Replacing Multifunction Switch

aldive · 06-27-2005, 12:21 PM

The multifunction switch on my ’99 has been infected with a poltergeist for quite some time; the wipers come on whenever it suits them.

This integrated multifunction switch controls the turn signals, hazard flasher, windshield wiper/washer control, headlamp dimmer/flash-to-pass.

I finally decided to replace the switch.

The switch, part number YL5Z13K359AAA, cost $66.48 at my local Ford dealership.

The first step is to disconnect the negative battery cable. Next, the 3 screws that hold the steering column shrouds on were removed and upper and lower steering column shrouds. This fully exposes the multifunction switch and its two Allen head screws which are then removed. The two electrical connectors are removed.

Installation is the reverse of the above procedure.

The total time involved in this project was about 20 minutes.

Alas, the poltergeist has been exorcised; all functions controlled by the multifunction switch have been restored to normal.

410Fortune · 06-27-2005, 12:45 PM

I'm on my 4th one, every time I hit a junk yard I grab one or two....88 parts are discontinued these days...

Funny thing is each time I replaced it, except for the first time it ended up being something else (bad wire) so I have 6 or 7 of these suckers sitting around that work....hahahah yeah yeah so typical of my truck..

aldive · 06-28-2005, 09:14 AM

Several interesting things happened since replacing this switch ( I assume the exorcism was incomplete ).

First, the seat belt alarm started working again ( http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=137840 ).

Second, the chime that signifies that the lights are on when the door is opened sounds off whenever the door is opened. This is quite annoying.

*BuffaloXplorer* · 06-28-2005, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aldive

Second, the chime that signifies that the lights are on when the door is opened sounds off whenever the door is opened. This is quite annoying.

Whether or not the lights are actually ON?

aldive · 06-28-2005, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuffaloXplorer

Whether or not the lights are actually ON?

Yes; totally independent of the lights. Strange, very strange,

410Fortune · 06-28-2005, 10:21 AM

you have completed many chime circuits

aldive · 06-28-2005, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 410Fortune

you have completed many chime circuits

I do not understand??????? Sorry.

mshuffler · 09-08-2005, 08:35 PM

I have been fighting a lot of the same symptoms. At first my switch had several problems: hazard did not work, wipers would change speeds without touching the switch, blinker would buzz every now and then. I changed the switch with one out of the junkyard and it fixed almost everything. Now my only problem is a buzz in the right turn position. If I hold the switch a little to the right it will blink ok. I changed the flasher relay (under the dash) and it did not help. I'm guessing that I got a bad switch. I guess I will try a new one from the ford dealer. Let me know if you have any other ideas.

ExplorerDMB · 09-08-2005, 08:42 PM

Good post Al. Sorry to hear your still having little problems with your switch.

-Drew

00XLS · 09-09-2005, 12:54 PM

Man and I thought my spontaneous tact was annoying, Good luck

OZY EXPLORER · 09-11-2005, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshuffler

I have been fighting a lot of the same symptoms. At first my switch had several problems: hazard did not work, wipers would change speeds without touching the switch, blinker would buzz every now and then. I changed the switch with one out of the junkyard and it fixed almost everything. Now my only problem is a buzz in the right turn position. If I hold the switch a little to the right it will blink ok. I changed the flasher relay (under the dash) and it did not help. I'm guessing that I got a bad switch. I guess I will try a new one from the ford dealer. Let me know if you have any other ideas.

My xlt 99 suffered from the buzz instead of the blinkers working so last week I went to Ford and clained it on the extended warranty and they replaced it no charge.Ford has also come to the party on new cam chain ajustors and gas struts for the hood (amazing since there is only 6000k to go on the warranty)

Cali' Explorer · 09-13-2005, 10:07 AM

The buzz means you got another bad multi-function switch. If adjusting the handle makes the blinkers work properly, then its the switch and nothing else. Buy a new one, it'll save you time in the long run.

Also, just for some of your knowledge, I was having some somwhat similar problems in my 1997 V8. Whenever I would turn the blinker left without actually locking it into the left turn (IE: Just holding enough for blinker), a nice puff of electrical smoke would pop up from the steering column. It would also deactivate my Cruise Control if it was engaged. And ironically, only the left turn, not the right one.

This is evidently very common, has something to do with the grease in the contact getting old. I was going to replace it, but held off, and now everything works fine as it did before, even if I just hold it enough to blink... weird.

marragtop · 11-03-2006, 12:27 PM

BTW... rockauto.com has the switch for $34.....

