how to install multi-function switch?

[Eriamjh]

quote:Originally posted by josheypt

has anyone ever just installed a new switch on the dash that has been spliced inot the foglight wire???


joshey

I don't understand your question.

I paid Ernie for his multi-function switch and it arrived and I installed it. It works great. The installation was cake. The lower panel just pops down and only two screws hold the switch to the column. You have to carefully pry back the red secondary locks on the two connectors on the back of the switch before you try to pull the connectors out and transfer the flasher unit to the new switch, but other than that, cake cake cake, easy as CAKE!

This switch is made by Lucas. I will be openeing up my old switch to determine if it can be repaired (not likely).

[tball287]

I have a 2001 pt cruiser and I was wondering if my fog lights, cruise control, and wiper blade switches are not working after changing fuses could this be a steering column switch problem?

[CREWZIN]

Guys,

The switch has been pulled apart a couple times and looked at to see if it can be fixed or somehow upgraded so it wouldn't burn out again. Bottom line, cheap innards that can't be repaired and unless your some kind of electrical engineer and can fabricate parts yourself, your better off just replacing it.

The last person to take it apart said that not using the fog lights caused more damage to the guts of the switch because the two main contacts continually made contact when the lights were on and never moved causing the thin connectors to burn out. Using the fog lights once in while actually helped prolong it's life.

Here's the thread I started if you care to read:

Multifunction Stalk (switch)

[djpadko]

my fog lights went out the other day ('01 PT), fuse is good, i read (below link pg. 8 #153 & 154) that the MF Switch can be fixed ... anybody try this? anybody have a replacement switch-or-stalk available?

Trouble with Multifunction control switch for PT Cruiser headlights - Topix

[CREWZIN]

First time I've heard about a "fix", thanks for the link. I might try that if mine ever fails.

I've put down to why mine hasn't failed in 8 1/2 years to the use of the fog lights about 50% of the time that I have my low beams on. The link I posted earlier showed how the switch actually burned out by using the lights and NOT using the fogs. Somehow part of the switch stayed in one spot and burned a hole from non use.

[djpadko]

the "burned-out" from non-use is a little scarry .... I use my fog lights all the time (for added safety), later on this weekend (post the big party) I hope to attempt the "fix" .... I'll follow up either way.

[santacolorado]

I have a 2001 pt tha the headlights and door locks quit working on I checked all the fuses and circuit breakers all check good..IS THERE a commen relay or something else I,m missing thanks

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by santacolorado

I have a 2001 pt that the headlights and door locks quit working. I checked all the fuses and circuit breakers all check good..IS THERE a common relay or something else I'm missing? thanks

Here's an old thread that might help:

Headlights and door locks stopped working?

[santacolorado]

Doesn,t really say what he found wrong but are exzact problems i,m having

[mandim]

Anyone know where I can get one?!!?

NAPA says that they don't make them anymore?! And Chrysler said they're back ordered in Lansing, MI by like 2300 units.

I'm in Canada, and I'll order online if I have to. I need the one w/ foglights. The few places I've checked online were out of stock. Any ideas?

While I'm here: am I ok leaving it non-functioning for however long it takes me to get the part? It was acting up (fog lights flickering on and off while driving for the last month, and I looked it up on here at that time, but I couldn't afford to get fixed.)

Yesterday I saw some 'whifts' of smoke coming from my steering column when I started up my car and it freaked me out. I zipped over to the garage half a block away, and got an "I dunno, we'll have to take it all apart to figure out why" from them. Even after I said I knew why and what needed to be replaced.... but I guess I'm just a stupid girl here only to give them money.

I came home to take a 2nd look at how to do it myself. I've decided I can. Since yesterday, the fog lights won't go out at all, so I took out the fuse. Is this ok, or is it dangerous to be driving after it's gotten to the smoking part? (only smoked for the few minutes I had it running until I got to the garage, not since!)

Thank you!