Turn Signal Switch Removal & Replacement

Turn Signal Switch Removal & Replacement

Turn Signal Switch Removal & Replacement Guide

Classic Ford Mustang, Falcon, Fairlane, Comet & F-Series Trucks (1960s–1970s)

If your turn signals are acting up—or just plain dead—it’s often the switch inside the column calling it quits. The good news? This is a very doable repair with basic tools and a little patience. Below is a step-by-step guide to replacing classic Ford turn signal switches, including popular part numbers like C3OZ-13341-B, C5OZ-13341-B, C5OZ-13341-HQ, C9TZ-13341-C, and C9TZ-13341-USA.


Why Replace Your Turn Signal Switch?

A worn or failing turn signal switch can cause:

  • Intermittent or non-functioning signals
  • Brake light issues
  • Horn malfunctions (shared circuit in many models)

Replacing it restores proper electrical function and keeps your classic Ford safe—and road legal.


Tools & Prep

  • Steering wheel puller (TOOL-3600)
  • Small crescent wrench
  • Screwdrivers
  • Dielectric grease
  • Phone (for reference photos—trust me on this one)

First rule: Disconnect the battery ground cable. Always.


Step-by-Step Removal

1. Remove the Turn Signal Lever

Twist the lever out. If it’s stubborn, use a small crescent wrench on the flat spot found on most originals.

2. Remove Horn Button or Ring

Push down and turn left to release.
⚠️ Go slow—there’s a spring underneath that likes to make a break for freedom.

  • Inspect horn ring retainer
  • Remove horn brush if equipped

3. Pull the Steering Wheel

Use your steering wheel puller (TOOL-3600) and set the wheel aside.


4. Document Wiring (Critical Step)

Before disconnecting anything:

  • Take clear photos of wire routing and colors
  • Or write them down if you're going old-school

Some 1965+ models use connectors that may require a release tool.


5. Disconnect Wiring Under Dash

Unplug the turn signal switch harness from beneath the dash.


6. Remove the Turn Signal Switch

Back at the column:

  • Remove the (3) mounting screws ONLY
  • Do NOT remove the two large nuts (unless you enjoy fishing dropped studs out of a column…)

Carefully pull the switch upward while feeding the wires out of the column.


Installation Process

7. Compare Old vs New Switch

Before installing:

  • Match wire colors and count
  • Confirm lever compatibility

8. Install New Switch

  • Feed wires down through the column
  • Seat the switch properly
  • Reinstall the (3) retaining screws

9. Reconnect Wiring

  • Plug into under-dash harness
  • Apply dielectric grease to connections for longevity

10. Reassemble Column

  • Reinstall steering wheel
  • Install horn brush (if applicable)
  • Replace spring, horn button/ring
  • Thread in turn signal lever (don’t over tighten)

Final Check (Moment of Truth)

Reconnect the battery.

Now…

  • No smoke? Good sign.
  • No weird noises? Even better.

Turn the key and test:

  • Turn signals
  • Brake lights
  • Horn

If everything works—you nailed it.
If not… well… time to retrace those wiring steps.


Pro Tips from the Shop Floor

  • Always photograph wiring before disassembly—memory lies, photos don’t
  • Replace worn horn components while you’re in there
  • Use dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion issues
  • Never force the switch or lever during install

Need the Right Turn Signal Switch?

At C&G Ford Parts, we’ve been helping restorers get it right since 1978. Every part we carry is built for proper fitment and factory-correct function—because guessing doesn’t belong in a restoration.

👉 Browse our selection of classic Ford turn signal switches and get your signals back in sync.



Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

MORE CLASSIC FORD INSIGHTS

No image

YOUR CLASSIC FORD PARTS STORE

YOUR CLASSIC FORD PARTS STORE If you own a classic Ford, you’re used to dependability. You go out, you start the vehicle, and it runs. That’s the way it should be. After all, when it’s an older Ford, it has longevity built right into it. Sometimes, though, things will take a toll on the best ride you’ve ever owned. Could be the weather - or a little ding or two that happens when someone isn’t paying attention and they run into you. Whatever the reason, if you’ve got something on your list that you need for your old Ford, you can find it at a C&G Ford Parts. You’ll find thousands upon thousands of parts that can get your Ford in the best shape, even if you own one from the late 1970's. That’s sure to give you peace of mind right there. Say you’ve got a 1979 Ford F150 pickup. The jet-black custom paint on it just glints in the sunlight. Your truck is the envy of the neighborhood and everywhere else that you take it. You worked hard for that truck and you deserve to show it off. Taking a friend out for a round or two of golf, you park the truck in the lot carefully away from other cars. But you know how it goes. There always has to be someone who parks right up on you. Only this time, they broke your driver’s side mirror up pretty good and took off without having the decency of letting anyone know. When you do a thorough examination, you see that the door is fine, but the mirror can’t be repaired - the damage is too bad. It’s got to be replaced. Besides making you mad, you’re now faced with the task of figuring out where you’re going to go to get one like it. No worries, because you can get the part you need right at a classic Ford parts store, C&G Ford Parts to be exact. Places that have the stock you’re looking for can easily cover getting you that mirror in no time. Best of all, getting that replacement mirror in an exact match for your truck isn’t going to cost you every penny you’ve got in the bank. At C&G Ford parts, not only will you find what you need when you need it, but you’ll find it for a reasonable price as well. You can’t always prevent bad drivers from doing foolish things and ending up damaging your Ford. But you can rest assured knowing that a C&G Ford parts has got you covered. So take that truck out for a spin any time. They’ll be waiting on you when you need them.
C&G Ford Parts warehouse

Classic Ford Parts for Classy Old Fords

Classic Ford Parts for Classy Old Fords Seeing a vintage Ford gleaming in the sun at a local car show is a treat for the eyes, but even these beautiful vehicles need parts to keep them running smoothly. When something does go wrong with the vehicle, you need to find a store like ours – some place that understands the intricacies of troubleshooting and replacing old Ford parts and understands the mindset of the early Ford owner. You need to know that our selection covers 1932 through 1972 Old Ford cars and 1932 through 1979 old Ford trucks. We ship worldwide Monday through Friday. Unfortunately, you probably already personally experienced, and know all too well, what happens when you walk into a chain auto parts store looking for a part for a 1932 anything that Ford rolled off the assembly line. You’ll get a blank look for your asking. You might get lucky and the counter person will do a google search followed by a “no” if you’re lucky, or a shoulder shrug if you’re not. That’s because these shops carry more parts for current vehicles less than 10 years old and practically nothing for the Old Fords. So as a proof of concept; plug all the information about what you need for your vehicle into the online search area of a chain auto parts store, you’ll see no results and you’re back to square one. You can save yourself a lot of time and frustration by going straight to people like Kyle, Lee, Kristian or Joe – folks who know how important classic Ford parts are and exactly how to get those quality reproduction parts into your hands. People who own vintage Ford vehicles themselves. That’s one of the reasons we have over 200 vendors and tens of thousands of parts on the shelf, so that these vehicles get the right parts they need and will keep running long after other makes are sitting on the sidelines. When it comes to working on these old Ford vehicles, we have what you need, the folks who understand what you need and the "how it works", as well as the ability to get it to you fast anywhere in the world. Whether it’s a 1956 F100 truck and you need a windshield seal, or, a 1940 Ford car and it’s a tie rod, you’ll have to look no further than C&G Ford Parts. On the web or on the phone or even if you drop by and chew the fat at the parts counter, we know what classic Ford parts you need. So, forget the aftermarket big car parts chains and come experience good old fashioned customer service and quality know-how.
Getting the Right Pump for Your 1937–48 Ford Flathead V8

