blinker stalk doesn't stay on

[Keystone]

Hey all: my left turn indicator stalk doesn't stay on when turning. The blinkers work, and if you hold the stalk down no one out there is the wiser (but this keeps my hand off the wheel when turning so is not really a permanent solution). Is this an easy fix, or a trip to the mechanic? BTW, the right turn indicator stalk is still working fine. Thanks for pondering.

[Planck]

Suggest doing a google search on this problem. You don't say what year. Had a problem with that same stalk and the wipers, and found a great tutorial on how to fix that problem doing said search.

[Keystone]

Thanks for the suggestion, Planck. Mine's a 94, btw. Good to know that you have already resolved that problem.

Keystone
1994 b190 4x4

[Keystone]

Just a quick follow-up on the blinker problem I had. A trip to the mechanic later, the "turn signal switch" part cost $105, labor was $110, and now I'm back in business letting those behind me know I'm turning left. I think it was kind of expensive, but I must admit it's nice to have it fixed.

Short rant: I am continually astonished at the failure rate of standard automotive parts in these Ford vans. Mine has only 45K miles on it, despite being 18 years old. I have several vehicles with much higher mileage that are more reliable. Is this typical of Ford? Or am I just unlucky? OK, rant over.

[skater]

Short rant: I am continually astonished at the failure rate of standard automotive parts in these Ford vans. Mine has only 45K miles on it, despite being 18 years old. I have several vehicles with much higher mileage that are more reliable. Is this typical of Ford? Or am I just unlucky? OK, rant over.

Well, keep in mind it IS 18 years old, most likely spent sitting in the sun. And non-use can actually be harder on a vehicle than using it; I know my Cougar (another Ford product) is definitely a little weird when I let it sit for more than a week or so between uses.