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Tow Mode Switch issue?

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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 10:08 AM
  #1  
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chasracer
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Tow Mode Switch issue?

Looking for a lead on where to start trouble shooting the Tow Mode switch in my 2000 F-350. Went to use it and found that trying to turn it on that it's not functional. Are there any DTCs that might be thrown if the circuit is not functional? Pressing the switch doesn't turn on the dash light either, if that helps.
 
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 10:56 AM
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Mark Kovalsky
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First, there is no tow mode on a 2000 truck. There is an OD OFF button, but it doesn't do anything for towing.

The problem is usually a wire has worn through inside the steering column. Remove the plastic cover from the steering column and inspect the wires where they enter the shift handle. They often wear and break right there. You can either repair the wires or replace the shift handle.
 
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Old Apr 30, 2020 | 05:19 PM
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chasracer
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Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
First, there is no tow mode on a 2000 truck. There is an OD OFF button, but it doesn't do anything for towing.

The problem is usually a wire has worn through inside the steering column. Remove the plastic cover from the steering column and inspect the wires where they enter the shift handle. They often wear and break right there. You can either repair the wires or replace the shift handle.
Well the Ford sticker on the inside of my sun visor says to hit that switch when towing with the truck, so I thought it had something to do with towing.
Thanks for the tip on where to look.
 
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Old Apr 30, 2020 | 06:16 PM
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Mark Kovalsky
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Originally Posted by chasracer
Well the Ford sticker on the inside of my sun visor says to hit that switch when towing with the truck,
Would you please post a photo of that sticker?
 
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Old May 1, 2020 | 11:31 AM
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gpeade
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X2 on what Mark said. I had the same issue with my 03. Would sometimes work and sometimes not. Removed the shift lever and found a small nick in two wires right where they go through a hole in the shift lever. Apparently they were shorting out. Fixed the insulation and no more problems. You will need to know the trick to removing the ignition switch also if you are unfamiliar with that.
 
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