The indicator stalk (also called the direction indicator switch or trafficator switch) mounts on the steering column and controls the direction indicators, headlamp dip/main beam, and horn on later models. The stalk design changed with the column and dashboard revisions across production.
Stalks Overview
Early cars used a simple stalk that operated the indicators only, with separate controls for headlamp dipping and the horn. Later cars combined the indicator, dip switch, and headlamp flash functions into a single multi-function stalk, with the horn operated either by a push on the stalk end or by a centre push in the steering wheel boss, depending on the production date. The self-cancelling mechanism uses a cam that resets the stalk after the steering wheel has returned from a turn, if the indicators fail to self-cancel, the cam or its return spring may be worn.
Stalks Specification
Horn contact arrangements differ between stalk-mounted horn (where pressing the end of the stalk sounds the horn) and centre-push types (where a button in the steering wheel boss completes the horn circuit through a slip ring and brush on the column). The slip ring and brush are common wear points that can cause intermittent horn operation.