97 Jeep Cherokee Directional Auto Shut Off

[Zack614]

I have 1997 Jeep Cherokee.After turning on the directional to make a turn it doesn't automatically shut off. It's very annoying since I deliver mail in it and drive from the passenger seat. Anybody know how to fix it??
Thanks,
Zack

[AlohaBra]

The steering wheel might not be centered.
However, due to the design of the solid front axle, this is "normal".
I could type a long explanation, but that is the way it is with a Jeep.

You could use the manual way of turn signalling, like hold it down so it blinks but not so it locks, I think some manuals have suggested that.

[Saudade]

WTF!! How do you reach the pedals?

[AlohaBra]

UH...i gota respond to this...since i just noticed that you are driving from the passengers seat....

Is this a post office jeep or a regualr Jeep?

Now...if it is indeed possible...you could rig up two push buttons on a Radio Shack electonics box...

Sorry..LOL

[Zack614]

I have rather long arms and legs so its rather easy. I pull the seat forward and put my left leg over the center console to reach the pedals, and steer with my left arm. Although I recently got pulled over by a local cop. He asked me " What the hell are you doing? You're freaking people out". He got a call saying that a vehicle was going down the road with nobody driving it. After I showed him my badge and told him what I did he said OK I guess. Before leaving he asked me, " How the hell do you drive like that?". My reply, " Very carefully officer, very carefully."
Zack

[Zack614]

Somebody told me there's a switch inside the steering wheel that might be broken? When I replaced the ignition switch on my 87 cherokee I did see one on that vehicle. Anybody know how to disassemble the steering column on a 97 Cherokee??
Zack

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by Zack614

Somebody told me there's a switch inside the steering wheel that might be broken? When I replaced the ignition switch on my 87 cherokee I did see one on that vehicle. Anybody know how to disassemble the steering column on a 97 Cherokee??
Zack

If the steering wheel is centered, you're right about that. There is a piece (usually plastic) inside the turn signal switch, that clicks and turns off the signal when the wheel is rotated. Once that piece is worn out or broken, then it no longer turns off the turn signal.

I've replaced a couple of these, but on non-Jeeps. It should be a pretty simple task to remove the steering column shroud, pull the part, and replace it.

[AlohaBra]

OK..If you are going to work on the steering column and steering wheel, just remember to disable the Air bag first. I don't have info or documents on this.

For information on working on the column and turn signal refer to this PDF:
http://www.lp2aenergy.com/PDF/00XJ/

[fredjacksonsan]

I don't think the air bag works without power, so disconnecting the battery should take care of it.