Replacing Multifunction Switch

[Tavycal]

When I turn on my right turn signal I get a buzzing sound. If I hold it just far enough that the blinker comes on it works fine. Sometimes my lights flash on and off. Could the mutiswitch be the problem? I have a 1997 Explorer. Looks pretty simple to fix if that is what my problem is.

 

[dcdyd]

My turn signal did that before I fixed it by cleaning it.

 

[sarabear]

Husband's MFS is messing up

Hi all. This is an old post. Hubby and I both drive 2005 Ford Explorer XLTs. He has been getting a buzzing noise on his when turning right. Slow rear window wiper. Right turn signal in and out.

So I ran a test today. Sure enough when I wiggled the turn signal (had my 12 year old daughter in the drivers seat doing it)the turn signal worked. So I am pretty sure he either has dirty contacts on the MFS or needs a new switch. So I am going to clean it and replace it within the next few weeks. My husband is not a mechanical guy AT ALL. So I tend to do these things. My fil intrigued has offered to help. I told him I had it. I see several women on here have done it within an hour.

I'll update when I change it out. It is due for inspection next month...

p.s. Rockauto.com is now up to $57 for a MFS for a 2005 ford explorer.

 

[sarabear]

Changed switch out this weekend.

Ordered new part off Rockauto for $60 shipped. QUICK shipping! Very very easy to change this out. With no mechanical experience took 30 minutes. I did it on a 2005 Ford Explorer XLT. There was a screw on top of the top shroud, two on the bottom. Then the two shrouds snapped apart. You just had to pull them gently over the levers. The tilt lever, I just lowered to get it out of the way. Once those were off. One screw held the switch in place. Took a socket wrench to take that off. Slid the switch out of place. Unplugged the connectors. My connectors actually looked fine. It looked more like I had a bad switch. Got new switch and plugged in new connectors, put it back into place. Screwed it back in. Tested it. Put the cover back on and away I went.

Very easy. Anyone can do this. Thanks Guys! Look forward to being able to do more stuff on my own. Now car will pass inspection with a working turn signal.

 

[fantom4x4]

So I recently bought a 2002 explorer sport, and the drivers side blinker was blinking fast. I changed all of the blinker bulbs front and back, and its still blinking fast. I had a friend of mine follow me while I was driving around, he said that the front driver side blinker was blinking fast, but in the rear driver side the blinker and brake light werent flashing or anything. The passenger side blinkers/brake lights work just fine. Any ideas what the problem might be? From what I have read it is most likely the MFS, but I want to be sure before I spend the cash for a new one.

 

[fantom4x4]

So I recently bought a 2002 explorer sport, and the drivers side blinker was blinking fast. I changed all of the blinker bulbs front and back, and its still blinking fast. I had a friend of mine follow me while I was driving around, he said that the front driver side blinker was blinking fast, but in the rear driver side the blinker and brake light werent flashing or anything. The passenger side blinkers/brake lights work just fine. Any ideas what the problem might be? From what I have read it is most likely the MFS, but I want to be sure before I spend the cash for a new one.

Nevermind, problem fixed. I took the shroud off and looked at the MFS, anytime I tilted the steering wheel down, it pulled the connector out of the MFS. Just electrical taped it up and into place, and tada blinker work just fine now

 

[jonboyd]

Thanks for the information. It went just like you said. Same symptoms and very random, but gradually got worse.
Appreciate your post.

 

[South.East.Beast]

Quesiton - How do i slide out the bottom piece that surrounds the steering column? I removed the top piece but the bottom one is blocked because of the lever that adjusts the steering wheel height.

 

[scucci]

Quesiton - How do i slide out the bottom piece that surrounds the steering column? I removed the top piece but the bottom one is blocked because of the lever that adjusts the steering wheel height.

That tilt wheel lever unscrews just like a bolt. It can be very tight.

 

[bobflood]

Quesiton - How do i slide out the bottom piece that surrounds the steering column? I removed the top piece but the bottom one is blocked because of the lever that adjusts the steering wheel height.

+1. I had to use a visegrip clamped very tight on the lever to break it loose to unscrew it.

