Guage lights, fog lights, instrument panel lights non functional

[sam1978]

I have an '02 Grand am in which I removed the multifunction switch to clean it so that the infamous clicking would stop. I cleaned the multifunction switch with an electrical degreaser by spraying it into all the holes and then applied a greaseless lubricant suitable for electrical contacts into the holes. I also opened it up about 1/4" on the turn signal arm side after I took out all but 1 screw. Well, the clicking stopped but now the guage lights, fog lights, and instrument panel lights are all non functional and the "Service Vehicle Soon" light is on. Any ideas?

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF !

Did you get the clock spring in correctly ?

If its not it can short out a few things, did you check the fuses ?

[sam1978]

I'm not sure. Where & what is the clock spring?

[3100]

clock spring is for your air bag system, but I don't think you even had remove the clock spring in order to get to your multifunction switch

[sam1978]

I didn't remove anything other than the multifunction switch

[3100]

do yourself a favor and take out that switch out immediately before you create more damage and things start to smoke and melt. You probably shorted something inside the switch. The lubricant that you used is is dielectric? go on junk yard and get yourself another one cheap. Or make sure everything is connected properly. I once tried to dissemble ignition switch looks simple but it is pita to put it back small parts springs etc just do not want to stay in one place and when ever I tried to close the switch parts would shift maybe you have the same problem.

[sam1978]

The stuff I used is LPS Greaseless Lubricant. It doesn't say it's dielectric but it does say that it's non conductive. So if something was shorted out in the multifunction switch it would affect the above mentioned things?

[3100]

If you are sure that during your cleaning procedure you didn't disturb anything inside of the switch, I would clean it again from that non conductive grease. Who knows maybe that non conductive grease is preventing contacts to close circuit. So just clean it with that spray and do not use any lubricants. Also make sure everything is connected right. And inspect your fuses. If you did not smell like something was burning or see smoke you are OK. keep us informed about your progress.

[xeroinfinity]

yes it can cause other things to malfunction and short out.
If the spray cleaner wasnt electronic safe it too can cause problems and could eat away the grease.

Id go to ebay or some other online seller and find a new one, they are around $75.
New from the stealership, close to $200.

and I was thinking thier was a spring that sets on top of the MFS..
Yeah here a several MFS problems from Grand AM sections.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...archid=2370424

[sam1978]

I've now replaced the MFS with another used one that was working when it was removed. Still my lights are out and the Service Vehicle lights is on. I'm taking it to the stearlership tomorrow to have the code diagnosed. What do you guys think? A bad BCM? All fuses are good. Where is the BCM located? Is it behind the glove compartment and does it need to be programmed if I went to a salvage yard and pulled one out of a junked Grand Am?

[xeroinfinity]

yes the BCM is behind the glovebox. You do need it reprogramed from the stealership. Thier is a good chance it is toast, though it might be just some wiring.

Good Luck