Solved 1997 Aerostar. Turn signal multifunction switch replacement.

[WalterF]

Trying to replace this signal switch. Looked through the threads. Removed the three screws for the plastic cover in front of the steering wheel and can't seem to get any further. Can't remove this clamshell as it is blocked by the ignition switch. Not sure if I should take off the steering wheel or remove the ignition switch. Not sure how to do either. Could use some help.

Walter F.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Make sure that you disconnect the battery cable, and wait a minimum of 10 minutes before you work on the steering column. You will need a steering wheel puller tool to remove the steering wheel. The air bag has screws behind the steering wheel which have to be removed first.

 

[WalterF]

Turn signal multifunctional switch

Make sure that you disconnect the battery cable, and wait a minimum of 10 minutes before you work on the steering column. You will need a steering wheel puller tool to remove the steering wheel. The air bag has screws behind the steering wheel which have to be removed first.

Thanks BrooklynBay. So I do need to remove the steering wheel to get at this beast.

WalterF

 

[BrooklynBay]

It looks like you will have to remove the steering wheel & ignition cylinder to get the plastic cuff off. The swith should be easy to remove once the plastic is out of the way. You might be able to bend the plastic a little if you're careful not to break it. Then you won't have to remove the wheel or cylinder. Take a look at this diagram that was in my Ford software:

 

[JohnAerostarXLT]

Sorry but NO!

You can replace the turn signal switch WITHOUT removing the airbag. You cannot do it without removing the ignition, though. Disconnect the battery cable.

The ignition switch is held in by a small pin. Turn the key to on, and find the tiny hole located in the plastic just below the ignition switch cutout. Poke the pin and pull the ignition out at the same time. Remember to put it back in the same way it came out, as in being in the "ON" position.

If your van has tilt steering, it makes it easier but it can be done on van's without it. Either way, you have to work the plastic out, you also have to remove the lower plastics under the steering column. I wish I'd taken some damn pics when I did this repair. I honestly forgot.

Anyway once the plastics are off, the rest is self explanatory. You can remove the switch by unscrewing the torx screws holding it in. If you have any further questions, send me a PM and I'll send you my phone number and I can walk you through it.

 

[WalterF]

signal light multifunction switch

It looks like you will have to remove the steering wheel & ignition cylinder to get the plastic cuff off. The swith should be easy to remove once the plastic is out of the way. You might be able to bend the plastic a little if you're careful not to break it. Then you won't have to remove the wheel or cylinder. Take a look at this diagram that was in my Ford software:

Thank you BrooklynBay. between you and John I have managed to get the new switch in place but now the wipers do not work....except when I push the windshield washer button. Going to check and fuse and see if I can find the relay.

Thanks.
WalterF

 

[WalterF]

Multifunction signal switch

Sorry but NO!

You can replace the turn signal switch WITHOUT removing the airbag. You cannot do it without removing the ignition, though. Disconnect the battery cable.

The ignition switch is held in by a small pin. Turn the key to on, and find the tiny hole located in the plastic just below the ignition switch cutout. Poke the pin and pull the ignition out at the same time. Remember to put it back in the same way it came out, as in being in the "ON" position.

If your van has tilt steering, it makes it easier but it can be done on van's without it. Either way, you have to work the plastic out, you also have to remove the lower plastics under the steering column. I wish I'd taken some damn pics when I did this repair. I honestly forgot.

Anyway once the plastics are off, the rest is self explanatory. You can remove the switch by unscrewing the torx screws holding it in. If you have any further questions, send me a PM and I'll send you my phone number and I can walk you through it.

Thanks John AerostarXLT. Between you and BrooklynBay I am in. JNow the wipers not working except with washer cycle. Going to locate relay and fuse. WalterF

 

[JohnAerostarXLT]

Did you get the switch from AutoZone? LOL I got one that the turn signals didn't work, but everything else did. They swapped it out no problem but that's why it's best to check the function before reinstalling the plastics.

Anyway, try plugging back in the old switch and see if the wipers work then. If they do, you can eliminate the fuse/etc. route.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you take any pictures of the installation?

 

[WalterF]

Did you take any pictures of the installation?

I didn't take any pictures but thankfully it was warm and the plastic clamshell was bent in a very unconventional shape. I used the handle of the ratchet to keep the upper part elevated while I put the new part in place. BroolynBay thanks again for for your advice.

WalterF

 

[WalterF]

Mutlifunction signal switch

Did you get the switch from AutoZone? LOL I got one that the turn signals didn't work, but everything else did. They swapped it out no problem but that's why it's best to check the function before reinstalling the plastics.

Anyway, try plugging back in the old switch and see if the wipers work then. If they do, you can eliminate the fuse/etc. route.

JohnAerostarXLT, you were right, the switch was faulty. Plugged in the old one and had wipers. Bought the replacement from NAPA and they gave me another one and now all is fine. Thanks to you and BrooklynBay for your help.

Walter F.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I'm going to mark this thread solved in green. Thanks for the update.

 

[JohnAerostarXLT]

Good deal Walter, I'm glad you've got it all fixed. Feels good to do something yourself and have positive results, huh?

 

[WalterF]

Absolutely.