I need to change out the Turn signal/washer fluid switch. It keeps smoking when I signal for a left turn and put on the brakes. Is this something I can do myself (plug & play), or do I need to take it somewhere? I'd really like to be able to replace it myself, Ford wants to charge me $400 to do it and I can get the part off ebay for about $50.

Here's a pic.


John, Bob? Thanks guys.

 

I've never attempted this but I know it is pretty simple procedure. If you do a search for "multifunction", you will find others that have also done this but I was unable to find directions or pictures.

 

Before you replace it, you could try cleaning it:
http://www.fordf150.net/howto/fix-in...er-problem.php

If that doesn't do it, the stalk is not too hard to replace. Personally, I would pay a little more and get an OEM piece from the dealer.

 

Why pay more to get an OEM piece from a dealer, when I have a perfect OEM piece in my garage that I pulled off of my Explorer? John you can have mine if you want, and I'll beat any deal you can find out there...

 

sounds like its time for new blinker fluid.

 

The one I pictured isn't OEM? It sure looks like it.
EDIT: I had this replaced about two years ago when it was still under warranty. I'm sure the dealership used an OEM part, but now it's doing the same exact thing. Is this characteristic for this part to keep failing?

PM sent.

Is it just a matter of removing the screws under the steering column and pulling the old part?

 

I believe so. I will document the procedure as I remove it. I do know you don't have to pull the steering wheel or anything crazy like that. I'll trace wires and see where it plugs in, along with how it's attached.

 

Good deal, I can probably handle that. Thanks man!

 

Now you said smoke was coming from your steering wheel colum?

 

Yeah, smoke out of the top by the emergency flasher switch. I'm thinking that a couple of wires are crossing or something.

 

Needforspeed3685. You need to clear out some of your old PM's. Last one didn't go.

 

Thanks for the heads-up. I got it cleaned up now.

 

yeah thats what mine is doing, it keeps blowing my (hazzard lamp fuze)

 

Well I just got home, and I took a look as I came thru to see what we were up against. It looks like only two torx bolts hold it on, along with two wire harnesses that plug into the rear of it.

Pics are coming:

 

Hasn't blown any fuses (knock wood), just smokes when I put on the left turn signal and brake at the same time. The turn indicator light just kind of glows dimmly but doesn't flash like normal. This will be the third multifunction switch I've had to have.

 

Excellent! Sounds like even an electrical idiot like me can do this. Much appreciated.

 

The multifunction switch is held on to the steering column at the top and bottom by two T-20 Torx bolts. Removal of these bolts allows access to the wire harness retaining clips.

This is a basic, 5 minute installation. Simply remove the steering column cover, the two torx bolts, and the 2 harnesses. Swap the old for the new, and re-install!

 

You're the man Tim!

 

i wouldgo over the harness and look for any burns. If there is a discoloration in the connectiors then i would replace the connecctors with a harness repair kit. Just cut and butt. Would be it. But check to make sure.

 

If that were the case, I'd recommend he replace the entire harness and wire assembly. It's only about 8 inches long, and travels down the steering column, where it plugs into another harness. I could easily remove this section and give it to him. That would save the trouble of all that cutting and splicing!

 

That might not be a bad idea Tim. If you haven't already sent the switch, could you include the harness? Didn't think about the harness going bad.

 

I didn't consider that either, until he brought it up. We will work something out on the harness....and I'll pull it off later along with more pics for ya...

 

Thanks Tim.

 

Wow...another easy job. Just two Torx-15 screws hold this harness to the column. The wire harness you see that has been cut is the harness coming from under the dash. The large blue box is the turn signal "clicker".

 

Wow...that extra harness raised the weight up from under a pound to almost TWO! I had to pay a few more dollars to get it shipped, but it'll be there in 2-3 days guaranteed!