Removing turn signal switch assembly?

I know this has come up before but this search function drives me crazy. I can never find anything I am looking for

I have finally finished gathering up the tools to repair my turn signal switch, but I cannot find the page where the instructions are to remove the steering wheel and disassemble the switch. Does anybody have that link handy? I need as many pictures of the process as possible

I know I need to disconnect the battery, use a small screwdriver to undo the clips for the airbag, center the steering wheel then undo the 12mm triple square bolt in the middle, but after that I really don't know jack.

Zero10 said:

(snip) I cannot find the page where the instructions are to remove the steering wheel and disassemble the switch. Does anybody have that link handy? I need as many pictures of the process as possible (snip)

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__. I haven't seen it lately but it's either in the "Turn Signal Clicking Driving Me Crazy" or there's a link to it there.

Try this.

How-To: Flakey Turn Signal Clicking Fix


I find the search function works best in the advanced mode, using only one word, and search titles only. Using the back button and changing the search word is quick and easy if desired results are not achieved. Otherwise I find the search function difficult.

phaser said:

(snip) I find the search function difficult.

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__. There's a description in highly trained, very experienced computer drivers' jargon. They say "it sucks"!

mrGutWrench said:

__. There's a description in highly trained, very experienced computer drivers' jargon. They say "it sucks"!

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LOL!

BTW, using the advanced search, titles only, there are 47 hits for "sucks."

Ah splendid. Danke zehr! Forgot to get some dielectric grease (and it is -30*C outside right now) so I'll try to tackle this tomorrow. The cold weather has caused the intermittent issue to now occur non-stop, and I have listened to about 7 hours of constant ticking over 2 days now.

While we are discussing techniques for searching this site, sometimes I find it faster to find what I an looking for on tdiclub using google, and that is a depressing thought.

it is often best to search sites with Google. I do it all the time. Lot's of web sites internal search functions are less advanced then Google's.

Zero10 said:

... this search function drives me crazy ...

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One of our fellow members put together this excellent tutorial on searching the site:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=133579

Thanks, that thread is very informative.

Okay, so I have the turn signal assembly out, the ring is off and the 4 T8 screws are out as well but for the life of me I can't get these F'in clips to release on the cover so I can actually open the switch. In the how-to thread there are conveniently shadows where the clips are and the guy never shows that end of the cover so really I have no idea what I am stabbing at. I got some light down into the switch but really, I can't tell crap.

Any advice on getting these stupid clips free?

So close, yet so far

*EDIT*
I finally won with them. Forget the advice to work them from the back. If you have no idea what you are trying to snag it is hopeless. I just took a very thin flathead screwdriver and pried the outside of the case open from the front, then slid it around to catch the tang on each clip. Took about 15 seconds for both sides once I sorted it out.

The switch has been cleaned out and re-greased and is now back in the car. I am officially ticking free (for now, until it fails again).