Multifunction Switch Replacement

I had a 1995 Windstar and a 1996 Taurus SHO. Both would hardly ever squirt water when I wanted to wash the windshield. The washer switch is at the end of the multifunction lever. Using a thin bladed knife, pry off the cap at the end of the stalk. Remove the Phillips screw and half the switch can be removed. The other half is a printed circuit card. The grease can be carefully cleaned and new grease applied. It is important to use grease designed for sliding switches. I got mine from NYE, but it will probably be hard to buy locally. The wrong grease can attack the plastic or interfere with the electrical circuit.

My turn signals quit working and I replaced the flasher. The flasher has a blue case. It is attached to the lower skirt of the dash just to the left of the removable panel below the steering column. They cost a little over $15 from Ford. That didn't correct the problem and I replaced the multifunction switch. Being a switch engineer I dismantled the old one and the contacts were green. The switch quit in cold weather and it was almost a week before I replaced it. In that time it never worked again.

The multifunction lever lists for something like $78 and I got mine for $55. The new one was obviously a different design, but will fit perfectly. It has better tactile feel than the original. I wouldn't mess around with a used one.

Tools Needed

• 7mm nut driver or socket wrench. (I used a socket with a screwdriver type handle)
• #2 Phillips screwdriver.
• T-15 Torx driver (one with a long blade is best).
• Thin blade straight screwdriver.

Remove the cluster trim.

• The manual says to disconnect the battery and wait 2 minutes to avoid the possibility of deploying the airbag, I didn't do this - your choice.
• Tilt steering column to lowest position and remove the two 7mm hex screws above the cluster. Place two or three fingers in the air vents in the right and left ends of the cluster and pull outward. The trim snaps out.

Remove steering column upper cover.

• Remove the 3 Phillips screws holding the bottom cover to the top cover and snap the two pieces apart.

Remove the switch.

• The top screw is very accessible. It is a T-15 Torx.
• The lower screw can be accessed through the slot for tilting the column. When I did mine I dropped it and it laid in the lower column cover. I retrieved it with a magnet. When reinstalling this screw, I attached it to the screwdriver with tape.
• Remove the Wiring harness(s) from the switch. This is where you will use the straight screwdriver. The manual I have says to do this first, but it is easier with the switch loose.
• Reinstall in the reverse order