Fish Man · 11-11-2006, 12:05 AM

i bought the switch on ebay new for $20 since mine was doing the annoying buzz thing. just a note: to get the shroud off you have to take the tilt column lever off, which i couldnt figure out how to do so i just worked around it, which was a pain. also, its torx screws that hold in the switch.

jfman · 12-10-2006, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish Man

i bought the switch on ebay new for $20 since mine was doing the annoying buzz thing. just a note: to get the shroud off you have to take the tilt column lever off, which i couldnt figure out how to do so i just worked around it, which was a pain. also, its torx screws that hold in the switch.

20$ for a new one ?

COBRA_ESQ · 12-11-2006, 06:56 AM

To all who responded with all the help THANKS!

It turned out to be a wire was pinched in the steering column and after 170,000 miles it went.

Down side, I purchased a new switch from Ford. Hopefully they will take it back.

jfman · 12-11-2006, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COBRA_ESQ

To all who responded with all the help THANKS!

It turned out to be a wire was pinched in the steering column and after 170,000 miles it went.

Down side, I purchased a new switch from Ford. Hopefully they will take it back.

If not let me, give me aprice shipped to zip code 30044.

COBRA_ESQ · 12-12-2006, 05:16 PM

jfman

sent you a private message

reserved50 · 12-13-2006, 03:13 AM

I opened mine up because the one from the wrecking yard i put on was worse than what I had, no washer misting and headlights flickered, I couldnt see any wear just minor tracks where the contacts contacted so i used a mini wire cup brush for a dremel and applied dielectric grease to all the contatcs<----opening the switch is waaaay easier said than done, total pain(if you can build a model car with your eyes closed this should be no problem:p)

jfman · 12-13-2006, 01:24 PM

Paypal sent Cobra ESQ

06-27-2005, 12:21 PM	#1
aldive Elite In Memoriam 1999 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 25,271 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Replacing Multifunction Switch The multifunction switch on my ’99 has been infected with a poltergeist for quite some time; the wipers come on whenever it suits them. This integrated multifunction switch controls the turn signals, hazard flasher, windshield wiper/washer control, headlamp dimmer/flash-to-pass. I finally decided to replace the switch. The switch, part number YL5Z13K359AAA, cost $66.48 at my local Ford dealership. The first step is to disconnect the negative battery cable. Next, the 3 screws that hold the steering column shrouds on were removed and upper and lower steering column shrouds. This fully exposes the multifunction switch and its two Allen head screws which are then removed. The two electrical connectors are removed. Installation is the reverse of the above procedure. The total time involved in this project was about 20 minutes. Alas, the poltergeist has been exorcised; all functions controlled by the multifunction switch have been restored to normal. Attached Images __________________ Al Franklin My truck My Quest for 30 RIP Al Franklin! 1947-2010. Gone but not forgotten! :(

06-27-2005, 12:45 PM	#2
410Fortune ELITE BRONCO2ERER Crawlorado B2 Mod Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 22,099 Vehicle Specs	I'm on my 4th one, every time I hit a junk yard I grab one or two....88 parts are discontinued these days... Funny thing is each time I replaced it, except for the first time it ended up being something else (bad wire) so I have 6 or 7 of these suckers sitting around that work....hahahah yeah yeah so typical of my truck.. __________________ 96 Explorer daily driver build-1996 XLT 5.0L AWD to 4x4 conversion complete on 33's 88 BII 5.0L conversion - BII 5.0l drivetrain thread My Bronco II - 1988 Bronco II 4x4 V8 on 35's - registry and updates Wifes 07 FJ build - 2007 FJ cruiser locked and lifted

06-28-2005, 09:14 AM	#3
aldive Elite In Memoriam 1999 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 25,271 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Several interesting things happened since replacing this switch ( I assume the exorcism was incomplete ). First, the seat belt alarm started working again ( http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=137840 ). Second, the chime that signifies that the lights are on when the door is opened sounds off whenever the door is opened. This is quite annoying. __________________ Al Franklin My truck My Quest for 30 RIP Al Franklin! 1947-2010. Gone but not forgotten! :(

06-28-2005, 10:21 AM	#6
410Fortune ELITE BRONCO2ERER Crawlorado B2 Mod Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 22,099 Vehicle Specs	you have completed many chime circuits __________________ 96 Explorer daily driver build-1996 XLT 5.0L AWD to 4x4 conversion complete on 33's 88 BII 5.0L conversion - BII 5.0l drivetrain thread My Bronco II - 1988 Bronco II 4x4 V8 on 35's - registry and updates Wifes 07 FJ build - 2007 FJ cruiser locked and lifted

09-08-2005, 08:35 PM	#8
mshuffler Wannabe Elite Explorer Wilmington, NC 96 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs	Switch gremlins I have been fighting a lot of the same symptoms. At first my switch had several problems: hazard did not work, wipers would change speeds without touching the switch, blinker would buzz every now and then. I changed the switch with one out of the junkyard and it fixed almost everything. Now my only problem is a buzz in the right turn position. If I hold the switch a little to the right it will blink ok. I changed the flasher relay (under the dash) and it did not help. I'm guessing that I got a bad switch. I guess I will try a new one from the ford dealer. Let me know if you have any other ideas.

