Jump to content
HybridZ

toggle switch for turn signals?


Recommended Posts

Sure...why not. I would think a 3-position toggle would work -- you'd need the style that gives you two "ON" positions and one "OFF" position in the center. Something like this should work fine:

 

http://www1.mscdirect.com/cgi/NNSRIT2?PMAKA=79483988&PMPXNO=24096938&cm_re=ItemDetail-_-ResultListing-_-SearchResults

 

Should be able to use your existing wiring on the steering column (and existing relays) provided it's all in good shape. I doubt this setup would pass a state safety inspection, but that may not be an issue for your particular situation.

 

Unless you use the hazards often, I wouldn't even bother messing with them (which would definitely fail state inspection). I can't remember the last time I used my hazard signal.

 

Good luck and happy motoring!

r/John

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No, this won't work at all, unless you are going to rewire much of the car. A simple DPDT center off switch dosn't have anything like the number of poles you would need, nor does it have any possibility of recreating the switching logic of the original. I took a quick look at the wiring diagram I have, and it would take something like 13 poles to recreate the switch (just for the turn signals), and probably more when you start to do the logic.

 

For example, I set out to replace the emergency flasher switch, which you'd think could be a DPDT. It wasn't. Take a look at the eventual solution here for a preview of what you would have to do to "replace" that switch. Scroll down to posts 18, 19, and especially 20 (open the PDFs in 19 & 20). It took 15 connections worth of switching to do, and is much simpler than the combination switch.

 

I don't want to discourage you, it can be done, but you will have to do some circuit design. It won't be a half-hour project.

Edited by Oddjob
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I worked out a similar solution as OddJob but using relays and a simpler switch. I did not include the 4-way flasher. The wiring diagram for my solution is attached. This diagram is a complete re-wire for our race car so there is no heater, wipers, horn, etc. You could use only the parts for the turn-signals. The diodes are for isolating parts of the car circuitry from a tow vehicle. Simply omit them if not needed.

 

The problem on the early models is the use of the same bulb for brake and turn-signal function. There is a separate switch contact for the left rear, right rear, and front.

 

It is possible in the later models with separate turn-signal bulbs the switch is less complicated but I have not studied it.

 

Large file, sorry.

 

NEW WIRING DIAGRAM.bmp

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry guys, but I'm confused. The wiring at the turn signal switch is a simple 3-prong plug. When the switch is in one position, it completes the circuit for the left signal; and in the other position, completes the circuit for the right signal....true?

 

Why can't this functionality be replicated by replacing the turn signal stalk switch with a 3-way toggle switch? Wouldn't the rest of the wiring in the system remain "as-is"? (Again, this solution assumes that the problem lies solely within the switch, and that all of the system wiring is good and can be used as-is.)

 

Again, my apologies if I'm over-simplifying the problem...electrical issues are my weakest area.

r/John

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry guys, but I'm confused. The wiring at the turn signal switch is a simple 3-prong plug. When the switch is in one position, it completes the circuit for the left signal; and in the other position, completes the circuit for the right signal....true?

 

Why can't this functionality be replicated by replacing the turn signal stalk switch with a 3-way toggle switch? Wouldn't the rest of the wiring in the system remain "as-is"? (Again, this solution assumes that the problem lies solely within the switch, and that all of the system wiring is good and can be used as-is.)

 

Again, my apologies if I'm over-simplifying the problem...electrical issues are my weakest area.

r/John

 

IF Skittle is talking about his '76 Z, I'm with you. The '74 - '76 Z's have a simple 3-wire switch (which I have taken apart on my 260 five times in the last 9 months, sigh...) and you don't need to fuss with the Hazard Switch at all. Each time I've repaired mine lately, I've contemplated tossing the original switch and finding a reliable replacement.

 

The Turn Signal Switch on the '73 and earlier Z is much different...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry guys, but I'm confused. The wiring at the turn signal switch is a simple 3-prong plug. When the switch is in one position, it completes the circuit for the left signal; and in the other position, completes the circuit for the right signal....true?

 

Why can't this functionality be replicated by replacing the turn signal stalk switch with a 3-way toggle switch? Wouldn't the rest of the wiring in the system remain "as-is"? (Again, this solution assumes that the problem lies solely within the switch, and that all of the system wiring is good and can be used as-is.)

 

Again, my apologies if I'm over-simplifying the problem...electrical issues are my weakest area.

r/John

 

Umm... you haven't said what year your Z is. The switch has changed over time. My remarks above are specific to the early Z (mine is a '71). Sorry for jumping to the conclusion yours was, as well....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm using a "Ron Francis Wiring" toggle turn signal switch. Worked fine in an initial test, but I'll have to remember to switch it off after making a turn.

It's a six terminal affair and they've got a wiring schematic for it on their site.

Steve

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...