Posted by Pegasus (IP: 207.90.225.159) on June 09, 2000 at 12:37:37:
In Reply to: Turn Signal switches... posted by Ron S. on June 06, 2000 at 20:45:55:
Ron,
I had the exact same problem with my '76 2-Dr Maverick. The hazard switch was broken off and only the right side blinkers worked. If you moved the switch to the left then ALL of the lights came on and did not blink. Traced the problem (correctly) to a trashed blinker switch.
Here's the kicker: After contacting AutoKrafters and Obsolete Ford Parts and getting quotes upwards of $75.00 for the switch, an ancient, local mechanic informed me that the Ford Pinto and Ford Maverick shared the same switches throughout the model year runs. Soooo.......
Off to the local pick-a-part I went, with the old switch in hand. Found a pinto, pulled the steering wheel, checked the numbers on the switch and Whalla! EXACT MATCH! Paid my $2.50 for the switch, got home, put it on and it works great!
As you can imagine, it's alot easier to find Pintos than Mavericks at the junkyard and upon inspecting the steering column of the one I got the switch out of, it looks like almost everything is identical!
If you do this, might I suggest getting some TV Tuner Cleaner (at Radio Shack) and giving the switch contacts a spray to lube them and clean them. Makes the switch action clean and crisp, not to mention extending it's life. Let us know how this works for you ;)
Pegasus
: ...anybody have PERSONAL experience with using "different year" signal
: switches in a Maverick (i.e. a 73 switch in a 72)? My 72's switch assy is 'kaputt' (the '4Way' switch is broken internally)and leaves my 'commuter' undriavable...no rear signals or brake lights! I know the part numbers are different, year to year, BUT are they REALLY different or is it some thing as 'typically Ford' as just wire color changes? I know I can get one through the 'obsolete' parts suppliers but this was only a $100 car to start with! An 'auto recycler' replacement is much more reasonable if it would work. Anyone got some input?