Puff of smoke from flasher switch area?

[rgoers]

I was just ready to turn into my drive after a 4 hour trip, and when I looked down to put my signal on - I saw a very distinct puff of smoke come out of the opening for the 4-way flasher switch. It smelled like it was electrical (I've worked with electronics since my Air Force days in the late 70's, so I know that smell all too well).

It's an '00 Explorer Sport, that I bought used (private sale) less than a month ago.

Anybody else had this happen? Are there any recalls/TSB's issued for this problem? I've had 2 other Fords (88 Aerostar, 93 Villager) that have had recalls for the ignition switch, but couldn't find info for a '00 recall.

Help?

 

[budwich]

MFS switch is welcoming in the new year a bit early with a bit of a smoke. It is a common source of problems... lucky it doesn't drink...

 

[rgoers]

I'm new to Explorers... what's an MFS switch???

Should I pour some booze on it?

 

[boominXplorer]

multifunction switch. There is a ford part number on the site, just dont know where. Search multifunction switch and im sure you can find it.

 

[MONMIX]

it the thing you operate for turning signals, high beams and wipers. It is a multi function switch. Like others have said, it is pretty common. Mine went south over a year ago. It is fairly easy to replace. The part is like sixty of seventy dollars.

 

[Lloyd10977]

The Multifunction switch is known to cause some issues. In most of the cases that I have heard, the sign of smoke is usually the last gasp. Most often you will get a startling buzzing when engaging the left or right turn signal, and this is a warning that the switch may (or may not) be on it's way out. Someone on a similar site, called THE RANGER STATION, did a write up about disassembling and cleaning the contacts, but in most cases you will find it a LOT easier to take 10 minutes and replace the part. Your Ex has a switch which is the same for model years 1999-2001, so if you want to save a few bucks you can try a boneyard.

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=35917&hl=multifunction+switch

 

[Stic-o]

My wife's truck does this, everyonce in awile. The first time it happend to me , and I told my wife and she thought I was nuts I replased it and still did it again later on, it still works though. I just don't want the truck to burn down to the ground

However it seems to be a sport thing, my 99 4 door has never had this problem

 

[rgoers]

Thanks so much guys! I found a bunch of them on eBay for around $45 (new). I'll probably grab one of them. I'm just a little concerned (okay... paranoid!) about parking it in the garage until I get it fixed.

 

[gjw02]

My 2000 XLT did the smoke thing as well a couple months ago. All of the functions having to do with the multi function switch are working, I was wondering if I should replace it anyway. Sounds like if I do, it will smoke again, which makes replacing it a mute issue. Any advice??????

 

[MONMIX]

No, what ever was wrong with them has been taken care of. As far as I know.

I would go ahead and replace it.