What is the name of the handle on the steering wheel: we understand the terms and functions

Have you ever wondered what the correct name is for that same handle behind the steering wheel that we use every day to control turns, lights or wipers? Many drivers, even with many years of experience, simply call it “lever” or “stick”, not suspecting that this element has an official name - and more than one. In this article we will figure out how to correctly name this part depending on its function, where it is located and how it is structured from the inside.

It turns out that the terminology here depends on the context: for mechanics it is steering column switch, may appear in the operating instructions as control paddle or combination switch lever, and in colloquial speech it often sounds like “turn handle” or “wipers”. But why are there so many names for one part? The fact is that behind the wheel of a car there are usually two such levers installed - left (responsible for lighting devices) and right (control of turn signals and wipers), and each of them has its own specifics.

In addition, these elements may look and work differently in different brands of cars. For example, in Mercedes-Benz and BMW paddle shifters are often integrated into the steering wheel in the form of buttons, and in Toyota or Hyundai These are classic levers. We will also tell you how to avoid breakdowns of these mechanisms, what to do if the handle gets stuck, and how to replace it yourself if necessary.

Official names of the handle on the steering wheel: manufacturers' terminology

If you look at spare parts catalogs or technical documentation, you will find that this part has several “official” names. The most common - steering column switch (or steering column lever). This is a general name for all the levers located under the steering wheel. However, depending on the function, they distinguish:

• 🔄 Turn signal lever — controls turn signals and switching lights (low/high). Usually located right from the steering wheel in left-hand drive cars (for example, in Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf).
• 💡 Light switch — is responsible for turning on the headlights, side lights and fog lights. Most often located left from the steering wheel (as in Renault Duster or Kia Rio).
• 🌧️ Wiper control lever — regulates the speed of the windshield wipers and washer. In some models (for example, Mazda CX-5) is combined with the turning lever.
• 🎛️ Combination switch - a modern version that combines several functions in one lever (typical for Audi or Volvo).

You may also find other terms in the repair instructions:

• Stalk switch (English) - “stem switch”, used in foreign manuals.
• Multifunction lever - multifunction lever (for example, in BMW 5 Series).
• Turn signal lever — direction indicator lever (in the documentation General Motors).

It is interesting that in Soviet cars (for example, VAZ 2106 or Moskvich 412) these levers were called simply: “turn handle” and “light handle”. Today such terminology is considered outdated, but is still used colloquially.

Where is the handle on the steering wheel and what is it responsible for: left vs right

The location of the steering column switches depends on whether the car is intended for a left- or right-hand drive market. In most cars sold in Russia and Europe (left-hand drive), the scheme is as follows:

Steering wheel side	Lever name	Basic functions	Examples of models
Left	Light switch	Turning on headlights, sidelights, foglights, light corrector	Toyota Camry, Skoda Octavia
Right	Turn signal lever	Turn signals, light switching (low/high), sound signal (in some models)	Hyundai Solaris, Renault Logan
Left or right	Wiper control lever	Wiper speed adjustment, windshield washer, rear wiper	Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Tiguan
Behind the wheel (buttons)	Multifunctional petals	Multimedia, cruise control, telephone control	BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class

In right-hand drive vehicles (for example, Toyota Corolla for the Japanese market) the lever arrangement is mirrored: right is responsible for light, and left - for the turn signals. This often causes confusion among drivers who change from a left-hand drive car to a right-hand drive car.

It is also worth noting that in some modern models (for example, Tesla Model 3 or BYD Atto 3) traditional levers are replaced with touch buttons or joysticks. It's part of a trend towards minimalist interiors, but such solutions are often criticized for being unintuitive.

Steering column switch device: how it works inside

From the outside, the steering column switch looks like a simple plastic lever, but inside it is quite a complex mechanism. Main components:

• 🔧 Housing - usually made of durable plastic (ABS or polypropylene). In premium cars (for example, Audi A6) can be covered in leather or have chrome inserts.
• 🔌 Contact group - metal plates that close when the lever moves, sending a signal to the control unit.
• 🔄 Return mechanism — a spring that returns the lever to the neutral position after turning on the turn signal.
• 🛠️ Microswitches — are responsible for fixing the lever in certain positions (for example, when turning on the high beam).

