Turn signal problem

[Gary RVRoamer]

The right turn signal switch is not working properly in my 2004 chassis. The signal works if I push the lever on the steer column firmly up and hold it, but won't work in the usual "on" position. I have the Smart Wheel.

I am told the signal blinking function is in a digital controller, but my problem seems to be a simple mechanical one of the lever/switch assembly that triggers it rather than the controller. The signal blinks fine if I can get it activated. Has anybody had a similar problem and replaced this mechanism? Is it hard to get at? I can probably order the part from Freightliner, but don't know if I want to tackle the job myself or not.

[Gary RVRoamer]

The right turn signal switch is not working properly in my 2004 chassis. The signal works if I push the lever on the steer column firmly up and hold it, but won't work in the usual "on" position. I have the Smart Wheel.

I am told the signal blinking function is in a digital controller, but my problem seems to be a simple mechanical one of the lever/switch assembly that triggers it rather than the controller. The signal blinks fine if I can get it activated. Has anybody had a similar problem and replaced this mechanism? Is it hard to get at? I can probably order the part from Freightliner, but don't know if I want to tackle the job myself or not.

[diesellabs]

sounds like a mechanical/contact issue as you suggest. Supposedly there are only 3-4 contact points in the smart wheel setup, but you probably need a FL service shop to check for you.

["007"]

I was reading a post where the RVer used some contact spray into the slots of control and got his to work after the cleaning. Have never found a blow up of control but it maybe worth a try.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Guess I'll get on the AccessFreightliner site and see if I can find a parts diagram of the steering column. I've only had poor-to-fair results there in the past, but maybe I'll get lucky this time.

[chasfm11]

Gary, I'd echo your results assessment from AccessFreightliner. That is the same parts breakdown that the Freightliner Oasis dealers get so it is no wonder that they struggle so much with MHs.

I wish that I had something positive to offer to you regarding your turn signal problem. I will suggest that calling FCC technical support might yield you some unexpected information. I've found the techs that answer the phones to be very knowledgeable most of the time. In several cases, they've had more detailed diagrams available. For example, when I was struggling with the length of the A/C belt (there was no way the old one would fit over the fan blades which told me that a new one of the same length wasn't going over the fan either), they sent me a detailed drawing of the A/C compressor mount. I discovered that the adjustment screw had been mis-mounted at the factory to allow the use of a too short belt. When I mounted the adjustment screw according to the detailed diagram, I could use a belt that was two inches longer and that belt would fit over the fan blades. Without that diagram showing proper assembly, I'd have been up the creek.

Of all the places that I'd be inclined to touch myself on my RV, the Smart Wheel would be about last on the list. If you do, I'd recommend taking progressive digital photos as you do the disassembly. Otherwise, reassembly could get downright ugly. I find that layers of interrelated functions like happens in the steering column to be the most difficult to remember visually. One little part turned the wrong way can screw up everything.

Best of luck.

Charlie

[Gary RVRoamer]

I agree about the Smart Wheel - that was part of the reason I asked here. I don't want to mess with it! I may just try a squirt of lubricant around the signal lever and see if that helps any. It sure acts like it is a mechanical problem.

[JosiesDriver]

Hi!...I am not sure if this will help, but I recently had my 2007 MC chassis in for service because the turn signal would not engage when the lever was lifted. I could hold it in place and the signal would activate. According to the tech, the part inside the steering column that allowed the lever to engage was installed at 7 o'clock instead of 1 o'clock as required. He switched it and.....better than new. I hope this helps.

[jimandsue60]

It could also be a function of how the steering wheel and shaft are centered. We are at the Winnebago factory now and another guest of winnebago has a similar issue. They had to adjust the centereing of the steering wheel to correct the problem.

Jim

[Gary RVRoamer]

Thanks for the tip on the lever positioning. Mine just began failing in this fashion - it worked fine for over 30,000 miles - but maybe something just recently loosened and moved inside?

Steering wheel still seems to be centered OK.