The original turn signal switch in the '88 column finally gave out. If you compare its top to its bottom (or the new switch), you can see there's a tooth missing from the top of the cancel cam, near the dark blue wire. The new switch is an aftermarket one that cost ~$45 sh from RockAuto.

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To get the switch out of the column without totally disassembling the column, just pull the wire terminals out of the connector shell & feed them through the column. To start, pry out the locking key.

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AFTER MARKING each terminal's wire colors on the connector shell, release them by gently prying each one's catch tab away from the terminal & pulling the wire out of the shell.

If you look closely at the original-(SUPER)size image, you can see that I've scratched the wire colors into the plastic shell.

They're almost invisible in the pic, but the wire colors are scratched into the plastic shell. Do this to BOTH the old & new shells, just to be sure. Not all connectors are pinned the same, and you might find yourself moving pins around, or using the shell from the other switch.

Once the shell is removed, feed the wires through the column and remove the switch. Then feed the new switch's wires right back in.

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Hang onto the old switch at least until the new switch is fully connected & tested working.

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Apply a thin film of electrical grease to the 2 horn/cruise sliding contacts.

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The aftermarket switch from RockAuto was junk, and is beginning to sag enough to turn on the L blinker by itself, so we're swapping to a Ford switch at roughly double the price from TeamFordParts.com .

This one even feels better - the aftermarket one required a LOT of force to get onto the catches, but this one works just like you'd expect.

For steering wheel removal, see:
.