Morning Gents, I've noticed my indicator is starting to work very intermittently, or not at all. I realize I will have to get the whole unit fixed or replaced, but I wanted to know if anybody has a temporary fix? Thanks a lot!
Good day Tom, Do not assume the stalk itself is faulty until you check the various contacts that the stalk engages. I say this, as on my Boxer I had the same symptoms and once I dug into it I found that the contact pins and "shorting" bar that the stalk moves was heavily oxidized and so it was making intermittent contact between the various contacts. I simply cleaned all of the contacts with some fine sand paper and relubricated everything and all worked properly. To access and clean the area, you will need to remove the steering wheel, hub, etc but it can be done by a DIY'er or any competent service shop. Cheers, Sam
Good day Tom, You are most welcome. Yes, you will need both. The puller (I used a 3-claw style) is needed to remove the steering wheel "hub" that the steering wheel mounts to, and a "ring" nut socket to remove the ring nut that secures the hub to the steering shaft. Once the hub is off you can inspect the stalk's electrical contacts and then unbolt and unplug the stalk so that it can be pulled away from the mating electrical base plate. The stalk does not need to be fully removed, but simply elevated to gain easy access to the electrical contacts for cleaning, etc. All of the above is not too difficult, however, some level of experience and finesse is needed to remove the hub. I say this, as incorrect placement of the puller and/or aggressive use of it can damage or mar the hub. If you do not have these tools then it might be best to take it to your service garage. The above is not overly time consuming... perhaps 30 mins to 45 mins or so for those that have done this before. Consequently, your service garage's bill should be reasonable. Cheers, Sam
Tom I suggest you follow Sam's instructions and add one more item. Check all of the lever's, not just the indicator, for cracks in the plastic that would allow 'play' between the lever arm and the actual switch. If any, an interim fix could be the try epoxy and clamp plastic to be sure you get a tight fit between lever arm and plastic. If all else fails, contact Verell <[email protected]>. He replaces all the plastic bits and repairs and replaces any other issues. Verell has a backlog of a few months repairing these switches which are common to several F-models. Ken
Thanks Sam and Ken, Took it off this weekend (didn't need the puller) a few taps with a leather hammer. Cleaned the contacts (watch out for those detent ball bearings ;-)), epoxied the very slight cracks and everything works perfectly again! Thanks again, Tom
Tom I had an issue with the horn honking when I turned the steering wheel. Initially, I could eliminate that by applying less torque to the hub nut. Eventually I found that there are two little brass tabs, that fold over the non-conductive piece. One of those tabs "unfolded" and would just barely contact the underside of the hub. Just an FYI in case you ever have that problem. If still apart, be sure the tabs are pushed down. Ken
Good day Tom, Well done! Sometimes one is lucky with with hub removal in that a puller is not required... other times one is not. That being said it is always best to plan for the worst and have the necessary tools on hand. Also, that is great that you did some pre-emptive repairs with the epoxy. This will certainly reduce the likelihood of a full break. Cheers, Sam
