by Dan Cameron
For the second time in the history of owning my Tiger, I have had the tum signal cancellation device fail; that is, when completing a tum, the signal would stay on. There are three probable causes for this symptom. Let’s take them one at a time:
1. Broken cancellation arm – the mechanism that cancels the tum signal is located at the base of the tum signal lever, under the steering column cowl. This rather fragile plastic part is prone to break (either’ one or both arms). The problem could be the result of improper adjustment – covered later – or just due to under-design. The fix is pretty straightforward. After purchasing a tum signal repair kit, remove the steering column cowl (bottom half comes off first), unplug the electrical wires under the dash and remove the entire lever assembly from the column. To replace the broken cancellation mechanism, the pivot pin must be removed. This must be drilled out due to the end opposite the head being upset (mashed over). Caution must be taken not to lose the small spring that spring loads the brass contact At this point I ran into a slight problem with the new plastic cancellation mechanism. It has been beefed up in the area most prone to fail, however, now it won’t assemble on the die cast body. I carefully relieved it with a knife so as to assure it was fully seated. Next, I replaced the pivot pin (two provided-pick correct one), peened the end for retention and installed the assembly on the column. Now, the all important step – adjustment. There is a stamped metal strap with a tab on it (looks like a hose clamp) that engages the plastic cancellation arms upon returning the steering wheel to the straight ahead position. The tab should be centered between the two arms and, when rotated past the arms, apply just enough pressure-real scientific — to disengage the tum signal. I firmly believe mine applied too much pressure adding to the failure problem. A tap or two with a small hammer will do the trick. Finally, ressemble the cowl, field test your signal and you’re off!!
2. Improperly positioned cancellation strap-remember the metal strap referred to earlier with a small tab on it that engages the plastic arms? Well, if it has been rotated out of position, it may cancel the tum signal in one direction only or not at all. This is often the result of loosening the entire steering column for engine removal or whatever. As before, check its position for location between the plastic cancellation arms. Make adjustment as necessary.
3. Improperly adjusted cancellation strap – as in #2 above, the object of our attention is the cancellation strap. However, this time we are concerned with the degree of contact with the plastic cancellation arms. If the metal tab has been bent in toward the center line of the steering column, it will not engage the plastic arms. To correct this condition, merely pry it out until it just barely makes contact with the arms. This is very important or the plastic arms will be overstressed and prematurely break.