In modern cars, steering column switches are often integrated with the system CAN buses - This allows signals to be transmitted electronically without traditional wiring. For example, in Volvo XC60 The turn lever sends a digital signal to the body control unit, which already turns on the corresponding lamps.

One of the most vulnerable elements is contact group. Over time, it wears out, which leads to unstable operation of the turn signals or lights. Typical symptoms of a malfunction:

• The turn signals turn on every once in a while.
• The high beam turns off spontaneously.
• The lever sticks or requires force to move.

What's inside the steering column switch?

When disassembled, you can see that the main work is done by a plastic slider with metal contacts. When the lever moves, the slider slides along the printed circuit board, closing the desired circuits. Cheap Chinese analogues often use low-quality plastic, which cracks over time.

Typical faults and how to fix them yourself

Steering column switches break less often than, for example, starters or generators, but their breakdown causes a lot of inconvenience. Let's look at the most common problems and ways to solve them:

1. Lever does not return to neutral position

   Reason: broke or came off return spring. Solution: Disassemble the switch and reinstall the spring. In 80% of cases the problem is solved without replacing the part.

2. Turn signals only work in one direction

   Reason: the contacts in the turn signal group have oxidized or burned. Solution: clean the contacts with alcohol or replace the contact group.

3. The wipers turn on spontaneously

   Cause: short circuit in the circuit or malfunction of the wiper control unit. Solution: Check the fuse (usually F10 or F15) and connectors.

4. The lever sticks or squeaks

   Reason: dirt has gotten in or the plastic guides have worn out. Solution: disassemble and lubricate the mechanism with silicone lubricant (for example, WD-40 Specialist).

If the switch is completely damaged, it will have to be replaced. Average cost of a new lever for popular models:

Make/Model	Cost (original), ₽	Cost (analog), ₽	Article (example)
VW Polo (2015+)	3 500–4 200	1 800–2 500	6R0 953 513 B
Toyota Corolla (E210)	4 800–5 500	2 200–3 000	81210-0D020
Renault Duster (2020+)	2 900–3 600	1 500–2 000	28210 2761R
Hyundai Solaris (2017–2021)	3 200–3 900	1 600–2 300	95350-D2000

When replacing, it is important to consider VIN code car, since even within the same model different versions of switches can be used. For example, in Skoda Octavia A7 before 2017 and after - different articles.

Disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal)|Take a photo of the location of the connectors|Prepare a TORX T20 or T25 screwdriver|Buy a new switch with the same part number|Check the operation after installation (turn on the turn signals, high beams, wipers)-->

How to remove and install the steering column switch: step-by-step instructions

Replacing the steering column switch is a moderately difficult task. In most cases, you can handle it yourself with a minimal set of tools. Let's look at the process using an example Toyota Corolla E210 (similar for VW Golf, Kia Ceed etc.):

1. Turn off the power

   Remove the negative terminal from the battery to avoid short circuit.

2. Remove the plastic steering column cover

   Usually it is secured with latches and one or two screws (most often TORX T20). Gently pry it out with a plastic spatula.

3. Disconnect the connectors

   On the back of the switch you will see 1-2 plugs. They need to be carefully disconnected by pressing the latches.

4. Unscrew the fixing screw

   The switch is held on by one screw (usually TORX T25 or Phillips PH2). Unscrew it and remove the lever.

5. Install a new switch

   Repeat the steps in reverse order. Make sure that the lever fits into the grooves without play.

Important details:

• 🔧 On some cars (for example, Ford Focus 3) you will have to remove the steering wheel, since the switches are attached to the back side.
• 🔌 Before connecting the connectors, check them for oxidation. If necessary, clean the contacts with an eraser or alcohol.
• ⚠️ Do not use excessive force during installation - plastic latches are easy to break.

