907delta88

hey guys,

1972 Oldsmobile delta 88 convertible 350

took the Olds out of winter storage yesterday. after the coil failed back fired and blew the muffler out. today we changed the coil, fuel filter and some vacuum line she runs great! after we got it all buttoned up i figured out the hazard lights and brake lights do NOT work.

weird part is they will work if you turn on a turn signal..

so bulbs are good, grounds are good, brake switch is good, fuses are good.

at this point i'm 99% sure its the turn signal switch. i have brake light power going into the switch but NO power coming back out to the left or right brake light.

am i on the right track? i'm pretty sure after all my testing i have it pin-pointed. i then need to figure out what all is involved to replace the switch..from what i have gathered it involves removing the steering wheel..any other info to be had?

thanks guys!

MDchanic

Sounds like the signal light switch.

Play with the 4-way flasher switch a bit. It may work with the switch in a different position or if you wiggle it.

- Eric

907delta88

i have wiggled,juggled and played with the switch,hazards and the harness running to it and no dice. its actually worse now the left signal will not work. i suppose after 42 years and almost 90k miles of use the switch is just toast.

MDchanic

Depending on year and options, you can usually get the switch at your local auto parts store for a reasonable price, or someone on here may have one to sell (though with shipping it may not be any cheaper).

- Eric

907delta88

i've found them online all over the place, i'll order one tonight and hopefully have it within a few days. i really don't feel like pulling the wheel though gotta do what ya gotta do i suppose.

oldspackrat

Most parts places around here rent a steering wheel puller & refund your money when you bring it back. I don't know if they have the same policy where you are? They are really pretty easy to remove & the switch should fairly easy also.
Good luck.

907delta88

i actually have a puller i'm just feeling lazy.. haha

nsnarsk65cutlass

You may what to get a lockplate compresser tool to make removing the retainer clip easier.

MDchanic

I've done it without that tool many times, and I must say that it's easier with the tool.

Without it, you pretty much have to grow a third arm.

- Eric

907delta88

between me and my dad we got it! what a pain in the *** though.

new switch and i have all lights working as they should.