Replacing Turn Signal (Multifunction) Switch

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 7, 2019 | 07:17 PM

DFord

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 227

Likes: 12

From: St Louis, MO

Replacing Turn Signal (Multifunction) Switch

I just replaced the turn signal switch because it wouldn't cancel after left hand turns. The new switch seems to work great. After disconnecting the battery, I pulled the air bag off and then used a wheel puller to get the steering wheel off. I had a cheap HF puller kit but had to run to the store to get a couple 8x1.0x50mm bolts to fit the threads in the steering wheel. (The kit only came with 8x1.25x50 bolts) Pulled out the key to get the plastic housing top and bottom off. Finally got at the two screws that held on the turn signal switch and replaced it. Got it all back together and it all works - EXCEPT for that bonger that lets you know you've got your keys in the ignition with the door open!

It was an annoyance before I started but I could get it to stop by tapping on the switch. Now, nothing stops it - bong, bong, bong, bong... forever! Drives me nuts!

Anyone got an easy fix for that? I saw a small wiper on the side of the hole the key mechanism slides in. I tried to get it positioned correctly but I suspect a small piece of the plastic the little holder is made from broke off. The wire from it is wrapped in with the wires for the clockspring and I'm not eager to replace the clockspring just to get a new wiper for the key. Hoping someone got some ideas.

Oct 8, 2019 | 04:55 AM

Jose A.

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 1,460

Likes: 6

From: Florida

are you wanting to stop it from chiming or to restore it to chime?

to restore it, you can glue the thing back in place. It mounts between 7 and 9 pm.
Use Super glue.

To disable the chiming, once you get it glued and working, follow the sound under the dash to find the dammed chimer and disconnect it.

Oct 8, 2019 | 08:16 AM

DFord

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 227

Likes: 12

From: St Louis, MO

I'd like it to function as it supposed to so I don't forget to turn off the lights when I turn the key off. I'm not in the habit of leaving the keys behind through. I wouldn't think superglue wouldn't hold up long under the conditions inside the van. If you've used it and it worked long term, it would be easier and quicker than JB Weld.

The thin plastic piece that broke off was on the inside - reminds me of the cheapo high brake light holder I had to fix earlier in the day on one of my other vans in preparation to have it's semi-annual safety inspection.

Oct 8, 2019 | 08:37 AM

Jose A.

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 1,460

Likes: 6

From: Florida

yea I fixed mine the same way, it broke the same way. I use a super glue called DURO, sold at Dollar stores. Best super glue I ever used. Has held without a problem.

I have two n.o.s. top center brake lamps. Found 3 of them in Brazil and bought them all since they are no longer available. The bulb holders crack in pieces when they age.

Oct 13, 2019 | 10:55 AM

sittinguy

Tuned

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 306

Likes: 15

Seems like that little tab that comes from the clockspring (single wire) that is on the side of the ignition switch needs to be grounded or ungrounded. One way or the other should stop it and leave the chime functioning for the headlights on alert.

Oct 13, 2019 | 01:12 PM

Jose A.

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 1,460

Likes: 6

From: Florida

yes, it grounds with the ignition switch housing. mine keeps on chimming fine. I just hate the dammed chime. Chrysler has a chime that sounds like commercial airliners, a lot softer.

Oct 13, 2019 | 08:24 PM

DFord

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 227

Likes: 12

From: St Louis, MO

THANK YOU JOSE A.!!!!! I finally got tired of listening to the chime going on and on for no reason and took the column apart to get at the wiper. I put a drop of super glue on it and squeezed. It doesn't take super glue long to setup. It works like new! Put the key - it chimes. Take the key out and it stops. Perfect!

And yes, while I was fiddling with it, every time it touch the steering column it started chiming. When I pulled it away, it stopped. Grounding it causes the chime. If you can't or don't want to fix it, just cut the wire and make sure the wire can't touch anything.

Thanks for all your help!
Don Ford