For clarity, we recommend watching the video instructions for your model. For example, for Renault Logan The process is well illustrated here:

YouTube: "Replacing the Renault Logan steering column switch with your own hands"

Features of steering column switches in different car brands

The design and functionality of levers can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. Let's look at the key features:

German cars (VW, BMW, Mercedes)

In cars Volkswagen Group (Audi, Skoda, VW) switches are often modular - they can be disassembled and individual parts can be replaced (for example, only the contact group). B BMW and Mercedes the levers are usually integrated with the steering wheel and controlled electronically, making repairs more difficult.

Japanese cars (Toyota, Honda, Nissan)

Here the switches are known for their reliability, but have a peculiarity: in Toyota The turn lever is often combined with the cruise control control (buttons on the end). B Nissan There may be a non-standard fastening - a plastic fastener is used instead of a screw.

Korean cars (Hyundai, Kia)

B Hyundai Solaris and Kia Rio The switches are unified with other models of the group, which simplifies the search for spare parts. However, the plastic here is less durable than that of the Japanese or Germans.

French cars (Renault, Peugeot, Citroën)

In French cars there are often “illogical” solutions. For example, in Renault Duster The wiper control lever may be on the right, and not on the left, as in most cars. B Peugeot 308 The switches have unusual ergonomics - you have to “get used to” using them.

It is also worth noting that in premium brands (Lexus, Jaguar) levers are often equipped with heating and lighting, which complicates their repair.

Why don't BMW have traditional levers?

In modern models (for example, BMW 7 Series G70) instead of levers, touch panels or joysticks are used. This is part of the “minimalist cabin” concept, but many drivers complain about the inconvenience of such controls.

Common operating mistakes and how to avoid them

Many breakdowns of steering column switches occur due to improper use. That's what it's impossible do:

• ❌ Pull the lever with force - this leads to breakdown of the return mechanism. A slight movement is enough to turn on the turn signal.
• ❌ Use the lever as an armrest - Over time, this deforms the plastic case.
• ❌ Ignore squeaking or binding - this is the first sign that the mechanism needs cleaning or lubrication.
• ❌ Disassemble the switch yourself without a diagram — there are a lot of small parts inside that are easy to lose.

Another common mistake is buying cheap analogues. For example, for VW Passat B6 the original switch costs ~4,000 ₽, and the Chinese analogue costs 1,200 ₽. However, the latter often breaks after 1–2 years due to the poor quality of plastic and contacts.

Another important point - steering column adjustment. If you frequently change the steering wheel's height or reach, this can cause the shifters to become loose. B Ford Mondeo and Opel Astra Because of this, plastic latches often fall off.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the handle on the steering wheel

Is it possible to drive if the turn signal lever is broken?

Technically it's possible, but it's traffic violation (Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code - driving a faulty vehicle). Fine - 500 ₽. In addition, it is dangerous for other road users. Temporary solution: Use your hand to turn signals (extend your hand to the side).

Why does the high beam work when I turn on the turn signal?

This is a sign that contact group The lever is worn out and shorts the circuit. You either need to replace the group or the entire switch. B Lada Vesta This is a common problem due to the poor quality of the plastic.

How to check if the steering column switch is working properly?

Take a multimeter and check the resistance between the contacts in different positions of the lever. In the “neutral” position, the resistance should be infinite, and when the turn signal is turned on, it should be close to 0 ohms. Also inspect the connectors for oxidation.

Can I fix the switch myself?

Yes, if the problem is spring, contacts or pollution. To do this, you need to disassemble the lever, clean the parts and lubricate the mechanism. If the housing or contact group is broken, just replace it.

Where can I buy a spare part if the store does not have the original?

Options:

• Order from an official dealer (longer, but more reliable).
• Look at a disassembly site (cheaper, but without a guarantee).
• Buy a high-quality analogue (for example, Febi, Hella, Valeo).
• Order at AliExpress or eBay (risk of running into a fake).

If your question is not covered in the article, check the car model and symptoms of the malfunction - this will help give more accurate advice.