Getting the Right Pump for Your 1937–48 Ford Flathead V8

Two Water Pumps, Two Sides: Getting the Right Pump for Your 1937–48 Ford Flathead V8   If you’re new to early Ford Flathead V8s, one look under the hood reveals something a little different from most later engines: there are two water pumps—one on each side of the engine. And no, they aren’t interchangeable. For 1937–48 Ford and Mercury passenger cars and 1937–47 Ford pickups equipped with the V8, C&G Ford Parts offers the two pumps you need: 78-8501-B — Right-Hand Water Pump (Passenger Side)78-8502-B — Left-Hand Water Pump (Driver Side) Knowing which is which matters, especially when you’re replacing only one side.   Why Does a Flathead Ford Have Two Water Pumps? The Flathead V8 cooling system reflects the engine’s distinctive architecture. Instead of using one centrally located water pump, Ford used a pump on each bank of the V8 to circulate coolant through the engine and radiator, keeping in mind each side of the engine has a separate cooling jacket. That makes both pumps important to the cooling system. A worn, leaking or noisy pump on either side deserves attention. On a restoration that has been sitting for years—or an engine with an unknown maintenance history—it’s also worth inspecting both pumps rather than assuming the other side is fine simply because only one is leaking.   Right Hand or Left Hand? Here's the Easy Way to Remember It Early Ford parts terminology identifies left and right from the driver's position looking forward, not from somebody standing in front of the car looking into the engine compartment. So: 78-8501-B — RIGHT HAND = Passenger Side 78-8502-B — LEFT HAND = Driver Side Standing in front of the radiator looking toward the engine can make this seem backwards. When in doubt, think of yourself sitting behind the steering wheel. Driver's side is left. Passenger side is right.   78-8501-B Right-Hand Water Pump C&G part number 78-8501-B is the right-hand, or passenger-side, V8 water pump. It fits 1937–48 Ford and Mercury passenger-car applications and 1937–47 Ford pickup applications as listed in our fitment data. This is a bearing-type pump and includes the mounting gasket. If you're looking under the hood from the driver's seat, this is the pump on your right.   78-8502-B Left-Hand Water Pump C&G part number 78-8502-B is its counterpart for the left-hand, or driver's side, of the engine. It covers the corresponding 1937–48 Ford and Mercury passenger-car and 1937–47 Ford pickup V8 applications. Like the right-hand pump, it is designed as the correct side-specific replacement for these early Ford cooling systems. Remember: 8501 = right/passenger side. 8502 = left/driver side. That little bit of Ford part-number knowledge can come in mighty handy the next time you're staring at an old Flathead.   Don't Ignore the Other Side If one water pump has reached the end of its service life, take a close look at the other one while you're there. Check for coolant leakage, shaft play, bearing noise and signs that the pump has been on the engine for a very long time. Replacing a questionable pump while the cooling system is already drained can be considerably easier than doing the job all over again a few months down the road. That doesn't mean both pumps automatically need replacement every time one fails. It means an old Ford deserves an inspection rather than a guess. The 78-8501-PR Left and Right-hand water pumps are a better deal economically at $189.90 for both sides as a set. While you are inspecting under the hood and the hoses are removed, make sure you check your thermostats for the old flathead.   The Right Parts for Your Early Ford These pumps cover a long and popular stretch of Flathead Ford history—from prewar cars and pickups through the immediate postwar years. Getting the correct pump means checking the year, application and which side of the engine you're working on before placing the order. At C&G Ford Parts, we've been helping people keep old Fords on the road since 1978. If you're unsure which pump fits your Ford, Mercury or pickup, give us a call. You'll talk to people who know these cars and actually drive classics themselves. Need the passenger-side pump? Choose 78-8501-B Right-Hand Water Pump. Need the driver's-side pump? Choose 78-8502-B Left-Hand Water Pump. Need both pumps? Choose the 78-8501-PR Right-Hand and Left-Hand Water Pumps as a set. And if, your Flathead needs both, well… Henry gave you two pumps for a reason. Keep it cool. Keep it Ford. And keep it on the road.