multifunction switch and incessant ticking

[74editrix]

Must. stop. the. ticking.

2003 Grand AM GT v6, 49000miles.

From my research, it sounds like it's the MFS in the steering column. But some folks say to just clean the relays of all grease, and others say to replace the switch entirely.

Isn't the grease actually needed? Should they be cleaned and regreased? If so, how do I regrease them correctly?

Or is it best to just replace the lousy switch? And can I do it myself? (I'm pretty handy.)

[J-Ri]

I'm guessing it's the turn signal alert ticking? If so, yes, it's usually the multi-function switch. Unplug the switch to be sure, ticking stops=switch is bad. You could try cleaning and re-greasing (use di-electric grease, not general purpose grease), I know several members have had luck with that. If that doesn't work, buy a new switch... or save the hassle of doing it twice and just replace it. It's a very easy job, I think all you need is a phillips screwdriver and maybe something to get the connectors off the switch (like a flat screwdriver). If it has an air bag, be sure to disable it before begining.

[74editrix]

Originally Posted by J-Ri

I'm guessing it's the turn signal alert ticking? If so, yes, it's usually the multi-function switch.

Oops -- yes, it's the turn/hazard signal alert ticking.

After I posted this, I stumbled on this very good explanation of how to clean the contacts. I assume that it's easy enough to follow the instructions to replace with a new switch also...

**Unapproved Link Removed By Moderator**

[74editrix]

Follow-up question, before I do this:

1. Do I need to disconnect the battery before cleaning/replacing?

2. If so -- how do I disable the anti-theft on the radio? It's the original factory radio, and it's on a 2003 Grand Am. I was told that the 2002 cars and beyond couldn't disable the anti-theft on the radio. But if I disconnect the battery, won't that cause problems?

TIA!

[xeroinfinity]

Originally Posted by 74editrix

Oops -- yes, it's the turn/hazard signal alert ticking.

After I posted this, I stumbled on this very good explanation of how to clean the contacts. I assume that it's easy enough to follow the instructions to replace with a new switch also...

Your off site link was removed.
Please dont post anymore links to that competitor site.

If you do a search here for "multi function switch" or "MFS" , you will find several threads explaining exactly how to do this. Probly some pics too.

[J-Ri]

Originally Posted by 74editrix

Follow-up question, before I do this:

1. Do I need to disconnect the battery before cleaning/replacing?

2. If so -- how do I disable the anti-theft on the radio? It's the original factory radio, and it's on a 2003 Grand Am. I was told that the 2002 cars and beyond couldn't disable the anti-theft on the radio. But if I disconnect the battery, won't that cause problems?

TIA!

I always disconnect the battery before working anywhere near an air bag or it's wiring. You can pull the fuse... but I've seen cars where people bypass fuses, run wires to other circuits off the wrong fuse, etc. Play it safe and unhook the battery unless you're the original owner and you've never had it to some shade-tree mechanic and you absolutely trust the assembly line worker who threw wires on it at 4:45 on a Friday afternoon.

The owners manual should have the procedure for disabling the anti-theft, as well as how to retrieve the code to reactivate if it does go into lock mode. I've replaced numerous batteries in '02 and newer, and a lot of the time the anti-theft never even turns on

[xeroinfinity]

Yes it is easy to set them off, and very dangerous if your face in front of it.

I was going to set one off in the shop one day, and just walking over to hook the wires to a battery it exploded.... and I didnt even get to see it because I had my back to it. Everyone else said it was fast! Sure was loud ! lol

Static electricity will also set one off, even with the battery disconnected.

[J-Ri]

When I was in school we had a demonstration, with the metal side up the instructor put 12v to them. They flew 30-40' in the air! It was pretty cool. In past years they had jacked cars up and put one air bag under each tire. They'd lift a whole car a couple feet off the ground. The year before I went there they did that on some old rusty car and it riped the fuel lines apart... fire marshall said they can't do that any more