Hi, gang -

I'm back with another newbie dilemma. It seems I run into MANY of these...

I'm trying to replace the turn signal switch mechanism on my '70 Satellite convertible, and cannot seem to pull the "tail" end up through the steering column and out. I have been told that it should be possible to do it this way, although it is a bit of work.

I tied a length of wire to the end, so if it DID come right out, I could pull the replacement down into place. Sadly, this is just not working for me. I have tried to angle the connector at the tail end so it goes up the channel at the bottom of the stering column, to no avail. When I pull it up, it goes about 2 or three inches up the steering column, then hits something and stops dead.

I'd really rather not have to drop the whole steering column - I have NO IDEA how to do that - and don't want to find myself thinking that the best idea is to cut the wires at the tail end, then try to tape the whole thing back together - what an ungodly mess THAT would be.

Has anyone done this, and if so, are there any tricks I might be missing?

Thanks!
- Steve -

I "think" you need to remove the TERMINALS from the plastic CONNECTOR

I just did it and despite the rhetoric to the contrary, it would be VERY difficult (if not impossible) to fish the wire connector all the way through.

Step #1: remove the plastic dash cover (4 bolts)

Step #2: remove the heavy plate that holds the column in place (3 nuts). Make sure you take care to note the ground wire so you put it back where it was.

Step #3: remove the sheet metal wire cover (2 screws)

Step #4: Now you can replace the switch. If you got the new Mopar replacement switch, you can cut off the extra 3 wires and related connector.

Step #5: take a dremel and grind down the hazzard knob because it's too big.

Step #6: put all the brackets and covers back in reverse order

Step #7: apply the grease (or use some white grease) to the horn contact ring

Step #8: reinstall the steering wheel and horn pad.


Dave

ps, If you're a big guy then you might want to take the front seat out.

I changed the one on my 90 W-250 recently.It presented a lil problem at first as you are having.persistence is the key.I made sure the plastic connector at the end of the wire pigtail was as close to 90 degrees to the pigtail.Just carefully shape it and keep trying .Patience is the key....Pull up slowly and when you reinstall it.feed back through slow.Took me awhile...

Thanks very much to everyone. I really appreciate how someone always seems to step up and help out a guy who's lost. As soon as I get home, I'll give it another go.

Thanks again!
- Steve -

I just did this a few weeks ago,...usually I tie a string on the plug end, and turn the plug so that it's inline with the wires to narrow it's profile, then I wrap it in black electrical tape to help ease it thru that impossibly tight opening!...but I hit a snag on my last one, no amount of coaxing would get it thru...seems it was somehow laced thru 2 of the ignition wires, it was never going to come out...so I just cut the plug end off, ripped it out, and fished a new "snake" of thin wire down the hole, tied on to the new switch end and pulled it thru in seconds...so you might have the same issue going on?

Mike

I just did this on my 70 Plymouth b-body as well.

As long as you do steps 1,2,and 3 per Dave's instructions above, it WILL come through. You should not need to pull/cut the connector apart.