Anyone out here been there, seen this?

In my 70 EC, I replaced the original, non-tilt column with a 68-72 Monte Carlo tilt column; now, the same problem existed on the old column as the new: turn signal indcator comes on very slightly and progressively gets worse as I'm driving. Eventually I have to activate the signal and quickly cancel it to get it to stop flickering and return back to off, then repeat cycle. As you'd expect, as the dash indicator comes on dimly to full, the front signal (haven't checked back) goes a little dim as though its going to go completely off, but never actually does. Someone I know that claims he's worked on these in the past, thinks it's the turn signal cam or contact in the column. If that's true, is it the cam or switch assy. pigtail and is either accesible for replacement without dropping the entire column back off the steering shaft?

A little bummed that I didn't check that back when the replacement took place; but how could you 'bench test' to create a fine vibration on the unit to test the circuit for faulty play of the contact? [If that is what in fact is going on here- the electrical system lighting is all intact and operational otherwise.] graemlins/sad.gif graemlins/angry.gif

Thanks for any clues or feedback-
Patrick

As an outsider it would seem very unusual that both your old and the replacement tilt columns had the exact same problem. Does the problem occur with the car standing still? With the engine on or off? If you "bang" the steering wheel rim? That would seem to answer your vibration theory.

You know, you should be able to take your old steering column and just connect the harmonica electrical connector from it to your body harness and try and duplicate the problem without yanking the tilt steering column out of the car.

I don't see where the cancelling cam (which is part of the steering column - buried under the locking plate) would have anything to do with the problem.

You can replace the turn signal switch in a tilt column without dropping and removing the whole column from the car. Although pulling the wires from the old switch out of the column and fishing the wires from the new switch down through the column is easier if the column is out of the car.

My guess is that your problem is in the turn signal flasher unit.

If you need to work on your steering column, there are several papers that I have authored along with several scans that can help.

http://www.corvettefaq.com/acar/TiltColumnD&R110JA04.doc
http://www.corvettefaq.com/acar/TiltColumnD&R226JA04.doc
http://www.corvettefaq.com/acar/TiltColumnLineDrwg1.doc
http://www.corvettefaq.com/acar/TiltColumnBlowup.doc

Hope this helps,
Jim

Jim,
Thanks for the heads up on the basic analysis of the circuit. It was presumption on my part that if the column replacement was somwhere near the same age as the original, [though it was purchased as rebuilt, and other than the signal issue, it's been non-problematic] then it would likely have the same failure at the signal switch as the last unit had.
Maybe we're just standing to close to the 'tree' to see the 'forest'. I think I'll try beating on the column as is to try to induce some more of the symptom; if no result, I'd have to conclude it's outside the column.
BTW, thanks for the links.
Thanks again.
Patrick

I had the same problem in my 65. My problem was a bad ground on the driver side front directional lens and bezel. It was loose.

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65 Chevelle SS
94 1500 Blazer