Turn Signals: Description and Operation
TURN SIGNALSDESCRIPTION
A turn signal system is standard factory-installed safety equipment on this model. The turn signal system uses ignition switched battery current, and will operate only when the ignition switch is in the On or Accessory positions. The turn signal system includes the following components:
- Combination flasher
- Turn signal cancel cam
- Turn signal indicator lamps
- Turn signal lamps
- Turn signal switch.
Refer to Lamp for more information on the exterior turn signal lamps. Refer to Instrument Cluster in the proper Instrument Panel Systems for more information on the turn signal indicator lamps.
OPERATION
With the ignition switch in the On or Accessory position, and the turn signal (multi-function) switch control stalk moved up (right turn) or clown (left turn), the turn signal system is activated. When the turn signal system is activated, the circuitry of the turn signal switch and the combination flasher will cause the selected (right or left) turn signa indicator lamp, front park/turn signal lamp, and rear tail/stop/turn signal lamp to flash on and off in unison.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for I more information on the features, use and operation of the turn signal system.
TURN SIGNAL CANCEL CAM
DESCRIPTION
The turn signal cancel cam is concealed within the steering column below the shaft lock shield and the clockspring. The horn tower is integral to the cancel cam unit. This unit provides turn signal cancellation as well as a constant electrical contact between the horn switch on the steering wheel and the horn feed wiring in the multi-function switch. The horn tower protrudes from the upper surface of the turn signal cancel cam. The horn tower passes through holes in the steering column shaft lock shield and the hub of the clockspring, which causes the entire turn signal cancel cam to rotate with the steering wheel.
An electrically conductive disc, which is coated with a special synthetic grease, is integral to the lower surface of the turn signal cancel cam. An electrical contact on one end of the horn switch feed wire is inserted into the horn tower from the top of the turn signal cancel cam, and is held against the steering wheel side of the conductive disc by a spring and locking retainer. A spring-loaded horn contact that protrudes from the upper surface of the multi-function switch on the left side of the steering column rides against and remains in constant contact with the lower surface of the conductive disc.
The horn tower and turn signal cancel cam unit cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The turn signal cancel cam has a single lobe molded into the lower hub of the unit. When the turn signals are activated by moving the multi-function switch control stalk to a detent position, a turn signal cancel actuator is extended from the inside surface of the multi-function switch housing toward the turn signal cancel cam hub. When the steering wheel is rotated during the turn, the turn signal cancel cam lobe contacts the turn signal cancel actuator, releasing the multi-function switch control stalk from its detent and cancelling the turn signal event.