Find Your Make and Model

On many W-Body vehicles, the Turn Signal Switch is combined with several other functions including Cruise Control, Washer/Wipers, Headlights and High Beam/Low Beam Control. Because of this, the switch is commonly called a Combination Switch, or as GM calls it, a Multifunction Switch.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Steering Columns With Removable Shrouds
EXCEPT 1998-00 INTRUGUE

Make sure the multifunction lever is in the
OFF
position.

Disconnect the negative (ground) battery cable.

Disable the SIR system. Please see

.

Remove the air bag module from the steering wheel using the procedures found under steering wheel removal, in this section.

Remove the steering wheel using the procedures found in this section.

Fig. Typical multifunction switch removal

Remove the screws from the lower steering column cover. It may be helpful to tilt the column down and slide the cover back to disengage the plastic locking tabs. Work carefully. The plastic column covers are easily damaged.

Remove the screws from the upper steering column cover and lift off the cover.

Disconnect the wire harness strap.

It is likely that wire ties restrain the multifunction switch harness. Cut off the plastic wire ties.

Detach the steering column harness connector from the vehicle wire harness.

Remove the two tapping screws and separate the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly from the steering column.

Installation is the reverse of the removal process. Use new plastic wire ties to secure the harness as before.

Test all multifunction switch operations.

1998-00 INTRIGUE

Oldsmobile Intrigue combines the headlamp switch with the turn signal switch into what is often called a multifunction switch. The air bag and steering wheel must be removed to change out the multifunction switch.

Verify that the multifunction turn signal lever is in the center of the OFF position.

Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Disable the SIR (air bag) system, as outlined in

.

Remove the air bag module from the steering wheel using the procedures found under steering wheel removal, in this section.

Remove the steering wheel using the procedures found in this section.

Fig. Exploded view of the shroud-type steering column showing shrouds, wiring and multifunction switch that includes the headlamp function-1998-00 Oldsmobile Intrigue

Remove the upper and lower steering wheel trim covers using the following procedure.
1. Remove the tilt lever assembly.
2. Remove the two pan head tapping screws from the lower shroud.
3. Unlock the upper and lower shroud.
4. Remove the two Torx® head screws from the upper shroud.
5. Remove the upper shroud.

Remove the wire harness straps from the wire harness assembly and detach the wiring harness connectors from the switch side connectors.

Remove the two multifunction turn signal switch screws and remove the multifunction switch assembly from the vehicle.

To install:

Install the multifunction switch to the steering column. Use a small flat-blade prytool to compress the electrical contact and move the multifunction turn signal switch into position. Verify that the electrical contact rests on the canceling cam. Install the screws and tighten to 62 inch lbs. (7 Nm).

Route the wire harness along the steering column jacket assembly and secure into the wire harness strap. Install a new wire tie to the upper tilt head assembly and another lower along the wiring harness, as the original installation.

Verify that the lever is in the center of the
OFF

position.

Install the upper and lower steering column shrouds.

Route the SIR connector through the steering wheel, align the scribe mark on the steering wheel made at removal, with the slash mark on the steering shaft and install the steering wheel. Install the steering shaft nut and torque to 30 ft. lbs. (41 Nm).

Install the horn contact leads and the air bag connector to the back of the air bag. Make sure the CPA wedge is in place to secure the connector. Install the air bag by gently pushing on both the right and left sides of the air bag until the retaining springs engage.

Enable the SIR system by connecting the yellow 2-way connector at the base of the steering column and installing the air bag fuse.

Connect the negative battery cable. Test the horn, turn signals and headlight operation.

Bowl Type Steering Columns (Without Removable Shrouds)

These steering columns have a steel anti-theft plate designed to protect the ignition lock, but it also prevents access to the turn signal switch. It requires a special tool for removal.

One important component just under the steering wheel is the SIR Coil. Since so many wires run to the face of the steering wheel including the all-important air bag connections, a special wiring device called the SIR Coil is used to allow the steering wheel to turn freely yet, still provide reliable wiring connections through a "ribbon cable" arrangement. Care must be used to always center the front wheels and lock the steering column when working on the steering wheel and related components. Failure to do so may cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered and may result in otherwise unneeded SIR repairs.

CAUTION

All models covered by this guide are equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restrain (SIR) System using multiple air bags. Whenever working near any of the SIR components, such as the steering wheel, the air bag module, steering column and instrument panel, disable the SIR system, as described in

.

Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Center the front wheels and lock the steering column. Remove the key from the ignition.

Disable the SIR system using the procedures found in

.

Remove the steering wheel using the procedures found in this section.

Remove the SIR coil retaining ring and remove the assembly. Let the coil hang freely. There should be a wave washer under the coil on the steering shaft. Remove and retain the wave washer.

Special tool GM J 23653-SIR or its exact equivalent is required to press down the lockplate against spring pressure so the retaining ring can be removed. Because of the spring pressure against the bottom of the lockplate, this job is difficult without the proper tool. Use care if using any substitute tool since the steering shaft threads and splines can become damaged requiring expensive replacement. Remove the ring, then the lockplate.

Fig. Remove the SIR coil assembly from the steering shaft

Fig. A special tool is required to depress the lockplate so the retaining ring can be removed

Fig. Removing the components from the upper shaft. Note the steering shaft lock plate (1)

Fig. Remove the housing cover end cap

Fig. Removing the pivot and pulse-dimmer switch

Fig. Turn signal switch removal

Remove the upper bearing inner race seat and then remove the inner race.

Remove the multi-function lever, as follows:
1. Make sure the lever is in the
  OFF
  position.
2. Detach the electrical connection behind the lever.
3. Pull the lever straight out.

Remove the housing end cap. Using your fingers, pry up and out, tilting the end cap away from the lock housing cover and sleeve assembly, then remove.

Unfasten the round washer head screw and the flat head screw.

Remove the pivot and pulse dimmer switch assembly. Let the switch hang freely if removal is not needed.

Using a suitable prytool, carefully pry off the hazard warning switch knob.

Place the turn signal in the right turn position (up). Unfasten the three binding head cross recess screws.

Remove the turn signal switch, as follows:
1. Detach the turn signal connector.
2. Remove the wiring protector.
3. Gently pull the wiring harness through the column and remove the switch.