Shee Marr SM102 signal switch review and question

[Bob Jordan]

Well CRAP. It's not an easy install and now there seems to be a problem with the switch.
Brake lights work 100%
Turn signal lever locks into place and signals work both sides no problem.
System cancels just fine both sides.
BUT
I was playing around to see if there was a lane change position (you know, where you move the lever but not far enough to lock in).
For the left there seems to be a lane change function.
THE PROBLEM - when I move the lever TOWARD the position where I would put it for a right hand turn BOTH REAR LIGHTS FLASH AND THE FLASHER CAN CLICKS. It's like a super secret 4 way FLASHER position but only rear lights flash. Pretty sure that's not supposed to be there.
Nine times out of then the lever and switch return to neutral but occasionally it finds that rear lights flash position. If I push the lever all the way for a right turn it works fine.
Oh well - good enough for now. I was trying to fix intermittent brake lights and that's fine now.
Anyone else ever seen this?
Thanks

 

[Nxcoupe]

Well CRAP. It's not an easy install and now there seems to be a problem with the switch.
Brake lights work 100%
Turn signal lever locks into place and signals work both sides no problem.
System cancels just fine both sides.
BUT
I was playing around to see if there was a lane change position (you know, where you move the lever but not far enough to lock in).
For the left there seems to be a lane change function.
THE PROBLEM - when I move the lever TOWARD the position where I would put it for a right hand turn BOTH REAR LIGHTS FLASH AND THE FLASHER CAN CLICKS. It's like a super secret 4 way FLASHER position but only rear lights flash. Pretty sure that's not supposed to be there.
Nine times out of then the lever and switch return to neutral but occasionally it finds that rear lights flash position. If I push the lever all the way for a right turn it works fine.
Oh well - good enough for now. I was trying to fix intermittent brake lights and that's fine now.
Anyone else ever seen this?
Thanks

Off topic, but what car did you put this in? The fact it works and cancels is a huge accomplishment from what I've heard from others.

 

[Bob Jordan]

1964 sport fury

 

[Nacho-RT74]

The lane change function was a brand new feature on 1970 setups as far I know

If you search for this on earliers catalogs it doesn’t appear. And sounds logical being on 70 a brand new design system for the turning switch

 

[pnora]

Do you have 4 way flashers? If so do they work?

 

[Bob Jordan]

Do you have 4 way flashers? If so do they work?

No this 64 does not have 4 ways. It's a weird glitchy spot int he new switch. I was just wondering if other people had seen the same thing. I can work around it - the brake lights are fine now. The turn signals work and cancel. I just have to make sure the switch doesn't land in the spot that flashes the rear lamps. I am in search of a higher quality switch. My brother has owned this car for 48 years and it deserves a good switch!!!!!

 

[toolmanmike]

No this 64 does not have 4 ways. It's a weird glitchy spot int he new switch. I was just wondering if other people had seen the same thing. I can work around it - the brake lights are fine now. The turn signals work and cancel. I just have to make sure the switch doesn't land in the spot that flashes the rear lamps. I am in search of a higher quality switch. My brother has owned this car for 48 years and it deserves a good switch!!!!!

I bought mine from Mega Parts. I haven't installed it yet. Not to say it couldn't be bad but it wasn't the cheapest one around. I also know them and they are stand up guys. Any issues, they are only a phone call away.

 

[toolmanmike]

No this 64 does not have 4 ways. It's a weird glitchy spot int he new switch. I was just wondering if other people had seen the same thing. I can work around it - the brake lights are fine now. The turn signals work and cancel. I just have to make sure the switch doesn't land in the spot that flashes the rear lamps. I am in search of a higher quality switch. My brother has owned this car for 48 years and it deserves a good switch!!!!!

How long did it take you to install it?

 

[Bob Jordan]

How long did it take you to install it?

A couple hours. That includes repairing the threads in the holes where the wheel puller bolts go. I don't think the wheel has ever been off but someone buggered the threads trying. Make sure you set up a fish string as you remove the old wires. Also make a sketch and take pictures of the wires in the connector. The SM102 wires were the same color as the vehicle harness.

 

[toolmanmike]

A couple hours. That includes repairing the threads in the holes where the wheel puller bolts go. I don't think the wheel has ever been off but someone buggered the threads trying. Make sure you set up a fish string as you remove the old wires. Also make a sketch and take pictures of the wires in the connector. The SM102 wires were the same color as the vehicle harness.

Thanks, just wondering. It is a nice day out today and this afternoon might be a perfect time. I have to work in the driveway and it's best if I am done by the time the wife gets home from work. May be a tomorrow morning start may be better. That will give me an extra cushion of time.

 

[Bob Jordan]

Thanks, just wondering. It is a nice day out today and this afternoon might be a perfect time. I have to work in the driveway and it's best if I am done by the time the wife gets home from work. May be a tomorrow morning start may be better. That will give me an extra cushion of time.

