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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Turn signal not returning

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Expert: - 2/19/2010


Question
On my 73 Corvette the left turn signal does not cancel but the right one does.  I'm under the impression that if the cancelling cam was bad, neither side would return. Am I right?  Hate to put in a new canceling cam if the problem is something else.  I've dug into this steering column a few times and it's not fun.  Thanks

Answer
There are two, one for the right and one for the left, small nylon ears that ratchet over the canceling cam in one direction and trip the directional light switch in the other direction to cancel the turn switch. These are part of the switch and when damaged the switch must be replaced. It sounds like one is broken or distorted but it sound like the cam is ok.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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