How to Fix Intermittent-Wiper and Plough Signal Issues on the Multifunction Switch

Tackle repairs to this complicated lever with a store transmission and a digital multimeter.

Introduction

Plough signals and intermittent wiper controls are the most common failures on the multifunction switch in late-model cars. Save money past doing the repair yourself—it'due south not as complicated as it looks.

Tools Required

Remove the Multifunction Switch

In one case known as a turn signal or blinker switch, this lever at present 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 ii most common failures are:

  1. A broken plow signal "canceling" mechanism that won't shut off the "blinkers" later a turn,
  2. A partial or complete loss of intermittent wiper command.

To gear up these ii problems, y'all'll need a shop manual, a digital multimeter and possibly some Torx bits.

Locating Your Vehicles Multifunction Switch

On about belatedly-model vehicles, the MFS is located nether the plastic covers behind the steering bike. In that case, you tin can do this repair in about an hr and save the cost of an hour or two of shop fourth dimension past doing it yourself. Only 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 run across where your MFS is located (you lot tin find shop manuals with an online search).

Automobile maintenance seems daunting at first, just first modest and piece of work up the car repair ladder. Here are 100 car repair tasks and maintenance y'all tin practise yourself.

Project step-by-footstep (4)

Step 1

Accept Off the Embrace

Turn Signal Problems on the Multifunction Switch intermittent wipers

Always disconnect the negative battery last and expect 15 minutes for the airbag system to power downwardly before starting work on the steering cavalcade. And 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 accept to go back to the aforementioned identify. Disengage the plastic snap clips and divide the two halves of the steering column cover.

Pace 2

All About the Multifunction Switch

multifunction switch

Multifunction switch levers control headlights, flashers, wipers and intermittent windshield washers. The MFS is usually held in identify by hex-head or Torx screws. Remove them, pull out the switch and disconnect the electric connector. If the problem is a cleaved canceling mechanism, you must supersede 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. So compare them with the manual.

If the resistance readings are off:

If the resistance readings are off, the shop transmission volition 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 Net for "multifunction switch repair."

If neither technique works:

If you lot can't disassemble the MFS or the cleaning doesn't work, replace the entire unit of measurement and reinstall the covers.

Step iii

Pull the Switch

pull the Multifunction Switch intermittent wipers

Remove the switch retaining screws and pull out the switch. Disconnect the electrical connector.

Originally Published: February 27, 2022