Well if you were nearby I'd stop and help. Just take your time and ask questions here if you need help.

 

[Bob Jordan]

The turn signal switch saga continues. I went to a small local car show today and I was showing a guy the accidental flashing rear lights and after that had NO turn signals. My first thought was the switch gave up after two days. Swapped in a new FLASHER and have signals again. Evidently the cheap NOVITA FLASHER didn't like the flashing rear lights.

 

[Bob Jordan]

I talked to Seth in Tech help at Shee-Mar. He explained that it's an old design that they continue to make in the US to help out the old car hobby. The spacing of the contacts and the operation of the switch can lead to the issue I described above and they know about it. I appreciated the honesty as it will save me the trouble of trying another of the same. I can work around the little glitch while I look for a "better" switch.

 

[toolmanmike]

I bought mine from Mega Parts. I haven't installed it yet. Not to say it couldn't be bad but it wasn't the cheapest one around. I also know them and they are stand up guys. Any issues, they are only a phone call away.

Thanks, just wondering. It is a nice day out today and this afternoon might be a perfect time. I have to work in the driveway and it's best if I am done by the time the wife gets home from work. May be a tomorrow morning start may be better. That will give me an extra cushion of time.

Well, I got my switch installed. (it was a OER brand) I still have brake light issues. Is it the switch, my installation, or a wiring or ground issue somewhere else? One side of the brake lights won't work at times. It's intermittent and seems to be related to using the turn signals. I also noticed that (at times) I would turn on the left turn, spin the wheel to cancel it and the right turn signals would then blink. I had to wiggle the lever to shut them off. To me that points to a defective switch. If both sides of the brake lights work, one side or the other won't after using a turn signal. It was also doing that with the old switch and many here said by replacing their switch, that issue was fixed. Crazy stuff. I have a PM into slantsixDan to see if he has some good switches yet. Sorry I'm so long winded.

 

[Bob Jordan]

Sorry to hear that. That looks exactly like the Shee-Mar switch. I was surprised to hear that the Shee-Mar is made in the USA. It may not matter much but did you trim the plastic so that it would fit around those castle nuts inside the column? And there was a metal plate that went on before the screws, correct? I think Dan has some 62-63 stitches that are the same but you would need to change all the terminals to your style.

 

[toolmanmike]

Sorry to hear that. That looks exactly like the Shee-Mar switch. I was surprised to hear that the Shee-Mar is made in the USA. It may not matter much but did you trim the plastic so that it would fit around those castle nuts inside the column? And there was a metal plate that went on before the screws, correct? I think Dan has some 62-63 stitches that are the same but you would need to change all the terminals to your style.

I might end up with a Shee-Mar (sounds like a Chinese name) I was surprised there was a tech department you could talk to. I looked closely at the castle nut fit. The flats on the nuts on mine were in the right place so the base could sit flat. I did put the plate on and then the screws. I could see the toothed washer marks on it so it went back the same way it came off. I think I put everything back in it's place but I am a bit out of practice. May be Slant6Dan has a switch or knows where to get one. I can switch the terminals if needed.

 

[Bob Jordan]

Like I posted above Shee-Mar knows that there are issues with the switch. It sounds like there is very little room for error in the alignment of the contacts. I was happy that the switch completely solved my wonky brake lights and now about 95% of the time the signals work fine. The only "issue" is that occasionally I find the spot not quite into the RH turn position where the brake lights flash. They know about that.

 

[Billccm]

Search around on this forum. People are buying a NOS Mopar turn signal switch for a C Body. The difference is two additional wires for cornering lamps that you just simply don't use. Perhaps @threewood can comment here.

@Slantsixdan used to sell great turn signal switch replacements, but I believe his supply has dried up. I wish I had the foresight to buy an additional switch from him.

 

[toolmanmike]

Search around on this forum. People are buying a NOS Mopar turn signal switch for a C Body. The difference is two additional wires for cornering lamps that you just simply don't use. Perhaps @threewood can comment here.

@Slantsixdan used to sell great turn signal switch replacements, but I believe his supply has dried up. I wish I had the foresight to buy an additional switch from him.

The more we talk, the more I learn. Thanks fot the tips. I need to dig up part numbers and get on e bay every day.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Mopar Performance replacements available around 10-15 years ago got the cornering lamps feature under the regular 72 and lates A,B and E body setup. These were just like the Chinese replacements, without the bearing for the horn ring, but just the brass stud.

Turn Signal Switch# 3488804 / 4240278 / 4293103 - 1973-79 - Dodge - Plymouth - Chrysler - NOS - SHIPS FREE TO LOWER 48 - Blue Star Performance

I have also seen Mopar replacements like this but using the correct PN (the 804) for our 72 and lates cars.

Can’t recall Mopar Performance replacements for earlier models with cornering lamps.