 

[captbill]

Ok problem: turn signals work fine without headlights or parking lights on. As soon as I turn the parking and or headlights on, the turn signals and hazard lights stop working and the instrument panel lights go out. Also the fog lights will not operate. I took apart the multifunction switch and thoroughly cleaned off the old green oxidation, reapplied dielectric grease but problem still exists. It did however make the intermittent wiper and washer functions better. What else could be the culprit? I have already replaced the lamp out module when the headlights were messed up. Any ideas?

 

[Lloyd10977]

Replaced MFS but no washer.

I recently replaced the MFS in my 1995 Limited because I was tired of cleaning and regreasing the old unit for a variety of problems. Now everything works perfectly EXCEPT that I no longer have a functioning windshield washer. The wipers will cycle for 2-3 strokes as expected, but no fluid is produced. I checked the pump and that DOES function when wired to a power source, and the nozzles are not plugged.

Any ideas?

 

[captbill]

replacing mfs

I recently replaced the MFS in my 1995 Limited because I was tired of cleaning and regreasing the old unit for a variety of problems. Now everything works perfectly EXCEPT that I no longer have a functioning windshield washer. The wipers will cycle for 2-3 strokes as expected, but no fluid is produced. I checked the pump and that DOES function when wired to a power source, and the nozzles are not plugged.

Any ideas?


Well since I removed my MFS just recently and cleaned the contacts using a wire brush contected to my Dremel, everything has worked just fine. I was able to get the contacts as clean as a brand new copper penny. Maybe the mfs you bought is faulty or possibly the wrong one? Not sure. Is there a relay connected to the washer pump? I have heard of others on this forum/site saying that the wrong switch doesnt operate all of the functions it should and that some got a faulty switch. Im sure you have already checked the fuse. Not much left to check especially if the pump works.

 

[South.East.Beast]

I replaced my multifunction switch but now the beeping sound that lets you know you left the headlights on is beeping even if the headlights are off. I know it beeps if the driver door is open but it beeps faster if the headlights are left on, thats the one im getting. Anyone else have this problem?

 

[Steeda04SVT]

Hoping I don't have these problems when I change my switch, luckily I just have to push in hard on the switch to get the windshield washer fluid pump to come on.

 

[Lloyd10977]

Hoping I don't have these problems when I change my switch, luckily I just have to push in hard on the switch to get the windshield washer fluid pump to come on.

I wish you luck, but you will find that replacing the switch is really not difficult. I find that using two small screwdrivers to gently pry apart the electrical plug clips will make the job a snap.

My problem is that even afte replacing the switch, the washer pump still does not function, no matter how hard I press. Hotwiring the pump directly to the battery proves that the pump DOES work. Wish I knew what steps to take now.

 

[Steeda04SVT]

I wish you luck, but you will find that replacing the switch is really not difficult. I find that using two small screwdrivers to gently pry apart the electrical plug clips will make the job a snap.

My problem is that even afte replacing the switch, the washer pump still does not function, no matter how hard I press. Hotwiring the pump directly to the battery proves that the pump DOES work. Wish I knew what steps to take now.

I know you'd rather it work like it's supposed to with the switch, but what about wiring up a toggle switch for the pump?

 

[flyinv55]

About this Multifunction switch, I had the buzzzing with turn signals and the quick blinking like several of you have. After replacing bulbs and a new flasher the problem was still there. I ordered a MFS (multifunction switch) online for $30 and as i removed the plastic shroud housing (yes you just unscrw the tilt lever, its tight because of loctite on the threads) I noticed the wiring harness had completely unplugged itself from the switch. I assume the tilting action of the steering wheel causes this. The 2 'tangs' that is supposed to keep the harness tight in the switch have weakened over the years and completely boke off at the slightest touch. I have temporarily wedged the harness back into the switch and everything is working fine. I suggest before you buy any bulbs, flashers, relays etc... take that shroud off and look at the harness connection at the actual switch itself. Might save you some beer money.

 

[Steeda04SVT]

Good info, def gonna try to look at mine this weekend.

 

[sarabear]

Replacing the switch on my car now

Replacing the switch on my car now. No brake light on right side, fast blinking, and buzzing noise.... I noticed the smell of smoke last week. Just ordered the part off rockauto. Thankfully I know how to do this.