Turn signals and return?

[azwnbfpro]

I have a couple problems with my turn signals and could use some help.

1. My turn signals stop flashing, mostly when the weather is warm, and stay lit up solid.
2. The turn signals wont return after turning the vehicle, like it has broken tabs inside or something.

If I replace the turn sinal switch would this fix both problems?

Oh, it's a 1998 Jeep XJ Sport.

 

[azwnbfpro]

Anybody have any ideas on this?:helpme:

 

[ChiXJeff]

IIRC, an '88 should have a Saginaw steering column.

1) I'd start by replacing the flasher module, it plugs into the fuse block by your feet. If you still have the original module, the bimetallic strip isn't returning when it cools.

2) You probably have a broken spring or 2 inside the steering wheel hub. They're not difficult to replace, but a steering wheel puller makes the job a lot easier. Any place that stocks parts for Saginaw columns should have them.

 

[Dragonslayer]

I have a 98 Limited.

When signaling left, with wheels pointed straight forward, if I tweek the steering wheel
ever-so-slightly (= barely) to the left - the signal cancels itself out. It's really annoying.

Anybody got an idea if this can be adjusted? Thanks.

 

[trailmaster6536]

When signaling right you probabley have to turn quite a bit before you hear the clicking for the canceling arm to set. In this case the clockspring is off center and needs to be recentered. If it will not cancel on returning to center one of the little arms in the clockspring has broken off.

From the Chrysler FSM:

CLOCKSPRING CENTERING
The clockspring is designed to wind and unwind
when the steering wheel is rotated, but is only
designed to rotate the same number of turns (about
five complete rotations) as the steering wheel can be
turned from stop to stop. Centering the clockspring
indexes the clockspring tape to other steering components
so that it can operate within its designed
travel limits. The rotor of a centered clockspring can
be rotated two and one-half turns in either direction
from the centered position, without damaging the
clockspring tape.
However, if the clockspring is removed for service
or if the steering column is disconnected from the
steering gear, the clockspring tape can change position
relative to the other steering components. The
clockspring must then be re-centered following completion
of the service or the clockspring tape may be
damaged.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped precentered
and with a locking pin installed. This locking
pin should not be removed until the clockspring
has been installed on the steering column. If the
locking pin is removed before the clockspring is
installed on a steering column, the clockspring centering
procedure must be performed.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTROMECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIRBAG
SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT
AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND)
CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM
CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER
SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Remove the clockspring from the steering column.
Refer to Clockspring in the Removal and
Installation section of this group for the procedures.
(3) Hold the clockspring case in one hand so that it
is oriented as it would be when it is installed on the
steering column
(4) Use your other hand to rotate the clockspring
rotor clockwise to the end of its travel. Do not apply
excessive torque.
(5) From the end of the clockwise travel, rotate the
rotor about two and one-half turns counterclockwise,
(6) The clockspring is now centered. Lock the

clockspring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain
clockspring centering until it is reinstalled on the
steering column. This can be done by inserting a stiff
wire through the small index hole located at about
the 11 o’clock position in the centered clockspring
rotor and case. Bend the wire over after it has been
inserted through the index hole to prevent it from
falling out.
(7) The front wheels should still be in the straightahead
position. Install the clockspring onto the steering
column. Refer to ​

​

​

​

Clockspring in the Removal​

and Installation section of this group for the procedures.

 

[Dragonslayer]

Holy cow. The fix for this sounds like a festival of backyard wrenching.

It's yet another thing to add on my To Do List.

Thanks!

 

[trailmaster6536]

The biggest deal is removing the steering wheel. A puller and an impact wrench makes short work of it.

Two hours max if you have never done it before.

1 hour the second time if you figure out you need a new clockspring.

Just remember to disconnect the battery and let it sit for say 10 minutes so that the air bag system has nothing left in any of the capacitors.

Good luck!

 

[Shorty]

I have a 98 Limited.

When signaling left, with wheels pointed straight forward, if I tweek the steering wheel
ever-so-slightly (= barely) to the left - the signal cancels itself out. It's really annoying.

Anybody got an idea if this can be adjusted? Thanks.

if you've been lifted and your steering wheel isn't centered, you'll have the same problem. Not sure if that helps you, but future searchers might be helped:dunno:

 

[ChiXJeff]

I don't know know why you'd need an impact wrench to take off the steering wheel, the locknut doesn't have that much torque on it.

 

[tjmotter]

Double check that you don't have a flaky turn signal light. On my '90, a broken bulb causes my signal to do the same thing (stops flashing). Easy thing to check, just wait until it stops working, put on the 4 ways and walk around the beast. You should see both lights on the front working as well as the two in the back. if one isn't flashing, change it out and see if the problem is corrected. If this doesn't work, I would replace the flasher with a new one.

HTH

I have a couple problems with my turn
signals and could use some help.

1. My turn signals stop flashing, mostly when the weather is warm, and stay lit up solid.
2. The turn signals wont return after turning the vehicle, like it has broken tabs inside or something.

If I replace the turn sinal switch would this fix both problems?

Oh, it's a 1998 Jeep XJ Sport.