Replacing turn signal switch 98 Regal

Marnav1 · #1 10-03-2009, 11:34 PM

Hello guys. My moms Regal developed a problem with stalling. We took it to a reputable shop and they said the turn signal switch was the problem. They also said Regals are known for this. I found the thread on how to replace it, doesn't look too hard so I'm considering doing it. I have two questions? How can a bad signal switch stall the engine? Are turn signals connected to the engine somehow? From the threads I was able to find it sounded more like the ignition switch to me. Where can I get a cheaper price for this multipurpose switch. They said its a $450 switch.

Thanks ahead of time.

BNaylor · #2 10-04-2009, 12:14 PM

By shorting out 12 volts going to the ignition switch and the IGN circuits. Your problem could be a toss up between the MFS switch and ignition switch so it is 50/50.

Try getting a used one from a salvage yard or Ed Morad Parts Co on EBay. Also, there are aftermarket ones on Ebay and auto parts stores that are cheaper.

And welcome to AF.

Marnav1 · #3 10-04-2009, 06:10 PM

Thanks BNaylor for the welcome. I wish I knew which one to replace first. There is a guy on Ebay who sells MFS for $61, he has a great feedback record too. Money is tight as you know, dont want to waste any. Thanks for the reply.

Marnav1 · #4 10-05-2009, 11:26 PM

Still working on it, hardest part so far is the shrouding around the column. The ign switch seemed to have some kind of black shield around it. I had to break off part of it to see the access hole. I'm trying the ignition switch first, I will report back how it goes.

Marnav1 · #5 10-06-2009, 09:05 PM

Worked on it some more today. You guys that replaced it in an hour must be great mechanics. This thing is like a puzzle for sure. Took me 30 minutes to figure out how to unlatch the white connector that goes into the lock cylinder. Then I found out you need a DEEP E4 Torx socket, Lisle makes one just for that ($4.95) a standard doesn't fit. Had to order one to pick up tomorrow. Guess I'm just rusty, hopefully tomorrow it'll be done.................

Marnav1 · #6 10-07-2009, 04:50 PM

This has turned into quite a challenging job. Just a heads up everybody. If your car has an aftermarket remote starting system on it beware. (Ours does). I got the switch removed from the column and was looking for the harness connector. Guess what? It isnt there anymore. The installers cut it off and the ign switch harness is hardwired into the wiring under the dash. There is a steel plate that goes across the area, it has 2 screws on each side. I removed them thinking it would come off. Well its spot welded too, had to drill out 5 welds for access, you just can't see with that plate there. I have to cut wires and solder the new switch in. I may have to remove the drivers seat too as I'm a big guy, hard to fit in there. Hopefully tomorrow I can finish up.

Marnav1 · #7 10-09-2009, 07:14 PM

Okay! Got it done today! Turns out the connector was there, the remote start unit was spliced into the middle of the switch harness. Had to strip insulation and solder in 6 12ga wires. Only other issue I had was on the key end of the harness there is a small connector that twists into the lock cylinder area. The wires on the new harness were not long enough, had to make them longer. But it works well now. Be sure to have good lighting, it helps alot. Thanks all!

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