86' Ranger Turn signal switch on column broken

[bozo4ford]

Hello,
I have a 1986 Ranger, 4 Cylinder 2.3, 5-speed.
My mechanism for the turn signals on my steering column is broken. Not only is the handle broken off, but I have to either lift up and keep lifting for right turn, or push down and keep it pushed down for a left turn. This is getting old.
Question ~ Is this a do-it-yourself repair, or do I go to Ford dealership and be forced to pay the exorbitant amount of senseless money to have this repaired? If the answer is the latter, then I will be stuck with it. Thanks!

 

[Mark_88]

It is something you can do with a star screwdriver and a trip to the junkyard...not sure if they are available from Ford now because many parts are obsolete on the first gen Rangers...(which is what yours and mine are)...

I used to keep spares for this but lost them in the last move...now mine is a bit wonky because the headlights don't always come on without a few clicks of the high beams...so I'm going to need to find one...

You can start by simply removing the plastic cover on the steering column...there should be four screws holding it on and the bottom just drops off...

Only precaution is to do things gently...maybe go to the junkyard to practice...as you may find that many things on these older trucks are fragile from age...just take your time and don't force anything and you should be done in an hour or so...

 

[bozo4ford]

I did it! I replaced my turn signal switch…… No easy task, unless I was a ford mechanic with all the right tools!!!

I disconnected the battery to be safe.

There are two lock down plastic tabs on each of the two wiring harnesses going into the switch.
On the Top harness,
Top lock down is visible, and the other is underneath the same piece.

On the bottom harness,
You can see the one from underneath, but there is one more hidden inside of a narrow well on the underside of this peice...GOOD LUCK with that one, I had to break that tab to be able to remove this bottom harness.

The switch part number is the Autozone Duralast UDS425 Combination Switch.

I also removed my old arm out of the switch which was just the metal rod, because my lever handle broke off some years ago.

Ford can get this arm/rod, but it would cost $20.00. Does anyone know where to get the arm lever cheaper than 20.00? I already called Autozone and Pep Boys, and no luck. Thanks and good luck!

 

[Spott]

Try a salvage yard. They probably have a whole row of 1st gen rangers there. You could find all sorts of goodies.

Spott