Lazy left turn signal won't stay

[AnlaufJohn]

I think I am finally getting tired of pressing down on the lever for the left turn signal to stay engaged. Sometimes, it will stay, but most times it won't.
Now, let me be clear here: externally, the left rear light blinks, but the dash light doesn't blink, which means the front blinker doesn't blink.
This is a replacement turn signal switch I installed about 5 years ago, and it never seemed to bother me. Until this last week.
When I lift up on the lever to turn right, there is a positive step into the notch that keeps all the lights working, just as they should.
When I push the lever down, I don't get the same feeling, more like a sponge is blocking the switch from a positive engagement. If I put gentle downward pressure on the lever, all is well.
Another clue is if I am waiting to turn left, the lever may go and act correctly, with the dash light flashing. If I bump the steering wheel while reaching across to roll the window down, the dash light goes out and the front light doesn't work.
This has been its behavior the whole time. Any ideas of what is the problem?
I don't recall any broken pieces or difficulty in installing the t/s switch back then.
Many thanks,
John

[garmar]

Need to replace the turn signal switch.

[LostMy65]

Take the steering wheel off and manually switch it on and off and see if there is anything giving you this issue.
Also look at the piece attached to the steering wheel
Otherwise, replace it with new.

[franken]

It could be a popped off/broken 50 cent spring under the wheel, I think.

[Sharps40]

Mine was just tired springs/dirty contacts. Give em a cleaning. If it dosn't fix the problem might as well replace the entire switch. New switch gets ya a new upper bearing too so its not a bad deal in the long run.

[ACK]

If you need to purchase a new turn signal, I highly recommend a Wagner. I installed an "economy" turn signal and had to adjust the contacts several times over the past year to make it work correctly. Recently popped in the Wagner and immediately could tell it was heads and tails better.

[1963c-10]

Probably need to adjust the metal prong on the switch itself. You will need to remove the wheel to visualize and replace parts anyways. Start with wheel removal and it will let you see if the cancel cam is bad or just needs adjustment at the switch.