Best way to fix a sticky turn signal lever on the column?

[BoomerBob]

Wondering if anyone found a product to work well for something like this. I was thinking of electrical cleaner spray or maybe even MAF sensor spray then follow up with some compressed air.

Anyone used something they found to work well for this application?

 

[negusm]

Just buy a new one from a Toyota on-line dealer? They aren't much. $55 with or without fogs.

I replaced mine like that. Figured I could put my effort elsewhere.

 

[brillo_76]

The only turn signal issue I ever had was warn contacts. So mine your turn left or right it would be on but no contact so the turn signals wont active. Maybe the prices came down some as when I needed one it was way more then 50 something.

So I bought a 10 or 20 chinese one.. well that pile of crap wouldn't stay actived. So when you turn in on they stick on until you make the turn. They sent me a replacement same thing. So I got disgusted and pulled the Chinese one apart and found out that you can just replace the contact on my OEM one. Bingo baby. Been 3 or 4 years now with zero issues.

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[negusm]

Dimmer Switch - Toyota (84140-10190) | Toyota Parts

Shipping is extra but often I have a few extra things to throw in to make it worth it.

Edit...oops...I messed up...with Fogs is $20 more:

Dimmer Switch - Toyota (84140-14120) | Toyota Parts

 

[BoomerBob]

Dimmer Switch - Toyota (84140-10190) | Toyota Parts

Shipping is extra but often I have a few extra things to throw in to make it worth it.

Edit...oops...I messed up...with Fogs is $20 more:

Dimmer Switch - Toyota (84140-14120) | Toyota Parts

Thank you. I very much appreciate you posting these links.

 

[negusm]

No problem. If you do order from them, do not order without supplying your VIN on the order. They do check...at least for me they have corrected 2 mistakes I made on my recent orders as my vin dictated a slightly different part.

 

[RunningForNow]

Great info here. I’ll soon be tackling the same fix, as mine is sticking occasionally. It’s workable, but I’ve noticed that it’s gotten worse in the past few months.

 

[brillo_76]

I think I fixed mine for $10 or $20 bucks with the new contacts. I have a new spare one 2. So I can post the pictures of it in case a few folks just want to change the contacts instead of the entire switch. But I can understand just buying the OEM replacement as that price has really came down.



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[brillo_76]

This is is a non fog light Chinese one. What goes bad is the white contact part. So if you can get a Chinese one. Take the plastic cover off, unscrew the 2 Philip's screw take the plug off and swap the connector. Your turn signal should be fixed provided the contacts were worn out. How to tell if yours is shot is the last photos. If your copper dimples are gone on your turn signal connector it is shot.

I figured I post this. I hope the OP doesn't mind. Its just the perfect thread to explain what happens to your contacts in the turn signal.

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[BoomerBob]

Don't mind a bit; in fact I thank you for posting this good info.

My turn signals seem to work just fine. It's that the lever itself is not as fluid or easy to move when I use it. I was hoping it was just a lubrication or being dirty issue I could simply spray away with the right product like lubing a hinge or something.

I guess I'll try some electrical contact cleaner and if that doesn't do it; look into replacing the unit at some point.

How much of a job is it to remove it from the column? A two on the 5 wrench scale? I've had my steering wheel off which is about a 2.

 

[Kanoe]

Don't mind a bit; in fact I thank you for posting this good info.

My turn signals seem to work just fine. It's that the lever itself is not as fluid or easy to move when I use it. I was hoping it was just a lubrication or being dirty issue I could simply spray away with the right product like lubing a hinge or something.

I guess I'll try some electrical contact cleaner and if that doesn't do it; look into replacing the unit at some point.

How much of a job is it to remove it from the column? A two on the 5 wrench scale? I've had my steering wheel off which is about a 2.

I hear what you are saying. My corolla was sticky when I bought it. Just take a little silicon grease on a wooden match stick and get it into the latching mechanism. From memory there is a ball on a spring that catches in divits to do the holding. I was able to do it on the corolla without disassembling anything. I assume the 4runner is similar. With a flashlight you should be able to see in there enough to do it. Worst case you might have to crack open the column surround which is not too hard to do. Any of the videos (Tims) that show removing the steering column show how to get this open.

Good luck.

 

[brillo_76]

Don't mind a bit; in fact I thank you for posting this good info.

My turn signals seem to work just fine. It's that the lever itself is not as fluid or easy to move when I use it. I was hoping it was just a lubrication or being dirty issue I could simply spray away with the right product like lubing a hinge or something.

I guess I'll try some electrical contact cleaner and if that doesn't do it; look into replacing the unit at some point.

How much of a job is it to remove it from the column? A two on the 5 wrench scale? I've had my steering wheel off which is about a 2.

Not bad to remove I say 1 or 2 on the wrench scale. I see no reason why you cant lube that pivot point though.

I am trying to remember, I am thinking just the plastic needs removed on the steering column and a couple of screws but unfortunately it's been 3 to 4 years..

Maybe you want to take the switch out and give a good dusting and cleaning. Then relube it. Might give you and idea how your contacts are too.

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[BoomerBob]

Thanks. I'll look for a video on how to do it.

Well that was easy and the job does look very easy on these. A good inspection will tell me more I'm sure.

YouTube

 

[brillo_76]

That will work. I only took the bottom panel off 10mm socket that right below the steering wheel. Then the ignition key plastic. Spun the steering wheel to get the plastic screws behind the steering wheel so those 2 pieces come off and your there. I just looked as I drove my runner to lunch.

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[3bears]

it is a easy and painless job to replace. Yours being a 2001 uses the later style. Early and late are not interchangeable. I tired when I added fog lights, got them and the stalk, used, but it was the early style stalk and they don not fit. My used ones were off a 98 or so I was told but the switch change happened in late 97 I think, and my 2000 was/is different. Forget now , one is fatter and wont slide into the housing where it screws in
I forget what years will work up to 200?
also the web sites will tell you what other models fit in case you want to go used as some wrecking yards might have limited 4runners but plenty of other model

otherwise plugs are identical....

 

[Kanoe]

I hear what you are saying. My corolla was sticky when I bought it. Just take a little silicon grease on a wooden match stick and get it into the latching mechanism. From memory there is a ball on a spring that catches in divits to do the holding. I was able to do it on the corolla without disassembling anything. I assume the 4runner is similar. With a flashlight you should be able to see in there enough to do it. Worst case you might have to crack open the column surround which is not too hard to do. Any of the videos (Tims) that show removing the steering column show how to get this open.

Good luck.

To quote myself.

Just get a little silicon grease on the pivot and you'll be good as new for years to come. At least try it before you tear into anything. The 2 minute solution before the 2 hour solution I always say.

 

[brillo_76]

To quote myself.

Just get a little silicon grease on the pivot and you'll be good as new for years to come. At least try it before you tear into anything. The 2 minute solution before the 2 hour solution I always say.

Nothing wrong lubing the pivot .

However, I believe I changed mine in less then 5 to 10 minutes tops. It's that simple.
As I changed it twice because my Chinese one was junk it wouldn't stay actived around turns.:/





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