09-08-2005, 08:42 PM	#9
ExplorerDMB Moderator/Technician Mechanicsville, Virginia 2004 Acura TL Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 6,263 Vehicle Specs	Good post Al. Sorry to hear your still having little problems with your switch. -Drew __________________ My Useful Threads (38 Entries and Growing)

09-09-2005, 12:54 PM	#10
00XLS Wannabe Elite Explorer Frackville/State College PA Explorer 00 XLS Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,009 Vehicle Specs	Man and I thought my spontaneous tact was annoying, Good luck __________________ 2000 4dr. 4x4 XLS 4.0 OHV 3.73's K&N,throttle cable mod. Brown wire 2wd, Mobil 1, Air Box mod. w/ K&N, TT &shackles, 31 Goodyear Wrangler SA, Silverstar Ultras, Alpine HU, Sirus Satrad.

09-13-2005, 10:07 AM	#12
Cali' Explorer Wannabe Elite Explorer Sacramento, CA '97 XLT 5.0 Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 477 Vehicle Specs	The buzz means you got another bad multi-function switch. If adjusting the handle makes the blinkers work properly, then its the switch and nothing else. Buy a new one, it'll save you time in the long run. Also, just for some of your knowledge, I was having some somwhat similar problems in my 1997 V8. Whenever I would turn the blinker left without actually locking it into the left turn (IE: Just holding enough for blinker), a nice puff of electrical smoke would pop up from the steering column. It would also deactivate my Cruise Control if it was engaged. And ironically, only the left turn, not the right one. This is evidently very common, has something to do with the grease in the contact getting old. I was going to replace it, but held off, and now everything works fine as it did before, even if I just hold it enough to blink... weird. __________________ Steven West Sadly, I'm Explorer-less now....

11-03-2006, 12:27 PM	#13
marragtop Wannabe Elite Explorer balt, md 91 xlt, 92 xlt, 95 xlt Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 2,074 Vehicle Specs	BTW... rockauto.com has the switch for $34..... __________________ '88 F150 4x4 '91 Explorer XLT 4x4 '92 Explorer XLT 4x4 '95 Explorer XLT 4x4 If it don't = 16 (4x4), it ain't worth driving...

11-11-2006, 12:05 AM	#14
Fish Man Wannabe Elite Explorer Marietta, GA 1995 Explorer XLT Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 1,794 Vehicle Specs	i bought the switch on ebay new for $20 since mine was doing the annoying buzz thing. just a note: to get the shroud off you have to take the tilt column lever off, which i couldnt figure out how to do so i just worked around it, which was a pain. also, its torx screws that hold in the switch. __________________ 1995 XLT 4x4 4.0L TT, AAL, Warrior Shackles, 3" PA body lift, Flowmaster, K&N, Pioneer DEH P7500mp HU, JBL P300.1 pushing a Memphis 10 in a stealth box, JBL BP80.4 running Autotek and MA components in some Q Logic kick panels, 33" BFG Mud Terrains on 15x8 AR-23s. My (really old) CarDomain Page

12-11-2006, 06:56 AM	#16
COBRA_ESQ Wannabe Elite Explorer Long Island, N.Y. 95 4Dr 4x4 XLT Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 12 Vehicle Specs	To all who responded with all the help THANKS! It turned out to be a wire was pinched in the steering column and after 170,000 miles it went. Down side, I purchased a new switch from Ford. Hopefully they will take it back. __________________ 1995 Explorer XLT 4x4 2003 Cobra Convert (Factory Supercharger YEE HAA) 2005 Escape

12-12-2006, 05:16 PM	#18
COBRA_ESQ Wannabe Elite Explorer Long Island, N.Y. 95 4Dr 4x4 XLT Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 12 Vehicle Specs	jfman sent you a private message __________________ 1995 Explorer XLT 4x4 2003 Cobra Convert (Factory Supercharger YEE HAA) 2005 Escape

12-13-2006, 03:13 AM	#19
reserved50 Wannabe Elite Explorer mooo 1997 XLT SC'd 5.0/331 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 654 Vehicle Specs	I opened mine up because the one from the wrecking yard i put on was worse than what I had, no washer misting and headlights flickered, I couldnt see any wear just minor tracks where the contacts contacted so i used a mini wire cup brush for a dremel and applied dielectric grease to all the contatcs<----opening the switch is waaaay easier said than done, total pain(if you can build a model car with your eyes closed this should be no problem:p)

12-13-2006, 01:24 PM	#20
jfman Wannabe Elite Explorer Georgia 92 manual tranny Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 264 Vehicle Specs	Paypal sent Cobra ESQ