed the wheel and airbag had to come out. I'm fairly car-handy, but especially on my girlfriend's car I would not want to touch anything to do with the airbag.

Anyway, that's interesting - I think I'll give this another shot and see if I can separate the switch from the column once the plastic shroud has been removed. Thank you for the write-up, that'll save me some time. I managed to get it off before, but it took a little doing!

I'll let you know how it goes,

Jim

When added fog lights to my LE, I replaced the original turn signal stick with the one that had the fog light switch built in. It was a little tight and awkward, but I did not have to remove the steering wheel.

[J.R.Freeman]

Hello again Salty,

Thanks for that, that's good to know. I'll give it another try this weekend - removing the turn signal switch that is.

My girlfriend brought the car to a local Toyota dealership after I had said that I didn't want to mess with the air-bag (thinking I'd have to at the time). The dealership told her they were going to replace the whole switch assembly on the steering column, which is listed as a $500 part (CAD). Wow. So with labor she was looking at close to $600. If I can get that switch out, I'm pretty sure I can correct the situation by cleaning the contacts. At the moment, her left turn signal works half the time, other times the switch seems to be making partial contact.

Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again for your help!

Jim

[Salty_Dog]

Originally Posted by J.R.Freeman

Hello again Salty,

Thanks for that, that's good to know. I'll give it another try this weekend - removing the turn signal switch that is.

My girlfriend brought the car to a local Toyota dealership after I had said that I didn't want to mess with the air-bag (thinking I'd have to at the time). The dealership told her they were going to replace the whole switch assembly on the steering column, which is listed as a $500 part (CAD). Wow. So with labor she was looking at close to $600. If I can get that switch out, I'm pretty sure I can correct the situation by cleaning the contacts. At the moment, her left turn signal works half the time, other times the switch seems to be making partial contact.

Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again for your help!

Jim

If they want $500 for that switch, you are getting hosed. I only paid $125 for mine.

Edit: Let me look through my parts boxes this weekend. If I still have my old one (which works fine) I can sell it to you for a helluva lot less that $500. PM me and we'll talk.

[J.R.Freeman]

Hey Salty,

Yeah, I agree - they're taking advantage of the situation for sure. Thank you for the offer, I'll let you know how it goes. I might be able to save this switch. It all depends on how sealed it is. I was able to repair a similar failure on my parent's old Malibu a few years back, but that switch was rather easy to take apart.

Thanks again, I'll keep you posted! Wow, you Toyota guys have some crazy emoticons:

[J.R.Freeman]

Hey Salty,

Just to let you know, I managed to repair the original switch for now. The contacts are showing signs of wear, however, so it could become an issue again in the future. We'll see how it goes.

Thanks for your help,

Jim

[Moyie]

I am having a problem with my turn signal switch too. About 75% of the time, for a right turn only, the flasher clicks at about twice the normal speed. It is not a bulb problem as neither front or back signal lights light up. If I reengage the turn signal lever several times it will start working normally. I see you can buy just a turn signal switch on ebay ($112.) without having to buy the whole assembly including the wiper switch on the other side. Can you replace just the turn signal switch without replacing the whole assembly and can you do it without removing the steering wheel?
Thanks in advance.

[J.R.Freeman]

Good afternoon Moyie,

The symptoms you've described are almost identical to those of my girlfriend's car, and it was in fact her turn-signal switch assembly that was to blame. The only difference is that for her it was her left turn-signal. I strongly suspect your issue is the same.

The good news is that you can remove the swtich without removing the steering wheel. Also, cleaning and regreasing the switch costs nothing (but time and a little grease). That is how I solved the problem and to date it has not returned.

Here is a link to a post I made in another thread, which outlines quickly how to remove the switch assembly, and clean it. Let me know if you have any questions. But first, a warning!

CAUTION! Working around the steering column is potentially dangerous, and there is a chance (albeit small) that static discharge or some other method may cause the air-bag to detonate. Do not work with tools between you and the air-bag (or front cover of the wheel). Always treat a live air-bag as a live explosive device (as that is what it is)!

As there are different levels of mechanical abilities and circumstances far beyond my control, I can not accept responsibility for trying any of these instructions. Do so at your own risk, and please be careful!



Left Signal Issues

[Moyie]

Good Afternoon to you JR
I appreciate the information and the heads up about the airbag. Yes, I plan to approach that airbag like I was an EOD person disarming a bomb. Hearing what Toyota wanted to do the job was shocking enough without having the airbag go off. I will report what I find.

[Crowbar911]

Unplug the battery, and wait 10 - 15 mins to not only turn off power to the airbags, but to discharge the extra power in the system for the airbags.

[Moyie]

Thanks again JR. The turn signal switch now works fine. You saved me big buck over what Toyota wanted. I just followed your directions except that my Corolla VE is very basic; no adjustable steering wheel.