Replacing Multifunction Switch

[Peacock]

Thanks for the super-prompt response. I was planning on changing the relay initially, but when the timing chain started going south, I kinda just said screw it. Does that same relay control both the turn signals and flashers, or are there two relays?

 

[Curtis]

Thanks for the super-prompt response. I was planning on changing the relay initially, but when the timing chain started going south, I kinda just said screw it. Does that same relay control both the turn signals and flashers, or are there two relays?

Good question. I would think.. but Im not 100% sure

 

[Peacock]

Yeah, I saw on google that some fords have one for each, though I'm not 100% sure if it's that way for the explorer... if it is, then both simultaneously crapping out would be impossible and it's the MFS... I might just pick 'n pull all of the random crap parts I need so that I can troubleshoot without having to pay 50 for one part, 15 for another, etc.

 

[Curtis]

Yeah, I saw on google that some fords have one for each, though I'm not 100% sure if it's that way for the explorer... if it is, then both simultaneously crapping out would be impossible and it's the MFS... I might just pick 'n pull all of the random crap parts I need so that I can troubleshoot without having to pay 50 for one part, 15 for another, etc.

There are new switches on ebay
$26
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[Peacock]

Yeah, but with shipping its like 42... if I can find one for less than 20 in a junk yard, then I'll probably give that a shot.. if it fixes the problem I can always get a brand spanking new one when the used junk yard one craps out.

 

[Lloyd10977]

Good question. I would think.. but Im not 100% sure

Second generation Explorers come with a separate flasher for turn signals and 3mergency flashers.

 

[Peacock]

So, that means the odds of the flasher relays going out at the same time are pretty damn low, so I can bet it's the MFS... sweet!

 

[cannonman]

Refurb of the MFS

Well the first fix about 4 years ago has lasted about as long as the original equipment did. The steering column on the 01 EB started smoking on the wife and son today. In the first fix I used what grease I had after cleaning things up inside the Multi Function switch. It is a piece of cake to pull apart. 5 torx screws and pivot the top about the indicator stalk side, that is where wires are. Cllean off the old grease and any corrosion. I used contact cleaner too. Apply dielectric grease to prevent further corrosion. It seem that it is the grease getting contaminated with copper from the contacts that burns after 4 years of operation or so ( the grease becomes conductive. Clean off, reapply and you have a virtually zero cost fix for another 4 to 5 years. Any new MFS you get is probably going to have the same issues. I have pics but they are not on an http so leave me a message if you want em.

01 EB
07 Ltd

 

[Electrohacker]

just got done rebuilding mine, wire wheel and contact cleaner followed buy new dielectric grease (actually I used a $1 packet of light bulb grease)

$7 for a job it seems others are paying 60-80... I win.

and for those keeping score at home I owned the vehicle for 6 years without issue till now, and saying the previous owner never had it fixed (might have) then that's 13 trouble free years

 

[cannonman]

MFS inside picture

Excellent news on the win.
I finally got the MFS pic up on the net at http://sites.google.com/site/mfs01explorer/ or

 

[Electrohacker]

also, note that the hazard flashers has a spring under pressure that like to come out if you jostle the housing and fling across the room and get lost.

carefully take it out first

 

[thumper477]

Just opened up my switch yesterday.I could see where the old grease mixed with the copper filings to create a short.My switch would create a buzzing noise under the dash when I tried to signal to the right.One tip.Make sure when you reassemble the switch that you engage the dimmer lever black tab into the white plastic slot for the dimmer switch.I did'nt get it right the first try so I had to take it apart again to align it properly.Switch works like new now.I can put the 60 bucks I saved into the gas tank instead.Thank you to the folks here that posted the switch fix.This site is full of great information.

 

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[lotr_cowboy]

MFS Replacement

I'm a newb to the forum, but really appreciate all the info on this switch. Mine is buzzing occasionally in left turn position and also the intermittent wipers are barely working. I am doing the swap this weekend as I bought a switch from Autozone for $55+tax. It is a block from my house and I don't have to worry about bad packaging causing a break in the product during shipping. I am also replacing broken cruise control switches and found the information on this forum as well.

Thanks, and I will check back from time to time if I have problems. Shared knowledge is the best kind!

Jeff

 

[imperfexshun]

I just bought this Explorer in October after not having a vehicle for 10 years and I love it. My last one was a 1987 Bronco II.

I'm glad to discover this forum which confirms what my research was leading to since my brake lights went out the other day and I couldn't find any blown fuses or burned bulbs. The fact that it also explains the reason for the occasional phantom windshield wipers is another plus. I haven't decided yet whether I will try to change it myself or have someone do it, as I haven't worked on any cars since I had my Bronco when engines weren't sideways, serpentine belts weren't being used, and everything was easier to do (and I've gotten lazy in my old age). Besides I'm one of those people who usually ends up breaking clips and connectors that have been stuck together for all these years like some of the people have said here.

