The multi function switch...

Jeeper4life · **Posted:** Wed Jan 01, 2014 1:42 pm

If thats what its called, the two things that control your headlights, turn signals and wipers. Thats all one piece that fits into the steering column right? Do those go bad often? If so what are some of the symptoms? I went to the garage one night and noticed my dome lights where on as if a door was still open. Now the jeep had been parked for hours now, and it has a feature that shuts off the lights if a door is open for so long. I stood there for a little bit and they hadn't shut off yet. so I opened the drivers side door and then shut it. Then the shut off normally like if you get in the vehicle and they stay on for a few seconds to give you light to start the vehicle. I have never noticed this before and I don't know how long they where on but the next day the battery was dead and had to be jumped. Anyone ever had this happen before?

bugnout · **Posted:** Wed Jan 01, 2014 1:59 pm

They do go bad. I've never changed it out on my Jeep, but had to replace one on a Ranger. I would call it the turn signal stalk, but the service manual calls it a multi-function switch. I think there are a few threads out there on this issue. Do a search with keyword "stalk"

WolverineFW · **Posted:** Wed Jan 01, 2014 4:48 pm

If it turned out when you opened and closed your door, I would check the switch on the door first...might be sticking.

profdlp · **Posted:** Wed Jan 01, 2014 5:07 pm

WolverineFW wrote:

If it turned out when you opened and closed your door, I would check the switch on the door first...might be sticking.

I second that.

If that's not it and it is indeed the stalk, they are easy as pie to replace. I installed the OEM fog light package a few months ago and had to replace that whole works just to get the extra little switch at the end on the left side. I had visions of having to take half the steering column apart and doing a bunch of rewiring. It turns out that it's two screws and two plug in connectors and that's it. By the way, if you do NOT have the fog light package and need a stalk, then let me know. I've had the old one sitting here for two months now and have been thinking about eBay-ing it out.

Billwill · **Posted:** Thu Jan 02, 2014 4:23 am

I agree that a sticking door-open-switch may be the problem.

I am not too sure about the multifunction switch being the problem in this case.....the fault cleared itself with you opening/closing the door without you touching the multifunction switch! :wink:

All this "delayed-time" control comes from the BCM so you could consider re-plugging the connectors on the BCM...which sits behind the internal fuse-panel.

If you do not have fog-lamps fitted....you should discuss with profdlp about obtaining his old malfunction switch...just a matter of time before this needs replacing.

Maybe Fiat will make a better one in future!

USPLibby · **Joined:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 12:29 am **Posts:** 377

I had to replace mine under warrantee a long time ago. My interior lights/digital read outs would sometimes flicker and go crazy. It is a well known problem with the "multi-function switch" that goes back to the Grand Cherokee.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sat Jan 11, 2014 8:48 pm

My interior lights randomly come on like that. Changed out the multi function switch and they still do it. My headlights started flashing off at night which is why I changed the stalk. Headlights dont flash anymore but the interior lights still come on.

I think its the bcm. If the doors are locked and i pull on a door handle they go off without even opening a door.

The multi function switch...

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