What is the button to turn the light on the car called?

[Samuel]

The control is most accurately called the turn signal or indicator stalk, though it's formally known as a multifunction lever. It's a single stalk, typically on the left side of the steering column in left-hand drive markets, that operates turn signals, headlights, high beams, and often front/rear fog lights. Its integrated design is a standard automotive feature, consolidating multiple lighting controls into one intuitive, driver-accessible component.

This lever's primary function is activating the turn signals (indicators) with a simple push up or down. A half-push often engages a lane-change signal for three flashes. Rotating the end of the stalk cycles through the headlight modes: off, parking lights, low beams, and auto (if equipped). Pulling the entire stalk toward you activates the high beams, either temporarily (flash-to-pass) or permanently.

Key Functions Controlled by the Multifunction Lever:

• Turn Signals/Indicators: Up for right, down for left.
• Headlight Mode Selection: Rotary control for Off, Parking Lights, Low Beams, Auto.
• High Beams: Pull toward driver to engage; push away or pull again to disengage.
• Front/Rear Fog Lights: Usually engaged by pulling the rotary knob outward after selecting low beams.
• Instrument Panel Illumination: A separate wheel on the stalk or dashboard adjusts brightness.

Feature	Common Term (North America)	Common Term (UK/Australia)	Typical Control Action
Directional Signals	Turn Signal Stalk	Indicator Stalk	Push stalk up (right) or down (left)
Headlight Control	Headlight Switch	Dipswitch / Light Stalk	Rotate end of stalk
High Beams	High Beam Lever	Main Beam Stalk	Pull stalk toward steering wheel
Fog Lights	Fog Light Switch	Fog Light Switch	Pull rotary knob outward

Its position is standardized for safety. In over 95% of left-hand drive vehicles, it's on the left, allowing the right hand to remain on the gear selector. In right-hand drive cars, it's usually on the right side of the column. This design ensures muscle memory development is consistent within a driving region. The integration of lighting and sometimes wiper controls into one stalk is an industry practice that reduces dashboard clutter. According to automotive ergonomics studies, this placement minimizes driver distraction, as hands rarely leave the steering wheel rim to operate essential lights.

[EmilioRose]

As someone who’s driven everything from old compacts to modern SUVs, I just call it the “signal stalk” or “light stick.” It’s that lever right behind the steering wheel. In my current car, I twist the end to turn on the headlights when it gets dark, and I flick it up or down to signal a turn. It becomes second nature. The only time I really think about it is when I get a rental car and the wiper control is on the opposite side—that takes a minute to get used to. The design is pretty universal, which is a good thing.

[VonChloe]

From a technician’s viewpoint, we refer to it as the multifunction switch assembly or MFS. It’s a critical, wear-prone component. The most common repair we see is for failed turn signal cancellation, where the stalk doesn’t return to center after a turn. Another frequent issue is worn contacts in the rotary switch for the headlights, causing intermittent operation. When diagnosing electrical faults for lights that won’t turn on, this switch is one of the first components we test after checking fuses. It’s a modular unit, so often the entire stalk is replaced rather than repaired.

[JaydenLee]

The naming and operation have subtle global variations. In the U.S. and Canada, “turn signal stalk” is the universal term. In many European and Asian markets, it’s commonly called the “indicator stalk” or “light stalk.” The function is identical, but the side of the steering column it’s on can differ. In left-hand drive countries, it’s almost always on the left. In right-hand drive countries like the UK and Japan, it’s typically on the right side of the column. This can be confusing for travelers, but the symbols (arrows for signals, light bulb icon for headlights) are standardized internationally, so you can always rely on the pictograms.

[StReagan]

I remember my first driving lesson. My instructor pointed to the lever and said, “That’s your indicator. You’ll use it more than the horn.” He was right. Its genius is in its simplicity and consistency. I’ve taught my own kids to drive, and explaining the stalk is easy because it hasn’t changed fundamentally in decades. The basic “up for right, down for left” motion is ingrained. Modern cars have added functions like automatic high beam assist, which is activated through the same stalk, but the core operation remains tactile and intuitive. You can feel the detents and clicks without looking away from the road, which is the whole point of its design. It’s one of the best examples of ergonomic engineering in a car’s cockpit.