This guide provides instructions on changing the turn signal and cruise control switch on a BMW vehicle.
Symptoms of a bad turn signal switch
If the BMW turn signal switch fails, you may experience various problems, including:
- BMW turn signals not working
- Turn signal stalk does not cancel
- One of the turn signals is not working.
- The turn signal switch does not stay in place.
- High beam switch/flashers not working
- Cruise control is not working.
Diagnosing the problem and reading the BMW fault codes before replacing any parts is important. We recommend that an auto mechanic specializing in BMW properly diagnose your car.
If you prefer to diagnose your BMW yourself, you will need a BMW scanner that can read fault codes. Check fuses, relays, and SZL modules if your BMW turn signals don’t work.
What you will need
- BMW Turn Signal Switch
- Mechanic Toolset Metric
- Torx Socket Set
- Torque Wrench
Procedure
Follow these steps to learn how to change the BMW turn signal switch.
- Disconnect the negative terminal.
- Remove the airbag from the driver’s steering wheel. Detailed instructions on replacing the BMW steering wheel and airbag can be found here.
- Remove the steering wheel. Pull up the plastic trim away from the steering column. A couple of screws below the bottom trim need to be removed.
- Remove the turn signal stalk arm from the steering column switch unit, known as the SZL unit.
- Avoid rotating the clock spring; otherwise, you may need to perform steering angle sensor calibration.
Replacing the turn signal switch on a BMW is easy and takes about two hours.
We hope you find the BMW Turn Signal Switch Replacement DIY guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW.
My e36 will allow me to turn my right turn signal on once then not work again. the hazards also do not work. the light on the switch is on but they do not work. do you think this is a switch issue or possibly the hazard relay? checked fuses 23/34 and replaced just in case.
The fact that you have to switch on the left signal to stop it means that the problem is actually not that bad. I know people who have had their right turn signal on for days until they got it fixed and nothing worked.
I would say it is a LCM problem and it should be a very easy fix!
My problem is the right turn signal will not stop flashing. I have to turn the switch to the left signal to get the right to stop flashing. I was trying to figure out if it’s the signal switch or if I have an LCM problem