I’m replacing the turn signal switch in the steering column in a 67 and I have a few questions. The switch has all the wiring for the horn and turn signals, hazard lights etc. At the end of each of the 10 wires is a metal pin that goes into the connector. Is there a trick to getting the old wires/pins out of the old connector and putting in the new ones. I'm thinking of using needlenose pliers on the tip of each pin to push them out. Or is it easier to just cut the wires and splice in new connectors.

The other question is what to do with the old one. The only thing wrong with it is the little plastic piece that locks the switch in place when I am turing right is broken and unless I hold the lever in place it won't stay. Can it be fixed and is it anything that someone could use. I don't want to just throw it away if it is still useful.

While I was pulling out the steering wheel it got me thinking has anyone ever put in a replacement steering wheel that has wired in controls for things like radio, cd player, cruise control, etc Or even a switch for the windshield wiper on the steering column and is it possible to put in an intermittent switch for the wiper.

 

Bob...here is a link to removing pins from connectors. Go to the bottom of the page for info you may need. http://www.marvin3m.com/connect/index.htm

 

I had the same problem on my 70 mach1. Unfortunately you have to buy the whole turn signal/horn relay switch which is around $75.00. Try NPD orone of the Mustang suppliers as it'sa fairly common thing. I mean the car is 40 years old and things do wear out.There is a connector at the bottom of the steering column which connects into the wiring harness. You have to undo the bottom connector (I believe it's a 10 pin or so connector) and pull the wire with the whole plastic switch up andout the topand then insert the new one. It was my horn that wouldn't work on mine and the only way to fix it was replace the whole thing. The connector at the bottom of the steering column has a plastic clip on each side which must be pried back to pull the connector apart. Hope this helped.

 

Interval wipers ... go to the March edition of Mustang Monthly. They show one how to do it .. not very difficult or expensive. In order to put a steering wheel with all the contols on it may be a bit of a challenge because you would have to tie all the wiring into the wiring harnesses (I think a major feat ... especially for the electically impaired such as myself). Good luck with that one ... it would be kinda cool thoughif you like that sorta look on a classic. When the plastic cancel piece(I assume your talking about) breaks I think the only way is to replace it with either a new or salvage yard one. Not only was my horn button hooped because of one of the connectors but the plastic piece your talking about was hooped too. It's called the turn-signal switch.

 

Thanks for the link. Now I just have to take a look and see if I have round pin, I think it is so I may need a special tool.

Perhaps I was not clear I already have the part. In fact I got it from the PO when I bought the car 20 years ago. Obviously it was not a high priority to fix it since it was not that big of a deal to hold the lever when I made right turns. but now I finally decided to install it.

The interval wipers sounds interesting I'll have to take a look at the article. I don't know if I would ever do a steering wheel switch but I was curious about it. I could see how the wiring could be a challenge, the easiest might be the stereo since any stereo that has that cabability would have the wiring seperate anyway.

 

Dr Bob
You don't need a special tool. I have always used needle nose pliers. There is a barb on the side of the connector pin. Just hold the barb in with the needle nose and gently pull the pin out the back of the connector. You will be suprized how easily it will come out.

 

just a thought,,,same kinda thing with my 66,,to get pins out you need a pin extracter,,for the male/female ends,,,don't know if it help's,,can get at an electronics store,,other wise you might butcher the plastic connectors..just a thought

 

I didn't really want to buy another special tool for probably only a one time use. So I started to think what could I use that I already have. I ended up taking the ink cartrige out of a pen and the remaining hole was just the right size to slide over the pin. It still took a little tweaking and a small screwdriver but it worked I got two of them out last night just to try it. I'll get the rest out over the weekend. I'll also try the needlenose pliers.

Thanks for the replys