In search of a Multi Function Switch / Turn signal switch

[jennys98]

Hello!


My multi function switch went out on my 1998 Aurora ….

Any ideas as to where to look for a new one?  ( I know good luck to me!)

Jennifer       

[AuroraGirlFromMars]

If you want a new one autopart stores should have them. And I would offer mine but I dont know if 1g and 2g share that(mines 2g). Also damn your aurora looks niceeeee

[RCA1186]

I think your only shot is going to be a salvage yard or eBay. I had to replace mine with a salvage yard one a couple years back. What exactly is wrong with your current one?

[jennys98]

I want to thank you for your responses! and thank you, she is pretty!

My lights kept flickering when I pulled the key out. The mechanics traced it down to the turn signal switch.

I did find a few used ones on EBay. The problem with that is that this may happen again with a used part.

My mechanic has been searching at different part stores. No luck so far.

I was wondering if there is a work around. You know jerry-rig!!!  For an instance, my Pinto has a separate knob for the headlights and wipers.  The turn signals are separate. 

I wonder if something like that can be done? 

A lot of times the old ways are the better ways!!!

thank you,

Jennifer

[sall]

Pull the boot off of the switch and spray some compressed air in the small holes. It should clear it up. Otherwise you can open it clean and put new grease inside. Salvage yard/eBay is the only other option next to rigging a switch.

[RCA1186]

Aug 20, 2018 11:47:42 GMT -6 jennys98 said:

I want to thank you for your responses! and thank you, she is pretty!

My lights kept flickering when I pulled the key out. The mechanics traced it down to the turn signal switch.

I did find a few used ones on EBay. The problem with that is that this may happen again with a used part.

My mechanic has been searching at different part stores. No luck so far.

I was wondering if there is a work around. You know jerry-rig!!!  For an instance, my Pinto has a separate knob for the headlights and wipers.  The turn signals are separate. 

I wonder if something like that can be done? 

A lot of times the old ways are the better ways!!!

thank you,

Jennifer

This is a very common issue. I believe what happens is over time wear from use of the switch causes the grease inside to become conductive, thus bridging the gaps between contacts in the switch. That's only a guess though.

It can be fixed (or as I like to say "fixed" because it wasn't a permanent fix for me) by doing what Sall said.

Read through this thread for more detail on the fix that may work for you. It worked for me for a couple years until I eventually had to get a salvage yard switch. If it happens again I'm going to try a full switch dissection and cleaning.


In that thread I explain a little "jerry rigging" that I did to work around the problem most of the time.

Aug 18, 2015 11:38:58 GMT -6 RCA1186 said:

Also keep checking eBay because I saw one on there just the other day. Alternatively, you can unplug the left connector on the LCM. Under the dash, remove the black plastic kick guard on bottom (3 screws), to the left of the steering column (near the emergency brake)you will see two boxes mounted vertically to a plastic bracket back to back with connectors facing the floor, the box on the right (if looking towards the front of the car) is the LCM. If you unplug the left connector, lights wont flash. The switch will also be non-functional except for the turn signal and flash to pass features. I/e if you need to drive at night you'll have to plug it back in while you drive, but is normal functioning during the day.

Clearly not a permanent solution, but it will get you by until you can locate a switch.

Good luck!

[jennys98]

Awesome Sauce!!

Thank you all for the information. 

This will help.  I will probably end up going the EBay route.  Good info about cleaning.

It will do for now

much thanks,

Jennifer

[jennys98]

Hello!

My turn signal switch was cleaned last week with the help from your directions.

The first day I used the car, the switch was throwing a fit, making a bunch of weird noises!  It was angry!

I had some weird stuff going on with the sentinel setting and the dash lights. Now, on this second day of major driving .... all seems quiet on the Western Front!

She has settled down. Operating a bit different than before, perhaps operating correctly...I don't know.  But there is no blinking when turned off!

I was thinking maybe the switch was calibrating with the other systems on the first day of usage.  Who knows about all of this stuff. 

I do want the thank you all again.  I will continue to look for a new switch.  I was in Auto Zone on Sunday returning used oil from my Pinto and thought I would have them check for the switch.  Of course I had no luck but I am determined!

 

[georgetorrise]

I am replacing mine with a A.c.Delco I let you know how it works out. I am not paying for a switch that will only break again.I will be using the old mounting plate. And hopefully keep the cutting of the plastic down to a minimal.

[emarkay]

Switch goes conductive as it wears. Manual says replace LCM. They did not know the design flaw of MFS.

I have 2 in a box somewhere, one a test item to verify fault was shavings in the grease, and one for future.

I got lazy and then just added a switch under the dash that kills 12V to the LCM; Switch off, no lights (no DRL), switch on, like normal. I restored the MFS in my car, but it only lasted 6 months before clattering and blinking lamps...

There are a few posts showing this. FYI, those MFS are hard to find, each one I have was multiple hundred dollars from obscure salvage yards in the US...

Cheers,
MRK

[RCA1186]

I've stopped calling it the MFS and refer to it mostly now as that MF switch...And I don't mean multifunction

[tigger]

Mother's Finest, right?

[RCA1186]

100% correct, and nothing else lol