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Installing Turnsignal Lever
- Thread starter TTA984
- Start date
Cable runs trhough the steering column and there 's a 2 or 3 (can't remember) pin connector down there around the same height as the fuse panel.
You need to remove the lower larger panel only ..
Then when you pull out the old stalk/lever and pull the cable up the steering column tie a wire/string to the connector and pull that one up with the old wire (make sure it's long enough) then use that string/wire to pull the new wire down through the steering column.
Just take your time doing it but doing it that way will save you from a lot of hazzle and using words you don't want any kids to hear lol.
You need to remove the lower larger panel only ..
Then when you pull out the old stalk/lever and pull the cable up the steering column tie a wire/string to the connector and pull that one up with the old wire (make sure it's long enough) then use that string/wire to pull the new wire down through the steering column.
Just take your time doing it but doing it that way will save you from a lot of hazzle and using words you don't want any kids to hear lol.
Seems like all replacements are the fatter cigar style stalks/levers ... I initally put one of those on mine but later replaced it with a correct OEM one (like this NOS! 1985-91 CAMARO/FIREBIRD CRUISE LEVER PT 25111263 | eBay) as the cigar style one seemed to be slightly longer (or shorter can't remember) and I could not see the controls through the steering wheel properly.
TTA984
Gold Member
Thanks Jan, I got the large bottom panel off and I found the wire plug, now I am going to tie something to it and pull it thru the top. Maybe I can do this without too much screaming and words!!!:bash:
1tufam
Well-Known Member
This can be a difficult job.
If I recall you will need to drop all the plastic panels around the steering column. Drop the column down letting it hang on the the the last few threads of the four studs. You will have to open up the plastic channel that this wire, and some others, run through. (You may have to remove some of the column brackets to access this wire run, if the main one is in the way, the steering wheel will have to rest on the seat while you work.)
Once you find the end of the wire and where the connector is for the cruise control wiring disconnect it. At this time attach a 4'+ long piece of solid steel wire through the small hole in connector. Tie wire for rebar or similar hardware store wire works well. Tape up this "splice" so that it makes a smooth transition and will not snag on any of the many obstacles that it must pass by going through the column.
Gently pull the steel wire through the column using the wire from the old stalk. You may have to work this set up many times to get to come through. Note:the stalk just pulls out of the turnsignal switch.
Once the wire comes through you can remove the old wire and attach your new wire in the same type of splice. There is small hole in the connector on the wire that you can use to attach the steel wire and make a joint that won't pull apart if it gets stuck somewhere(and it will).
Gently pull the new wire through the column and reconnect. You can put everything back together now. Make sure your column is centered before you tighten the bolts back up.
Push you new stalk in and admire how nice it looks. :thumbup:
If I recall you will need to drop all the plastic panels around the steering column. Drop the column down letting it hang on the the the last few threads of the four studs. You will have to open up the plastic channel that this wire, and some others, run through. (You may have to remove some of the column brackets to access this wire run, if the main one is in the way, the steering wheel will have to rest on the seat while you work.)
Once you find the end of the wire and where the connector is for the cruise control wiring disconnect it. At this time attach a 4'+ long piece of solid steel wire through the small hole in connector. Tie wire for rebar or similar hardware store wire works well. Tape up this "splice" so that it makes a smooth transition and will not snag on any of the many obstacles that it must pass by going through the column.
Gently pull the steel wire through the column using the wire from the old stalk. You may have to work this set up many times to get to come through. Note:the stalk just pulls out of the turnsignal switch.
Once the wire comes through you can remove the old wire and attach your new wire in the same type of splice. There is small hole in the connector on the wire that you can use to attach the steel wire and make a joint that won't pull apart if it gets stuck somewhere(and it will).
Gently pull the new wire through the column and reconnect. You can put everything back together now. Make sure your column is centered before you tighten the bolts back up.
Push you new stalk in and admire how nice it looks. :thumbup:
whoops .... try getting a stiffer wire of some sort thru ... you might need to wiggle the tilt mechanism up and down to find a straight way down/up for the wire ...
1tufam
Well-Known Member
That is a BUMMER
Be careful that you get the route of the wire back to the original path. There are many moving parts and pinch points that you want to route around with the wire.
