Multi-function switch fix

[Jae 'Bird]

So I am trying to fix my multi-function switch and I went out today and finally had the time to remove the steering column cover and I had no idea it was so easy to remove. Anyway, I went to remove the wire harness plugs and they were oily? I was super confused, the wires were dry but the plugs had this very light and thin oil that was a light golden color, it was also on the switch itself, I wiped the plugs down and they looked fine (I partially cracked one of the locking tabs removing it oh well, it will still work fine), and I cant tell if it is from the switch, is there a chance the mechanic that last was in here did it to make the plugs go in easier? or is this a sign something is wrong? reason I removed it in the first place was because my turn signal stopped working. My hazards work though and my wipers worked so its strange that only one part of the switch would go bad. Lastly, any tips for opening and cleaning the switch? I gotta find my security bits and then I can get thing open.

 

[theterminator93]

Not sure about the oiliness. I know the switch will have grease inside to control corrosion - you'll want to clean out all the dried gunk and replace it.

 

[Grog6]

Be careful taking it apart, there are sliders, and a spring that does the cancelling function. look at it as you pull it apart, so you can get it back together. clean all the copper pieces with fine emory cloth until they look like a new Penney,and refill it with dielectric grease before you reassemble it.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Someone probably applied some sort of spray lubricant in an attempt to reduce clunkiness, which left behind an oily film.

I remember taking mine apart early on after buying the car, because it was terribly clunky. Greasing the insides ultimately didn't help much. I realized that my switch was an aftermarket unit, and I figured the clunky feel was by design.
I could replace it with an OEM unit, but it works, so why bother?

Just take your time, take pictures along the way, so you can reassemble it properly.


Side note regarding my switch: the arm is made from metal, whereas OEM switches seem to all use plastic arms (?).

 

[Jae 'Bird]

Thanks for the input guys, I ended up kinda screwing up and when I took it apart the one spring pushed it apart before I could get a good photo, whoops, so now I have a puzzle to get back together. What ill do is order a new one so that I can get it back up and running and then in my spare time, clean and reassemble the original once I figure out how everything goes and then I guess ill have a backup, which isn't a bad thing I suppose. Just kinda mad at myself that I put myself in this situation, but its a learning moment regardless

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

See if you can find a YouTube video, etc. Don't waste money on extra parts...

 

[SnowyOwl]

I cleaned mine two months ago, I can share my photo dump from that session. Not sure if it's much of help though, since I took them for my own reference, and can't remember anymore why I took each photo.

I also seem to have two videos where I fiddle it around, I can upload them if it sounds helpful. These are from a 1994 switch, don't know if it's similar with yours from 1990?

 

[SnowyOwl]

Here are the videos, you can ignore my murmur on the background:

 

[Jae 'Bird]

These are very detailed thank you so much, unfortunately, from what I can see, my 1990 switch is very different so much so that I don't even have any wires in mine, unlike yours. but the help is still very much appreciated.

 

[Grog6]

iirc, those wires go to the pot/switch for the wipers. Do you not have interval wipers?
Be warned: the brake lights are the turn signals, so a bad mfs can give you no brake lights!

 

[Jae 'Bird]

I have the option to change how often my wipers wipe if that's what you mean, I ended up ordering a mfs from rock auto, i hope its the right one, it should be, its standard brand, it seems like its the same manufacturer as blue streak hygrade motor so it should be decent.
mine lokks kinda like this, except it doesn't have the f and s, only the bars. this one is from a mustang.