multifunction switch cleaning 'tech' post
Negatoro
01-22-2007, 02:07 AM
My symptoms:
Intermittant clicking from hazard switch seemingly provoked by 'jiggling' signal/headlamp control.
Others have suggested this is a progressive condition. Over time the contacts get more and more gunked up and signals may not work or may work some times, not others.
Before jumping toward replacing the whole switch [~$180 dealer part] , you may opt to try cleaning the existing unit.
My fix:
Clean contacts in multifunction switch
Tools/Materials
1/4" Socket
Little Torx key.. I don't remember the size.
Paper towel
Sandpaper to scuff contacts
Non-corrosive electrical contact grease
Procedure:
-Remove top cover over steering column - Pull rear straight up, one clip driver's side secures it - slide back and pull straight up to remove.
-Disconnect three [3] harnesses from switch.
-Use 1/4" socket to remove bolt on top of switch.
-Pull switch assy. up to remove.
-Take switch inside and sit comfortably at counter with a clean work area.
-Holding switch with same orientation as installed in your vehicle; Note: There is a grey metal nub that is spring loaded. When re-installed, the switch assy. is slid straight down onto column. This little nubby will have to be depressed into it's hole while unit is re-installed. [that little bit caught me off-guard]
*** Pay close attention to the switch's construction. Take pictures if that will help.***
-Remove grey Torx screws.
-seperate switch assy. There is one additional clip holding the halves together near the wiper switch.
[I]*** Pay close attention to detail ***
With halves seperated, inspect all contact points and surfaces. If not clean, wipe grease with paper towel, scuff with sandpaper, then reapply grease.
-Reassemble carefully.. when re-installing the switch assy. don't forget earlier note about the nubby.
Worst case scenario: you eff up the switch and need to replace it with dealer OE part. The part wasn't getting any newer and was not going to fix itself.
-Mark T.
Intermittant clicking from hazard switch seemingly provoked by 'jiggling' signal/headlamp control.
Others have suggested this is a progressive condition. Over time the contacts get more and more gunked up and signals may not work or may work some times, not others.
Before jumping toward replacing the whole switch [~$180 dealer part] , you may opt to try cleaning the existing unit.
My fix:
Clean contacts in multifunction switch
Tools/Materials
1/4" Socket
Little Torx key.. I don't remember the size.
Paper towel
Sandpaper to scuff contacts
Non-corrosive electrical contact grease
Procedure:
-Remove top cover over steering column - Pull rear straight up, one clip driver's side secures it - slide back and pull straight up to remove.
-Disconnect three [3] harnesses from switch.
-Use 1/4" socket to remove bolt on top of switch.
-Pull switch assy. up to remove.
-Take switch inside and sit comfortably at counter with a clean work area.
-Holding switch with same orientation as installed in your vehicle; Note: There is a grey metal nub that is spring loaded. When re-installed, the switch assy. is slid straight down onto column. This little nubby will have to be depressed into it's hole while unit is re-installed. [that little bit caught me off-guard]
*** Pay close attention to the switch's construction. Take pictures if that will help.***
-Remove grey Torx screws.
-seperate switch assy. There is one additional clip holding the halves together near the wiper switch.
[I]*** Pay close attention to detail ***
With halves seperated, inspect all contact points and surfaces. If not clean, wipe grease with paper towel, scuff with sandpaper, then reapply grease.
-Reassemble carefully.. when re-installing the switch assy. don't forget earlier note about the nubby.
Worst case scenario: you eff up the switch and need to replace it with dealer OE part. The part wasn't getting any newer and was not going to fix itself.
-Mark T.
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