On my 2000 Sierra the turn signal switch is making a clcking noise ( like the blinker is on) all the time.
I was told I need to replace the Multi-Function switch turn signal, hazard, wipers, cruise control. I have been given estimates of 600 dollars. I am thinking about doing it myself. Has anyone done this procedure? I've read you don't have to remove the steering it just makes it a little easier. Other than that this appears to be a rather uncomplicated procedure.
If anyone has any info or links to help me that would e great
Thank you
Tools you'll need.
1. Set of Metric sockets.
2. A set of Torx bits.
3. Phillips head screwdriver.
4. Flat head screwdriver.
5.Side cutter or scissor to cut zip ties.
6. Patience and beer.
Simple stuff first:
Remove the dash bezel. Find an edge and pull gently. The clips are lighter on the bezel so it should come out fairly easily. You'll need to tilt the wheel down and pull the shift lever towards the driver's seat and pull the bezel straight back before lifting up.
Remove the lower panel. 2 screws along the bottom and pull. There are 2 clips along the top of the panel that take quite a bit of force to remove. There may be an easier way that someone can add later.
Remove the tilt lever. Pull straight towards the driver's door with as much force as it takes to pull out.
Pop the lower half of the column trim off. The trim on my truck just clips together so a little tug and it's apart. The bottom half comes out fairly easily however the top half takes some fineness. I found that if you lifted the piece enough (bending it) in the middle to clear the hazards switch it will slide towards the front of the vehicle and out of the slot it resides in behind the steering wheel. This is the first instance where it may be easier to remove the steering wheel if you like to do the extra work. I recommend doing this while the plastic is warm to prevent cold cracking.
Yes this can be replaced without removing the airbag.
Now the fun parts.
Clip all of the zip ties and remove the sheathe from around the wire bundle.
There are a total of 3 plugs that need to be addressed with this harness. The first is on the top of the column, just behind the plane of the gauge cluster. Wiggle something small and flat in from the passenger side to help release the clip (I used a Flathead screwdriver bit) and unplug.
The second plug is on the lower right side of the column. You should see a lightly colored square facing up the column in the middle of the plug. This is a pin that is inserted into the plug assembly after the male and female ends are connected to prevent them from coming back apart. Push on the lightly colored pin towards the front of the truck to remove. You can then release the clip and unplug this part of the harness. This wire set is wound up around the top of the column and can be a pain to fish back through to remove.
Finally is the main harness that is combined with what I'd assume is the cruise control electronics. back the bolt out from the center of the plug to remove (there are 3 pieces that all come together). Once the plug is out flip it over and you'll see that the 2 ends from your multifunction switch pull through from the front of the plug and clip in place. Use the Flathead screwdriver to gently pry the outer plugs out to release the clips before sliding forward through the plug to remove.
There are 2 torx headed bolts holding the switch assembly to the column. The top one is easily accessible. The second one points towards the back of the steering wheel and takes a little improvising (this is the second situation where removing the wheel is easier). I used the appropriate torx bit and held it firmly into the head of the bolt with a pair of needle nose plyers - then used a 1/4" wrench to turn it.
Reverse for re-assembly.
To avoid removing the steering wheel to get to the lower torx screw on the switch, use a Allen wrench. It fit good enuf to unscrew the torx. I would also like to point out that disconnecting the main wiring harness looks easy. Like you can just unplug it. It's not.
You must remove the bolt from the main plug and back the Multifunction wiring harness out the back side of it. After that it's easy to put back together. The other 2 plugs of the switch are also difficult to unplug and reattach. But they are do-able. Most of this repair you will be laying upside down in your drivers seat.
Hope this helps and good luck, keep us posted.
Molson02536