You might have to use a "fish tape" like electricians use to get through the column and be able to start over. Like Jan mentioned it may be helpful to move the tilt up and down to see inside that area and free something up if it gets jammed.
Have any of those words, Jan cautioned about, slipped out yet?
Good Luck
Be careful that you get the route of the wire back to the original path. There are many moving parts and pinch points that you want to route around with the wire.
You might have to use a "fish tape" like electricians use to get through the column and be able to start over. Like Jan mentioned it may be helpful to move the tilt up and down to see inside that area and free something up if it gets jammed.
Have any of those words, Jan cautioned about, slipped out yet?
Good Luck
TTA984
Gold Member
Well, I have maintained my language and continued to work on this. It seems to be the hardest getting the wire thru the top where it goes in and bends. If it were a straight shot down the steering column it would be easier.
I knew I was going to need a stronger wire, so I went to home depot and got some rebarb tie wire. Hopefully I can get all this sorted out by the weekend.
I wonder if the wire would go in better from the top or the bottom of the lever stick. This has been a difficult chore.:furious:
I knew I was going to need a stronger wire, so I went to home depot and got some rebarb tie wire. Hopefully I can get all this sorted out by the weekend.
I wonder if the wire would go in better from the top or the bottom of the lever stick. This has been a difficult chore.:furious:
ttanotchback
Well-Known Member
The eaisest way I found is to use a wire hanger from the cleaners. Just undo the top of hanger and straighten it out. This has worked time and again for me. Also helps to push other wires out of the way with your hand. Also look where your pushing or pulling...hope that helps. Use good black tape to connect plug end to hanger. Tape it at very end of hanger and plug end.
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TTA984
Gold Member
I tryed it with a thicker wire like a hanger wire, and the bend at the top kept from pushing it to the column. I even took the steering wheel off and it did'nt help much.
TTA984
Gold Member
Thats what I am trying to do now is put a feeder wire in at top and go to bottom and attach the wire from stalk and pull it thru. I have to do something like this because the original wire is no longer in the column.
ttanotchback
Well-Known Member
In order for it to slide through whether using wire to pull it through or a wire hanger, you need to move the wire loom over that runs through column. Once you clear a path it's very easy to install. move the pre exsisting wires over and make a clear path...
TTA984
Gold Member
Thanks, That could be my problem, hanging on the wire loom. Will try when I get a chance with the wire hanger.
TTA984
Gold Member
Making progress, I used a cut coat hanger and used as a tracer, would only go in from the bottom of the stalk hole. Tryed to tape the stalk plug to the coat hanger and pull it thru but kept coming off. So I attached a electric wire to the hanger and pulled the wire thru, this I would attach to the stalk plug and pull it thru. Also did alot of wiggling of the wire strand that went up the column.
It was easier by taking the steering wheel off and removing the horn assy and some other things and I was able to create a larger area to send the wire thru the column.
Does anyone know what type of grease to use for the turnsignal clicker assy in the second picture?
Will finish putting back together tomorrow or friday.
It was easier by taking the steering wheel off and removing the horn assy and some other things and I was able to create a larger area to send the wire thru the column.
Does anyone know what type of grease to use for the turnsignal clicker assy in the second picture?
Will finish putting back together tomorrow or friday.
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TTA984
Gold Member
I got it all back together and all is well.
The reason I replaced the stalk was my cruise control quit working and I thought it could be a bad switch or faulty wiring in the stalk.
After putting it back together I took it down the road and now the cruise works great.
It was a more difficult installation when you don't have the stalk wiring in the column anymore. Believe me I was pretty stressed and wanted to starting yelling and cussing really bad, but I maintained and did a little each day and finally fixed it. Thanks for everyones help!!!!
The only thing I have to do is get new velcro for the Scanmaster and mount it.
The reason I replaced the stalk was my cruise control quit working and I thought it could be a bad switch or faulty wiring in the stalk.
After putting it back together I took it down the road and now the cruise works great.
It was a more difficult installation when you don't have the stalk wiring in the column anymore. Believe me I was pretty stressed and wanted to starting yelling and cussing really bad, but I maintained and did a little each day and finally fixed it. Thanks for everyones help!!!!
The only thing I have to do is get new velcro for the Scanmaster and mount it.
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