Multifunction Stalk (switch)

[CREWZIN]

I was reading thru a "fix-it" site on problems with the PT Multifunction stalk and there was interesting reading.

I've always wondered why I've never had any problems with mine. Since September 2000 I've almost always put my fog lights on with the headlights. Then a couple years ago a lot of owners started having the stalk burn out and MX-5 showed pictures of how cheap the internals of the stalk were and then I started to be very cautious when and where I was using the fog lights, not wanting to burn it out.

What I just read on the "fix-it" site, it's actually better to use the fog lights rather than not use them. Maybe that's why I've never had any problems with the stalk (switch).

Here's the write-up from the "fix-it" site.....

Well I finally disassembled the fog light switch to see what the problem is. Chrysler should be ashamed.....the actuater rod that runs through the turn signal arm has actually worn a small "pit" in the switch actuator for the fog lights. This actuator always touches the rod, so it actually wears worse when you DON'T use your fog lights. Certainly a 20 cent part if ever I saw one.
Their problem is that they have so much in 1 componnent that you have to change wiper/washer,headlight, turn signal and fog light controls.

[SRG]

Originally Posted by CREWZIN

....Their problem is that they have so much in 1 componnent that you have to change wiper/washer,headlight, turn signal and fog light controls. [/I]

They're wrong on the washer stalk, it isn't changed with the multifuntion switch. In up to 2005 cars, you simply detach it from the mutifunction switch, and put it on the new one.

srg

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by SRG

They're wrong on the washer stalk, it isn't changed with the multifunction switch. In up to 2005 cars, you simply detach it from the mutifunction switch, and put it on the new one.

srg

But the wipers are still running through the multifunction stalk even though they are physically on a different stalk, and you are making a change even if it's just a module.

[SRG]

I don't understand what you mean by "running through". Electrically, the MFS and the wiper/washer stalk are entirely separate, they are just bolted together to install on the steering column. I've changed 2 MFS's, one on an 02 and one on an 04. Both times the washer stalk wasn't replaced, just set aside and put back together with the MFS. The wiring harness for each is separate from the other.

The original statement you quoted stated that both were in one component thus both had to be changed.

srg

[CREWZIN]

All the wiring from the multi-function stalk and the wiper stalk comes together in one harness down in the steering column and when you change to a new MF stalk you have to take off two small modules from the old stalk to put on the new stalk and they are the combo flasher and a wiper switch.

So when I quoted the person who said that too many things are running thru the multi-function switch including the wiper/washer, he was meaning there's a module from the wiper switch along with the head lights, fog lights and turn signals that do put an excessive amount into one switch.

Now things might have changed in the later models but I do know I've never had a problem with the switch and have been using the fogs quite a lot since Sept 2000 so I go along with what he found when he opened up the switch as I said in my first posting.

[SRG]

Yes, down the steering column, the wiring harnesses do run down there. The wiper stalk is not a "module', its another switch assembly, that is bolted together with the MFS assembly.

The wiring for both is 2 separate cable assemblies.

The problem with the multi-function switch is that too much amperage runs through all the switch contacts. Too much, that is, for the cheap parts, (contacts and plastic parts). to withstand the heat build up.

I remember MX-5's write up and pictures, and agree with it all. But for anyone to say that the wiper stalk/switch assembly is part of and must be changed with, the MFS, is wrong. I know, I've done it twice, and put back the separate, wiper stalk/switch assembly both times.

The 4-way blinker relay is a plastic module that plugs into the MFS assembly. That must be unplugged off the old one and re-plugged into the new MFS, when it its installed.

srg

[CREWZIN]

I think we've beat this thing to death. No matter how many things are running or connected to that stalk, it was a bad design with cheap parts

We're agreeable on 99% of this and especially about how the multi-function stalk is made. Mines been OK for 8+ years while still using the fog lights which goes along with the guys quote but I'm sure there's others that haven't had a problem with the stalk and never use the fog lights.

[sinsativ]

I have had mine on a 2002, bought brand new in Oct 02, and the fog lights were hardly ever used, has 88000 miles on it, in San Antonio TX, and the MF switch is just now starting to fault. By the way, thats the perfect acronym for that switch. The MF switch. Does anyone know if you can take out the fuse for the foglights temporarily and not have any problems with the headlights and still be okay for the rest of the MF switch until it can be replaced. Or is it all on one fuse?

[CREWZIN]

A lot of people have taken out the number #8 fuse for the fog lights so it wouldn't run down the battery and still ran around OK. It still means that something inside the MF switch has burnt out or fused together so there is something wrong. Keep your eye and nose peeled for anything that smells burnt. Don't mean to scare you but there has been smoke reported from the switch. Don't know if taking the fuse out would stop it or not.

[02ltdpt]

is it at all possible to repair it ourselves? or is a new stalk required?