I hope someone can help me on this. My right blinker acts erratically and I have already replaced all the bulbs and blinker relay. So I suspect the only thing left is the multifunction switch. I tried taking the top and bottom column covers off and that went ok.The top went off but it appears you have to remove the tilt arm off to get the bottom cover off? Is that so?

From that point is it easy from there? It's difficult for me to tell how much more difficult work is needed to remove the old switch and replace it with a new one. The switch cost $75 at the dealer and the dealer said it would cost between $200-350 to do the job.

If anyone can provide some basic instructions I would really appreciated it!
Maybe it not worth me trying to do this myself?

 

When I replaced the multi switch in my 95 Taurus I just followed the instructions in the Haynes manual.

What are you driving, maybe one of the other guys has a Haynes manual for it.

 

Thanks, I have a 98 Ford Exployer.

 

Just replaced the turn signal switch on my 98 Explorer. Easy Job.

1. Bought it at Advanced Auto $68.00
2. Disconnect the battery for about 10 minutes to keep from setting of the air bag.
3. On the back of the air bag / horn (center of the steering wheel) remove 2 plastic covers with a small screw driver.
4. Remove the 2 screws that hold the air bag / horn in place.
5. CAREFULLY lift off the Airbag / horn from the steering wheel and disconnect the ribbon wires from the air bag / horn. NOTE: PLACE THE AIRBAG UPSIDE DOWN TO PREVENT STATIC FROM DISCHARGING IT!!! You can lay it in the passenger seat.
6. Remove the tilt lever by using a small adjustable wrench, keep from scratching the paint.
7. Remove 3 screw from the bottom of the steering column that hold the cover on.
8. On the turn switch, there are 2 connectors that are for the turn signal and wiper control. Remove them using a small screw driver to release the tabs.
9. Disconnect the 2 screws that hold the switch to the steering column.

Installation is in the reverse order.

Note: On my switch when it started acting up it was only 2 days before it started smoking. I was in a panic to disconnect the battery. Not trying to scare you but when it went it did it fast.

Total time to replace in install - 1 1/2 hours.

Hope this helps.

 

Now that IS a good answer!!

I see that things have changed.

Changing the multi switch on my 95 Taurus was a much simpler 30 minute job. Did'nt need to touch the air bag.

 

wow. thanks for the detailed instructions!
It's probably a good idea to just invest in a repair manual. any idea who publishes a good one?

 

The best manual I ever had was from Ford. Now they cost about $350.00. The Hayes are just to general and don't get into the detail I like to see. I use a combination of FTE, Hayes, and Common Sense. But I have also busted a few knucles too.

 

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I replaced the switch and it went easier than I anticipated. The tricky part was trying to be careful while removing the connectors, prying the clips while at the same time pulling on the connectors with just two hands.

I did not have to remove the airbag assembly at all either. Took about 30 minutes minus the 10 minute wait after removing the battery cables.

 

Glad all went well.

 

Good job, glad to hear you got it figured out.

 

Bluerondo, what was wrong with your blinker to begin with? I think mine might be going bad and may need to replace the switch, but I'm not sure. The front left front doesn't flash at all, while the back left blinks really fast. Was this similar to your blinker problem?

 

Nevermind. I figured it out. Just needed to spray connection down with electrical cleaner.

 

From what I've read elsewhere that symptom is usually a bad bulb or blinker Relay. Under the dash in a 98 Exployer. 10bucks at Pepboys or 40bucks at the dealer. The pepboys has one less connection but apparently it wasn't used but also the pepboys unit does not have the same exact mounting slot - so I tie wrapped it against the bracket just fine.

Good luck!