Multifunction Dissection - not for the queasy

[TJM]

k-tink, k-tink, k-tink, k-tink... for no apparent reason.
Release the brake - k-tink
k-tink - cruise shuts off

I have had enough!!! The Multi-Function switch is driving me nuts.

I could make it "k-tink" on demand by pushing the MF lever (using the "MF" term loosely here) forward. I had done the fix suggested in this forum with little improvement. I was inspired at the age of 12 by a man who insisted that EVERYTHING could be repaired rather than replaced so...

I removed the panels and steering column covers as described in the other thread.

Unplug horn relay so I wouldn't unintentionally self-inflict any startling blasts while removing the MF switch; the horn pin is integrated with the MF switch.

You must remove the wiper switch to remove the MF switch - I used a 3/16 6 point box ignition wrench to get to this screw that is somewhat hidden

Note the horn pin on the removed MF switch - also one cover screw removed

Be careful as you remove the cover not to loosa da horn spring and pin - that "Y" shaped piece with the 2 TINY springs is the dog for the directional auto release - Put the cover aside and DON"T PLAY WITH THE DOG or the springs will come off (yup you guessed it) doh!

The inside of the MF switch reveals a multitude of grease but the unit remains together and nothing falls out <whew>

The end of the unit where the directional detents are can be removed to gain better access to the contacts - the contacts located on the stalk side are spring loaded but seem to have stops on them so they don't fall out

There are 3 of these little rollers -

The complexity of just this end of the MF switch leads me to believe that its cost is justified.

OK - now spray everything with CRC Electronics cleaner (mainly the contacts and Q-tip them just to help out the cleaner. There are more of the little holes described in the other thread all over this thing; I sprayed them too.

Apply a LITTLE dielectric grease to the contacts as well as the rollers, the dog, its cam on the steering column and the horn ring behind the steering wheel. reassemble the MF switch.

You have to hold the horn pin in to get the MF switch back into place and put the top screw in to make sure it doesn't pop out on ya.

The rest of the assembly is reverse of removal.

Total woking time 2½ hours

This dissection only addresses the directionals portion of the switch. However, the access gained into the rest of the switch by this disassembly far exceeds the "in-place" method of spraying.

The other section of the switch looks like it can be disassembled but I am afraid that side of it may have been designed by Inspector Gadget or Rube Goldberg and parts and springs will fly out as it gets opened.

This switch is a "MF" but time will tell if this fixed my issues - so far so good!

[Wacko]

tjm, you are a brave soul. I don't know if I would have the patience. I just returned from the garage. I was to attack a squeaking blower (it squeaks only at the most common speed). I pulled the passenger sound barrier in the footwell, couldn't get the temperature sensor off the panel, gave up and put it back together. I was only two fasteners into the 'project.' Squeaking lives another day.

Anyway, good luck with the MF fix long term.

[JimW]

My multifunction has the same issue. But its totally intermittant. And it usually shuts up after about 30 seconds. Seems to be associated with the brake pedal release...so strange.

I commend your bravery, I dont think I could go to such lengths as you have.

Heres a thought...any idea why it mal-functions like this?

[vojtazbrna]

wow, that is something. I would rather drop the $200 for that:)
I have something more to say, though. I had that same clicking problem for about 4-5 months. It was soooo annoying! I had exactly the same thing as Jim mentioned. It was associated with the brake padel and it would click only after a start up. I cleaned it the way it was described in the other thread and it got only worse! It would click more often and much longer. It would disengage the cruise, also. Cleaned it one more time and it got even worse! For the next three days it would click ALL THE F*CKING time. I was going nuts! Then it gradually got better to the stage 1(only after start up). In the meantime my signal flashing was really slow and would skip once in a while. So I got a new flasher as adviced on this forum. Got it aftermarket for like $2. Replaced myself (2 min job) and never heard a click since then! It's been about two months and it's gone! You cannot imagine how happy I am That's my 2 cents.
My point is to try to locate the clicking. Locate the flasher and after start up put your fingers on it. If you can hear it and feel it clicking there's your solution. If not, then it's probably the MF.

[TJM]

jimw said:

My multifunction has the same issue. But its totally intermittant. And it usually shuts up after about 30 seconds. Seems to be associated with the brake pedal release...so strange.

I commend your bravery, I dont think I could go to such lengths as you have.

Heres a thought...any idea why it mal-functions like this?

Still quiet to date -

First start in the morning it would "k-tink" for about 20-30 seconds.

I think what may be happening: since I could make it "k-tink" on demand by pushing the lever forward, I think the contacts on the stalk side may have been sticky in their mounts; i.e. when pushing the stalk forward they lost contact with - um- the contacts and broke a required circuit; purely speculative though.

It may just be that I was able to get the contact cleaner if far more places than was possible without disassembly.

On my first attempt at cleaning, as in the other thread, I used a cleaner that had a lube in it as well. This may have been why my first attempt failed.

Looking carefully at this piece of equipment you can see it was clearly designed for longevity; the rollers are the givaway. after 200,000+ miles I saw no visible wear other than the contacts themselves.

One thing I would do differently though - I think the dielectric grease is too heavy - something lighter may have been a better choice but time will tell.

[oldsauroraman1]

SHAZAM. Wow, been there in things like this and you think you're gonna end up losing your mind by the time it's all done! Good job, excellent pics! Thank you TJM!

[stevensolds]

nice tjm. i am so lazy i would just let gm do it. mine does it only when u start it up cold and it does it once in a while for only 5 seconds a time.

[aurora4]

i got the same problems but i un plug the LCM and it stops i plug it in and my lights stay on as long and the key is on if i take it out in buzz's and flashes but not so much it kills the battery

[aldrichd]

I replaced my MF switch a couple of years ago and I have not had any problems since. It seems like too much trouble to take it apart.

[fox24racing]

I had the relay clicking problem happening every now and then. I removed the multifunction switch (pretty easy following the write ups) and took it apart. I used a Q-tip to clean most of the grease off the contacts.

One note: The white piece from the origin post with the three springs attached to it is above the contacts that need to be cleaned. This part is not easily removed, but can be slightly lifted up, as in the picture, and the grease can be cleaned out using a Q-tip. (I didn't think the OP was clear on this part.)

I didn't use any contact cleaner or dielectric grease. I think any grease that is left in there that I couldn't clean will keep the parts sliding smoothly.

Also, for the record, I used this same method a while back on an Alero and have not had any issues.

[cruzilla]

Well I’ll went from fixing leaks to fixing electrical problems , lights would intermittently blink, thank god for this thread. This was my day got it removed, torn down, lubed up and put back together. SUCCESS!!

[AuroraGirlFromMars]

Jul 26, 2020 21:54:59 GMT -6 cruzilla said:

Well I’ll went from fixing leaks to fixing electrical problems , lights would intermittently blink, thank god for this thread. This was my day got it removed, torn down, lubed up and put back together. SUCCESS!!

Yayyy my 1999 needs the same thing