Mr_Melvinheimer
New Member
- Joined
- August 7, 2012
- Messages
- 2
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Denver, Colorado
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 96 Ford Explorer
As a new member I would like to contribute by doing a quick how to write up. I was unable to find one on this issue anywhere. Most forums and professionals will tell you to just replace the whole unit once it starts making noises or even smoking. This solution will not help you if your problem is that one function of the switch is not working, but the others are.
All you have to do is replace the factory grease inside with something that isn't completely worthless. I went through 2 switches before figuring this out. It costs about $1 to fix it rather than the $70-150 to replace it. This should work with any vehicle that is exhibiting the same symptoms and is worth a check on any model with a loud switch.
How to fix your broken, buzzing, grinding, smoking turn signal or multi-function switch.
Thanks for reading and let me know if you have any questions. I hope this helps. I don't have any pictures of the process, so I described it in as much detail as I could. It was a fairly easy thing to fix, but diagnosing the problem was really difficult.
All you have to do is replace the factory grease inside with something that isn't completely worthless. I went through 2 switches before figuring this out. It costs about $1 to fix it rather than the $70-150 to replace it. This should work with any vehicle that is exhibiting the same symptoms and is worth a check on any model with a loud switch.
How to fix your broken, buzzing, grinding, smoking turn signal or multi-function switch.
- 1st: Remove the panel above the hood latch release. There are two torx screws in my 1996 Explorer.
- 2nd: Remove both of the panels on the steering column. There are three Phillips screws. I left the lower panel hanging on the steering wheel angle adjustment lever and I was able to remove the switch, but this may not work for you.
- 3rd: Unbolt the multi-function switch with the two torx screws.
- 4th: Unplug the two harnesses from it. Be careful not to pull on the wires here as they are tight and can break. This could also be the source of another turn signal error so check them carefully.
- 5th: Take the multi-function switch apart. It should be a clam shell style body with the lever on one side and the circuits on the other. Mine had 4 or 5 torx screws on it. Once apart be careful to not move anything around or it won't go back together correctly.
- 6th: Remove all of the nasty burnt brown grease in there with a dry towel.
- 7th: Put as much new grease on every metal contact point as you can. Make sure to do both sides of the switch. You can use one of the $1 packets of dielectric or silicon grease they have at the counter of most auto part stores.
- 8th: Put everything back together the same way it came apart.
Thanks for reading and let me know if you have any questions. I hope this helps. I don't have any pictures of the process, so I described it in as much detail as I could. It was a fairly easy thing to fix, but diagnosing the problem was really difficult.