What kind of problems are you having with your multifunction switch? Are headlights creating issues in signaling brighter, or the wipers aren’t working?
Multifunction switch is quite a versatile switch of Ford that has to deal with headlights, levers control, wipers, windshield washers, and flashers simultaneously.
It’s usually placed somewhere on the side of a Torx screw or Hex-head on your Ford, besides the steering column.
Testing the multifunction switch doesn’t require any rocket science knowledge. You may get confused because this single switch is connected to many other things.
In this article, you’ll get to know all the details on how you replace the turn signal switch or a combination switch.
Contents
Replacing the Turn Signal Switch
If your multifunction switch has gone bad and started working intermittently and you’ve started noticing some changes in your turn signal switch, it’s time to change it right away.
Most people don’t prefer using turn signals on their Ford. If you’re reading this article, you’re one of those good folks who still use turn signals.
Just like some other electrical components of the truck, the turn signals may go bad any time when you’re on your way.
How would you tell if your turn signal has gone bad?
Well, that’s what you have to check for your examination. If you see any telltale signs on your turn signal as if it starts working intermittently, you certainly need to check it out.
You’re now going to change the turn signal, and this guide will help you do that.
Materials You Need!
Before you get into the process, it’s better to collect the following things. The 8mm wrench, T50 Torx bit, Ratchet, flathead screwdriver, 2-jaw puller, pick, and most importantly, a new turn signal is all that you need.
The Step-By-Step Guide
Let’s get right into the process!
1. Step 1 – Disconnecting the fuse and battery
Start loosening the battery cables by using a ratchet and 8mm socket and end it up by disconnecting the battery.
Once you’re successful at unplugging the battery, if terminals are corroded, free them by prying and using a flat head screwdriver.
Now you have to pull the side panel to get access to the fuse box on the passenger side – most probably below the glove box.
Remove the cover of the fuse box with the help of the flathead screwdriver. Once getting access to the fuse box, you have to pull the red 10amp fuse using a fuse puller.
You’ll see it somewhere on the third number in the top row. You’re good to go for the next step!
2. Step 2 – Removing the steering wheel
Here’s an important step where you need to be a little bit more vigilant. Start by prying off the circular plastic cover from the right side of the steering column. Here, you can use a flathead screwdriver.
Inside the hole, you have to remove the 8mm bolt. Ensure that you repeat these steps on the driver’s side and pull out the steering wheel’s middle part.
Pick up the head screwdriver and push down on the red tab to disconnect the top harness in the wheel. Pry out on the red tab by disconnecting the bottom tab and picking out the grey clip with a pick’s help.
It’s now the right time for the installation of a two jaw puller inside the middle of a steering wheel. Make sure you tighten it to the way the steering wheel becomes easy to pull off and loosen.
But wait! How can you forget to remove the T50 bolt? Do it right away by turning the steering wheel to click it into the place.
Finally, you have to detach the 7/32” bolt that’s present beneath the steering wheel. That’s all! You have successfully removed the steering wheel, and you’re good to go on to the next step.
3. Step 3 – Removing the turn signal switch, finally
Now you have to pull down the adjustment level of the steering wheel along with removing the bottom trim piece of the column inside it.
Here, detach the 7/32” bolts and remove the trim by holding the top trim piece onto the column tightly. End it up by removing the single 7/32” bolt that’s present beneath the top trim piece.
It’s time to lift the turn signal’s top/side straight up by pushing the tab. You have to disconnect and detach the three wiring harnesses attached to the turn signal switch.
4. Reinstalling the new turn signal switch
Detach the spring from the previous turn signal switch and attach it to the new switch place. But wait! You only have to do it if your new turn signal doesn’t come with its own spring.
It’s now the right time to place the new switch in position by connecting the harnesses. Replacing the bottom and top bolts on the column and lifting it might help you at this stage.
How can you forget to replace the top panel? Do it right away and install the two bolts again on the bottom.
Moreover, now you have to reinstall the bottom panel by pushing it in its position. Once you’re done with reinstalling, make sure you slide the steering wheel to line up the yellow dot and reconnect the harness.
Lastly, you are finally going to reinstall the Torx screw. During this, reconnect the bolts for the steering wheel, keeping it straight up, and replace the bolt on each side.
Finally, reconnect the battery by reinstalling the panel cover and the fuse. You have to put the steering wheel in the position and lock it in place.
The Lifespan of a Multifunction Switch
From adjusting the low and high beams on your headlights, turning the turn signal on, to finally activating the hazard lights, a multifunction switch has to deal with all of these functions at once.
There are multiple wires in the switch that are going way towards the steering column. Failing the switch may cause inconvenience because this single switch is dealing with so many functions.
Why does the switch fail?
Well! That’s something you should really know. The combination switch may fail due to faulty electrical components or wiring shorting out.
Moreover, the switch may break down due to excessive force you apply or overusing. Sometimes it just happens that only a few components fail to work, and sometimes the entire operation, including headlights, wipers, turn signals, and many more.
And if any such thing happens, you certainly need to take action and change the switch. Driving your Ford with a faulty multifunction switch is a hazard, no doubt.
Symptoms of failing multifunction
Here are a few things that may let you determine that your switch needs to be replaced right now.
- There will be no adjustment of headlights from the low beam to the high beam.
- If there’s enough fluid in the reservoir and the washer fluid isn’t turning on.
- If light bulbs are intact and the hazard lights aren’t illuminating.
- The turn signals aren’t working, and you have confirmed it by checking the light bulbs in them.
The Bottom Line
Testing the multifunction switch of your Ford starts right scrutinizing different components associated with it.
As soon as you find out the faulty spot that isn’t working right, you have to fix it immediately. If you’re driving your Ford without the combination switch working correctly, it’s a substantial safety hazard.
Follow the complete guide to make sure to test and change your multifunction switch – get the job done.
Decent article, however no actual test on the switch is performed. You only replaced it.
How does switching it for a new one test it?