Tackle repairs to this complicated lever with a shop manual and a digital multimeter.
Introduction
Tackle repairs to this complicated lever with a shop manual and a digital multimeter.
Tools Required
- Digital multimeter
- Shop manual
- Torx-head screwdriver
Project step-by-step (5)
Step 1
If you have a newer car and your wipers are acting strangely, or your turn signals are flickering or not working altogether, there’s a good chance it has to do with a little component that’s hidden in an instrument cluster near your dash.
“A worn-out multifunction switch often causes these frustrating issues,” says mechanic Shawn Miller, founder of Modified Rides. “It’s the component behind the steering wheel that controls your signals, wipers and sometimes even headlights.”
The good news is that if you have some automotive knowledge, you can probably DIY the fix and save yourself a couple hundred dollars. But first, check to make sure it’s not a faulty fuse. If it isn’t, then here’s how to find and replace the multifunction switch in your car.
Remove the Multifunction Switch
Once known as a turn signal or blinker switch, this lever now also controls headlights, high beams, emergency flashers, wipers and washers. No wonder it’s called the multifunction switch (MFS) these days. Unfortunately, the MFS has a fairly high failure rate.
The two most common failures are:
- A broken turn signal “canceling” mechanism that won’t shut off the “blinkers” after a turn,
- A partial or complete loss of intermittent wiper control.
To fix these two problems, you’ll need a shop manual, a digital multimeter and possibly some Torx bits.
Locating Your Vehicles’ Multifunction Switch
On most late-model vehicles, the MFS is located under the plastic covers behind the steering wheel. In that case, you can do this repair in about an hour and save the cost of an hour or two of shop time by doing it yourself. But some older vehicles require the removal of the airbag and steering wheel, and that’s a job for a pro. Refer to a shop manual to see where your MFS is located (you can find shop manuals with an online search).
Car maintenance seems daunting at first, but start small and work up the car repair ladder. Here are 35 car repair tasks and maintenance you can do yourself.
Take Off the Cover
Always disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 15 minutes for the airbag system to power down before starting work on the steering column. Then remove the screws and lift off the plastic covers.
Keep track of the screws:
Remove the screws from the bottom half of the steering column cover and note the length, thread style and location of each screw. They have to go back to the same place. Disengage the plastic snap clips and separate the two halves of the steering column cover.
Step 2
All About the Multifunction Switch
Multifunction switch levers control headlights, flashers, wipers and intermittent windshield washers. The MFS is usually held in place by hex-head or Torx screws. Remove them, pull out the switch and disconnect the electrical connector. If the problem is a broken canceling mechanism, you must replace the entire MFS (auto parts store or dealer).
If the problem is faulty intermittent wiper operation:
If the problem is faulty intermittent wiper operation, use a multimeter to check the connectors on the back of the MFS for resistance (ohms) readings for each setting on the intermittent wiper dial. Then compare them with the manual.
If the resistance readings are off:
If the resistance readings are off, the shop manual will tell you to replace the MFS. But you may be able to save big bucks by disassembling the MFS and cleaning the variable resistor contacts yourself. Search the Internet for “multifunction switch repair.”
If neither technique works:
If you can’t disassemble the MFS or the cleaning doesn’t work, replace the entire unit and reinstall the covers.
Step 3
Pull the Switch
Remove the switch retaining screws and pull out the switch. Disconnect the electrical connector.
Step 4
Check the Resistance
Connect a multimeter to the wiper contacts on the switch to check the resistance readings. Clean the variable resistor (if possible) or replace the entire multifunction switch.
Working on a vehicle can be intimidating for non-mechanic types, but some tasks are very easy to do yourself. The following 13 handy hints will help you complete automotive maintenance and small fixes with ease.
Step 5
FAQ
Can I drive my car if the turn signals or wipers are not working?
Yes, technically, since the car will run without functioning turn signals or wiper blades. “However, doing so is highly dangerous and super illegal,” says Julie Bausch Lent, managing editor of Car Talk. Also, “Without functioning turn signals and wiper blades, your car will most likely fail inspection.”
How much does it cost to replace a multifunction switch?
It depends on the vehicle and the extent of the issue, but usually around $200 to $300 dollars. “If you have a high-dollar exotic vehicle, expect this price to go up accordingly,” says Bausch Lent.
About the Experts
- Julie Bausch Lent is managing editor of Car Talk, the digital content iteration of the long-running NPR show about all things automotive.
- Shawn Miller is an auto mechanic, founder of Modified Rides and self-described as being obsessed with building and fixing cars.
