flashers, multiswitch, & airbag considerations

[jdankworth]

Hi, All

Been searching through all of the posts (great forum!) - hope I'm not bothering anyone with duplicate requests for info.

Have a 1997 Taurus GL with odd issues: service engine light on for ~12 months (only codes as "transmission clutch assembly" and drives fine - assume bad sensor?), hazards stopped working ~6 months ago and hazard switch sluggish / slow when pressed in / out, wipers work fine on hi / low but now will not shut off (ugh!), and just lost my turn signals the other day. No problems with radio on/off on its own, headlights / other lights work as expected, engine runs great, etc.

Yesterday, shift lever in column got real "soft" and now hard to tell what gear I'm in.

Changed the flasher this morning - no fix. Checked all fuses, cleaned battery terminals, checked all cabling / grounding I could locate - don't see any issues.

Took the car to preferred mechanic - said he thinks I need to replace the column, and I'll have to take it to the local Ford shop because of the airbag. Asked another shop for opinion and they also said they'd replace the column - estimated anywhere from $800 to $1200 (I'll leave my comments to them out of this post... lol).

Based upon things I've read online, appears I need to next replace the multiswitch, and perhaps the Transmission Range Sensor / neutral safety switch beyond that?

Online posts I've reviewed suggest replacing the multiswitch next, and perhaps the Transmission Range Sensor / neutral safety switch beyond that? Which brings me to the real issue. I'm one of those "mechanically challenged" individuals that mechanics laugh about over coffee!

I'm concerned about the airbag during the switch replacement. I've read to disconnect the + and wait ~10 minutes, and posts here give instruction for pulling / replacing. However, another forum had a post stating the airbag will deploy if I "push on" or "knick" yellow wires under the dash? Is this true?

Can anyone steer me to an online reference (or a "car repair for dummies" book) that'll provide clear details on how to safely disable the airbag and replace the switch?

If I'm way off base on next steps, I'd appreciate any input.

Sorry for the length / Thanks for your help!

[way2old]

The multifunction switch can be replaced easily. Remove the trim around steering column. There should be 3 or 4 phillips head screws going up through the bottom portion. The switch is held on by 2 t20 torx head screws. There are 2 large wiring connections on the back of switch. Unplug these and remove switch. Then install new switch in basiclly reverse order. There should be no danger in deploying the air bags.
Have codes read again and post exact code number that is retrieved. Exact code will give us a place to start research.
The soft shift in the gear selector may be a couple of small screws that have come loose where the shift cable is attached to the bottom of steering column. If these are tight, you may need to unbolt the steering column and let it fall down so you can check the shift tube bushings. Be careful if you do this. There is a small string that is connected to the needle that tells you what gear you are in. This will break easily.