Interior: How To: Replace a turn signal switch
10-07-2011, 07:23 PM
#1
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How To: Replace a turn signal switch
Due to a broken switch I thought I would make this.
Needed:
- Replacement part SKU: 20940099 which I purchased from Crate Engine Depot
- 7mm socket or nut driver
- 15 minutes
First I raised the steering wheel all the way up to get at the 3 screws
From there the best way to explain it is to massage the 2 bottom column covers back and forth to unhook the fasteners on either side. The hook part of it is on the drivers side, so try and push up on the drivers side near the seam while pushing the panels together. The top section has 2 fasteners near the steering wheel and 2 more like the ones that hold the dash in, which are near the cluster. The top section I left in place, just holding it up to get at the column
From here I lowered the steering wheel all of the way. The switch assembly is held in by 2 tabs, 1 on top and 1 on the bottom. Try to push with your fingers, but if you have Jimmy Dean sausage fingers like myself, a small flat blade screw driver works.
Gently pull the assembly out of the column, being aware of the harness plug into the back. 1 tab on each plug to remove.
From here work your way backward, be sure to test the switch after hooking the harness back up before putting the column back together. Try not to break this one
Needed:
- Replacement part SKU: 20940099 which I purchased from Crate Engine Depot
- 7mm socket or nut driver
- 15 minutes
First I raised the steering wheel all the way up to get at the 3 screws
From there the best way to explain it is to massage the 2 bottom column covers back and forth to unhook the fasteners on either side. The hook part of it is on the drivers side, so try and push up on the drivers side near the seam while pushing the panels together. The top section has 2 fasteners near the steering wheel and 2 more like the ones that hold the dash in, which are near the cluster. The top section I left in place, just holding it up to get at the column
From here I lowered the steering wheel all of the way. The switch assembly is held in by 2 tabs, 1 on top and 1 on the bottom. Try to push with your fingers, but if you have Jimmy Dean sausage fingers like myself, a small flat blade screw driver works.
Gently pull the assembly out of the column, being aware of the harness plug into the back. 1 tab on each plug to remove.
From here work your way backward, be sure to test the switch after hooking the harness back up before putting the column back together. Try not to break this one
10-08-2011, 03:02 AM
#2
Awesome! Thanks for doing this write-up. My stupid turn signals either never stay on or refuse to turn off automatically. I always have to either manually turn them off myself or keep holding them down so people behind me know where I'm headed. 
Looks like I now have a reason to order the new turn signal!
Again, thanks for the great DIY.
Looks like I now have a reason to order the new turn signal!
Again, thanks for the great DIY.
10-23-2011, 08:17 PM
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I took it in for a fuel leak, and he was visibly disappointed when I proved to him that I wouldn't be paying for it because of the extended warranty, so when I had him look at the turn signal he tried to make up for the cost.
02-20-2012, 04:22 PM
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"Gently pull the assembly out of the column" There is not enough space to pull it out because the silver trim to the left of it is in the way. How did you get pass this without taking off trim?
02-20-2012, 04:25 PM
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My trim has been off for a while so I didn't know it was an issue. Otherwise I'd say try moving the steering wheel to a different position. Otherwise just pop the trim off , not hard to do.
02-20-2012, 05:46 PM
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Ahh I see, it sucked but I forced the old one out and new one in. So anyone reading this, yes you can do this without removing anything besides what is addressed in this how to. Thanks!
04-07-2012, 10:53 PM
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This was very helpful and no doubt saved me a lot of money.
I did have to remove the trim, I could not remove the switch without doing so and I was afraid I'd damage the new switch if I had to force it in.
It does help to know the trim is only clipped in. I wedged a flat head in-between it and the dash and carefully popped it out on each side.
Pop the left clip out first and then you can pop up the right side.
I did have to remove the trim, I could not remove the switch without doing so and I was afraid I'd damage the new switch if I had to force it in.
It does help to know the trim is only clipped in. I wedged a flat head in-between it and the dash and carefully popped it out on each side.
Pop the left clip out first and then you can pop up the right side.
Last edited by Sandroid; 04-08-2012 at 12:23 AM.
07-02-2012, 11:13 PM
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Absolutely pull the dimmer knob trim... i like to use a flat head screw driver wrapped in an old sex sock.. the trim has a clip on the left and right side so a light pry from the top and pull straight out... the clips are kinda strong
09-09-2012, 06:36 PM
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This was very helpful and no doubt saved me a lot of money.
I did have to remove the trim, I could not remove the switch without doing so and I was afraid I'd damage the new switch if I had to force it in.
It does help to know the trim is only clipped in. I wedged a flat head in-between it and the dash and carefully popped it out on each side.
Pop the left clip out first and then you can pop up the right side.
I did have to remove the trim, I could not remove the switch without doing so and I was afraid I'd damage the new switch if I had to force it in.
It does help to know the trim is only clipped in. I wedged a flat head in-between it and the dash and carefully popped it out on each side.
Pop the left clip out first and then you can pop up the right side.
07-06-2013, 02:24 PM
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sorry to bump old thread but I just replaced turn signal switch in 07 cobalt lsj. Still doesn't want to auto turn off once I make the turn in either direction, is there something else I need to fix or replace? or is the turn signal I bought broke to start with?
07-29-2013, 06:45 PM
#23
I'm hoping that's not the problem I've got. My turn signal switch is having problems in that it won't stay engaged for left turns, yet will stay engaged for right turns but won't auto-off. I ordered a new switch ($30 on ebay), we'll see if it fixes my particular problem...
Props to the OP for posting the pictures and instructions. That will come in handy.
08-25-2013, 04:43 PM
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Cobalt collum pannels
When I put mine back on, the collar around the signal arm kept freeing itself from the control module. And the ignition has friction against the plastic makes the key harder to start the car freely.
