How does the turn signal switch know to reset when my car stops turning?
When you're driving, it's not uncommon to see a motorist with a turn signal on when there's no exit or turn approaching, and they're obviously not going to change lanes or turn anytime soon. In this situation, either the turn signal off camera is not working or they forgot to turn off the signal manually. How does your car know when you've completed a turn to turn off your lights?
Turn signals work in a few simple steps:
Power is supplied to the direction indicators when the signal lever is pressed. The flow of electricity to the direction indicators is sent through a fusible circuit and a flasher to the bulbs. At this time, the signal lever remains in place.
The turn signals continue to work as long as the steering wheel is turned. Power continues to flow to the turn signals in the same way as you turn. Only after the turn is completed and the steering wheel is returned to the center position, the signal lights go out.
The turn signals turn off when the steering wheel is turned to the center position. When you turn the steering wheel back to the center position, the disable cam on the steering column comes into contact with the turn signal lever inside the column housing. The override cam pushes the signal arm lightly and turns off the signal arm. The signal lights no longer flash.
If you are making a small, smooth turn, or if the cancel cam is broken or worn on the steering column, you will need to manually turn off the warning lights. A slight push on the signal lever will allow it to return to the off position, turning off the signal lights.