I do have some questions, however. Which fuse goes to the high-mount brake light (HMBL) and is the HMBL also controlled by the MFS? Fuses 3 and 7 are shown as the left and right brake lights/turn signals and they are only getting power when the turn signals are in use. I don't have any other fuses not getting power and I don't see on the list which fuse controls the HMBL. Also, can you tell me how to get to the bulb so I can check it? I don't see any access panel and the cover doesn't seem to want to come off (it was chipped and I chipped it more trying to lift it).

Thank you very much for your help.

Nancy

 

[Curtis]

I just bought this Explorer in October after not having a vehicle for 10 years and I love it. My last one was a 1987 Bronco II.

I'm glad to discover this forum which confirms what my research was leading to since my brake lights went out the other day and I couldn't find any blown fuses or burned bulbs. The fact that it also explains the reason for the occasional phantom windshield wipers is another plus. I haven't decided yet whether I will try to change it myself or have someone do it, as I haven't worked on any cars since I had my Bronco when engines weren't sideways, serpentine belts weren't being used, and everything was easier to do (and I've gotten lazy in my old age). Besides I'm one of those people who usually ends up breaking clips and connectors that have been stuck together for all these years like some of the people have said here.

I do have some questions, however. Which fuse goes to the high-mount brake light (HMBL) and is the HMBL also controlled by the MFS? Fuses 3 and 7 are shown as the left and right brake lights/turn signals and they are only getting power when the turn signals are in use. I don't have any other fuses not getting power and I don't see on the list which fuse controls the HMBL. Also, can you tell me how to get to the bulb so I can check it? I don't see any access panel and the cover doesn't seem to want to come off (it was chipped and I chipped it more trying to lift it).

Thank you very much for your help.

Nancy

Hi Nancy
Welcome to the forum. Lots of good information around here and I see you've already found the search function

Replacing the multi function switch is not difficult, just disconnect your battery first because you do have to remove the air bag. Removing it is not difficult but the last thing you want is for it to somehow get triggered and hurt you.

As for the HMBL, its 99% chance the bulb is blown. Its a known problem. The bulb is actually a type of florescent bulb and is very expensive from ford (dealer only part and I think its over $200)

Maybe you could do something like I did (or have a garage do it) Replace it with LED bulbs from another vehicle. My write up is here - http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237636

my total cost was $3.00

again, welcome!

 

[scucci]

I just bought this Explorer in October after not having a vehicle for 10 years and I love it. My last one was a 1987 Bronco II.

I'm glad to discover this forum which confirms what my research was leading to since my brake lights went out the other day and I couldn't find any blown fuses or burned bulbs. The fact that it also explains the reason for the occasional phantom windshield wipers is another plus. I haven't decided yet whether I will try to change it myself or have someone do it, as I haven't worked on any cars since I had my Bronco when engines weren't sideways, serpentine belts weren't being used, and everything was easier to do (and I've gotten lazy in my old age). Besides I'm one of those people who usually ends up breaking clips and connectors that have been stuck together for all these years like some of the people have said here.

I do have some questions, however. Which fuse goes to the high-mount brake light (HMBL) and is the HMBL also controlled by the MFS? Fuses 3 and 7 are shown as the left and right brake lights/turn signals and they are only getting power when the turn signals are in use. I don't have any other fuses not getting power and I don't see on the list which fuse controls the HMBL. Also, can you tell me how to get to the bulb so I can check it? I don't see any access panel and the cover doesn't seem to want to come off (it was chipped and I chipped it more trying to lift it).

Thank you very much for your help.

Nancy

Lamp Assembly —Rear Hi-Mount
Removal 98-2001

Remove the liftgate glass.
Remove the 3 plugs.
Remove the 3 nuts.
Disconnect the electrical connector.
Remove the high-mounted stoplamp.

98 up is supposed to have a L.E.D. high mount lamp.
The bulb is about $90 to $100. Check Explorer forum
vendors for best price.

Troubleshoot:

Test for voltage at the lamp connector:

With high mount lamp removed, depress brake pedal
Measure the voltage between hi-mount stoplamp C410F, circuit 569 center pin(DG), and ground.

Is the voltage greater than 10 volts?

No
REPAIR circuit 569 (DG). TEST the system for normal operation.

Yes
GO to next test.


Next Test
Measure the resistance between hi-mount lamp C410F, circuit 57 pin with index(BK), and ground.
Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?

Yes
REPLACE the hi-mount stoplamp bulb. TEST the system for normal operation.

No
Repair ground wiring.

 

[imperfexshun]

Wow, Ford sure doesn't make things easy with that 3rd brake light.

Thank you Curtis and Scucci for your replies.

Nancy